Life As It Was In And Around Carroll Gardens In 2011

Moments in time throughout 2011 in and around the neighborhood.
Happy New Year, Everyone. 

(photos are exclusive property of Katia Kelly and should not be reproduced without permission)

A Year In Review: 2011 In Carroll Gardens

2011,  like all other years, went by in a flash.   It was only after I assembled photos for a neighborhood year in review that I realizes how much had happened in the last twelve months here in Carroll Gardens.
In a year that included a hurricane, a major heat wave and a king tide, the biggest headline was the stabbing of a successful pizza restaurant owner on a spring afternoon on Smith Street.
Real estate wise,  the most notable news by far was the fact that the developer of 333 Carroll Street finally remove the illegal two-story addition (a.k.a. the steel tumor) from this lovely old factory building.  It was a major victory for the community.
360 Smith Street was completed, tenants moved in and the community finally got its subway station entrance at Second Place back.
After years of delays, the apartments in 100 Luquer Street, the 11 story finger building near the BQE, went on the market in the fall, didn't sell and turned rental.
Work started again at 340 Court Street, and over the last few months, the building has grown to 70 feet, changing the streetscape forever.
Quite a few new businesses opened on Court Street and Smith Streets, but Carroll Gardens also lost some treasured establishments.  The neighborhood is still mourning deli man Leo and his Joe's Superette. Who will ever forget those fried rice balls?
2011 brought stars like Beyoncé, Jay-Z  and Gwyneth Paltrow to Carroll Park for a birthday bash.  Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis also stopped by to play bocce for a "Bored To Death" scene that was filmed in the park.  "Men In Black 3" took over Court Street for a few nights and Pan Am girls were seen all over Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.
On a personal note, this year was very rewarding.  As you can see, blogging is still a big part of my life.  It not only allows me to chronicle events in my own life, but also to capture events in our ever-changing neighborhood.  Though it may just be an illusion, but time seems less fleeting if a moment of every day is recorded in photos or in writing.
Most importantly, writing this site continues to give me the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing  people, like Mr. Burke on 4th Place or  D. who allowed me to share her father's childhood memories.  To all those who shared their story with me, I am deeply grateful.  
To all my readers, I thank you all for making this another wonderful year for Pardon Me For Asking. 
Happy New Year to everyone, Katia


PS: Please don't hesitate to add your own 2011 Carroll Gardens milestones in the comment section.  Whether neighborhood events or personal events, it would be great to record them.

Vinzee's Magic Fountain On Court Street Now Only Open Four Days A Week

I noticed just recently that Vinzee's Magic Fountain at 412 Court Street was closed on a Wednesday, when it should have been open.  A few days later, a sign in the window announced the eatery's new "Winter Schedule."  It appears that, until further notice, the joint will only be opened from Thursdays to Sundays.  Though the hamburger joint never seemed to be super popular, the change may frustrate some customers, especially those ordering take-out, since it is not reflected on its web site nor on its Facebook page.
Just two days ago, a reviewer on Yelp wrote:

"What Happened? Strange place closed Mon,Tues,&Wed? what restaurant closes those days?very confusing I guess there going out of Business?I wanted to go back and see my favorite cook but they where closed  I figured I'd give something else a try but i guess there going out of Business Very strange.. And Very sad."

Either Vinzee's can turn a profit by only operating four days a week, or their new schedule is a cost saving measure.  Since this place has had to compete with the recently opened (and much more popular) Five Guys and Moo Burger on Court Street in Cobble Hill, this does not seem like the soundest business decision.

Happy Holidays From Carroll Gardens

Happy Holidays From Carroll Gardens

Wishing all my readers near and far the best during this season of joy.

Thank you for your loyalty, clever comments and neighborhood tips. Pardon Me For Asking wouldn't be anything without you.

'The Brooklyn Strategist' Coming To Court Street

Well, that did not take long.  Just a week ago, Peek-A-Boo Kids shoe store closed its doors at 333 Court Street and already, the new tenant is ready to move in.  
Apparently, The Brooklyn Stategist, a "community-based, interactive board- and card-game center, café and social club" has previously been located on Atlantic Avenue.  The center has a vast selection of different board and card games.  Genres include party games, historical games, mystery games and word games geared towards anyone over 7 years of age.  According to their web site, there are no computer or digital games of any kind.
Brooklyn Strategist will be hosting after-school clubs for all age groups.  Light refreshments and snacks for local sustainable farms will be available.
Check out the center's web site and the January calendar here.  To join a meet-up group, go here.

Picture Of The Day: Little Christmas House

I think it was made of painted cardboard rather than gingerbread.  No idea who put it on this planter on Court Street, but it looked very festive.

"Soon Beauty Lab" Opens On Smith Street

SOON Beauty Lab, a new hair salon just opened at 290 Smith St., the space once occupied by Astroturf. This is the first Brooklyn salon for SOON, which has two Manhattan locations, one on West 22nd Street and another on East 11th Street.
According to the salon's web site, SOON offers 'artistic precision' haircuts from $60 to $90 as well as color and chemical services.
To follow SOON on Facebook, click here.

SOON

290 Smith St Brooklyn

(718) 624-2424

www.SOONBEAUTYLAB.com

CB6 Board Members Celebrate The Holidays At Red Rose On Smith Street

Daniel Kummer, CB6 Chairman 

Assemblywoman Joan Millman and JoAnne Simon,  democratic District Leader

NY State Senator Daniel Squadron

Craig Hammerman, CB6 District Manager

Celia Cacace

Santo Romano, Owner of Red Rose on the left, with two members of his staff

Mr. Romano, senior

Members of Community Board 6 came together in Carroll Gardens last night to celebrate the Holidays.  The event was held at Red Rose Restaurant, one of the oldest eateries on Smith Street (29 years and counting.)  

Joining the festivities were Assemblymembers Joan Millman and James Brennan, New York State Senator Daniel Squadron, Councilman Brad Lander and Democratic District Leader JoAnne Simon.

It was great fun, especially hanging out with my favorite Carroll Gardens Red Hook resident and former CB6 Board member, Celia Cacace.