Some Bay Ridge pedestrians (Image by Violette 79 via Flickr).
A car struck yet another person in Bay Ridge on April 1, this time near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and 86th Street – two thoroughfares that have recently proved treacherous for pedestrians – as elected officials and the general public debate over which measures will best mitigate danger and improve safety on our streets. Continue reading »
Image source: emilydickinsonridesabmx via Flickr.
American humorist Mark Twain once wrote, “the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
And then he died.
According to Brooklyn Paper’s Will Bredderman, neighborhood institution Hinsch’s [8518 5th Ave], which was expected to close March 1, has dodged the figurative bullet – and will in fact remain on 5th Avenue for the foreseeable future.
Hinsch’s partner Roger Desmond, who helped save the circa 1948 soda fountain and luncheonette in 2011, told Bredderman that a deal he had been negotiating with a “national burger chain” to take over the space’s 10 year lease recently fell through.
And with the iconic ice cream parlor back on the market, Desmond says that in the meantime he’ll do whatever he can to put it back on the path to success – Including having the soda shop moonlight as a romantic rendezvous.
“I want to make it work. I always wanted to make it work. So while I’m here, I’m going to continue to try to make it work,” said Desmond.
Expected to begin sometime in the next week, Hinsch’s will remain open “at least two hours” later than normal. The eatery’s extended evening version will include candlelit tables, jazz, and a new nighttime menu set to feature hamburgers made with beef from renowned meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda.
Alchohol consumption at the re-birthed bop spot will be BYOB, giving you an excuse to dig out that flask you got for Christmas. Classy!
What a difference a couple of years can make.
Leske’s Bakery [7612 5th Ave], a neighborhood fixture which has been slinging Scandinavian treats since before many of us were born, almost closed its doors forever in 2011.
But thanks to a group of lifelong fika fans, the 50 + year-old pastry shop was able to reopen in August of 2012 to huge acclaim.
Fast forward a few more months and the kings of kringler are all set to expand to the Slope, as reported by Will Bredderman for Brooklyn Daily.
From Brooklyn Daily:
“We’re old-school Scandinavian, we do things a little bit differently, but we think we have a great product and we thought this would be a great fit for us,” said Leske’s manager and culinary consultant Harry Hawk.
Hawk said Leske’s will move into the former location of the Sweet Treasures bakery on Fifth Avenue between 16th Street and Prospect Avenue before Valentine’s Day, and plan to sell their famed marzipan cakes and kringler at the same prices as in their old spot. Hawk said the new shop will also feature romantic red velvet cakes and black-and-red cookies in honor of the Feb. 14 holiday, items that Slope residents can start ordering now.
Hawk said he likes the trendy flavor and eclectic mix of stores in Park Slope, and believes the neighborhood will welcome Leske’s with open arms — and mouths.
“I love the real foodie Brooklyn. Not only do you have centuries-old businesses, but you see all these new businesses,” Hawk told Bredderman. “That’s what really attracts me to that area. It’s diverse and wonderful, and we think they could use a great bakery.”
Con Edison building (Image courtesy of Stig Nygaard).
[UPDATED] 12/13/12 Con Ed is now saying the store’s electric bill will be prorated not to include charges that accrued during the more than two month police investigation. Read More
After suffering the loss of a father and husband, the family of slain Bay Ridge store owner Mohamed Gebeli is reportedly fighting Con Edison over an unpaid bill from the 77 days their shop Valentino Fashion was an off-limits crime scene.
According to the Daily News, Moe Gebeli, son of ‘Son of Sal’ victim Mohamed Gebeli, is speaking out against the utility for insisting he pay a $734.66 bill – or face the loss of electricity to the small mens clothing shop that serves as the still-grieving family’s main source of income.
“How is this fair?” Moe Gebeli asked reporters last Thursday. “It’s like a slap in the face.” Continue reading »
The last time we checked in on the 5th Avenue food cart battle, elected officials including Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and City Councilman Vincent Gentile had begun to weigh in. Then Brooklyn Paper’s Will Bredderman reported the news that Sammy Kassen – who doesn’t actually have a vendor permit, was renting his Middle Eastern Halal Cart from the permit holder which, according to city law, is illegal.
