Hinsch’s