But that didn’t stop the Vendy Awards – an annual rundown of the best mobile food vendors in NYC, from naming Kassen the “Most Heroic Vendor” of 2012 for defending his turf from an alliance of brick and mortar businesses organized by Lone Star Bar owner Tony Gentile [no relation to Councilman Gentile] called Save Our Streets. Continue reading »
It’s official! Leske’s Bakery [7612 5th Ave] has set a reopening date.
Bay Ridge’s only Scandinavian Bakery is planning to open its doors once again on Wednesday, August 8, at 11:30 a.m.
After arousing the interest of blogger Brooks of Sheffield back in April, co-owner Harry Hawk had personally assured readers that Leske’s latest incarnation will be “turning back the clock” in terms of fresher, storemade ingredients and a renewed commitment to the bakery’s original level of quality.
We can’t wait to check it out!
Image source: Google Maps.
As the NYPD continues its search for the killer(s) of beloved local clothing merchant Mohamed Gebeli, businesses owners and residents remain both nervous and concerned, reports Paul Katinas for the Brooklyn Eagle.
Unfortunately, as of press time police were still left with “no suspects and no motive” in the case.
In the aftermath of the cold-blooded murder of such a well-liked member of the community, the people who knew Mohamed Gebeli attempt to honor his memory.
“He was a good guy,” civic leader and longtime friend Katherine Khatari told Brooklyn Eagle. “There was a homeless guy who used to walk up and down Fifth Avenue and Mohammed would give him socks for his feet. He was very good to my husband and me. We went through a lot together.”
Khatari’s thoughts also drifted to a family left fatherless.
“I hope this murder is solved right away, so his family can have peace of mind. His wife works in a Dunkin’ Donuts and his son works in a car service. They’re real Bay Ridge people,” Khatari said. Continue reading »
The identity of a local business owner who matched the $5,000 reward offered by State Senator Marty Golden for information leading to an arrest in the murder of beloved clothing shop proprietor Mohamed Gebeli, has been revealed.
Jessica Bakeman is reporting on website Politics on the Hudson that Habib Joudeh – the owner of Pharmacy on Fifth [6914 5th Avenue] contributed half of the reward – which currently stands at $10,000.
From Politics on the Hudson:
During remarks at the Bay Ridge Arab American Bazaar held in Bay Ridge, Golden stated, “Mr. Gebeli was killed Friday night in an incident that has destroyed a family and has shocked a community. I am announcing this $5,000 reward today so to encourage anyone who may know something to help solve this case to contact the authorities.
“I thank local leader Habib Joudeh, of Pharmacy on Fifth, for matching the reward…”
The entire community remains on edge as neighbors, friends, and customers – many of whom are returning from summer weekends spent out of the neighborhood – continue to be shocked by news of Friday night’s deadly apparent robbery at Gebeli’s store Valentino Fashion [7718 5th Ave].
Image source: Michael Melchiorre via Flickr.
Investigators are currently looking for suspects in the killing of a local business owner.
Police say an incoming 911 call on Friday night alerted them to 65-year-old clothier Mohamed Gebeli, whom the caller reportedly found unconscious on the floor of Gebeli’s store Valentino Fashion [7718 5th Ave].
After it was discovered Gebeli had been shot in the neck, he was rushed by first responders to Lutheran Medical Center. He was pronounced dead on arrival, according to ABC 7. Continue reading »
A little over a year ago, Bay Ridge lost Leske’s [7612 5th Ave], its last Scandinavian bakery. Now, not only is Leske’s returning, but one of the new owners is insisting that the quality – which customers say had declined in recent years – will be better than ever.
Brooks of Sheffield from the blog Lost City announced news of Leske’s return in April, prompting a response from partner Harry Hawk – who agreed with longtime regulars who had voiced their disapproval of lower standards during the bakery’s last days.
The quote, which was first posted by Hawk as a comment to the original story, outlined Leske’s renewed commitment to quality: Continue reading »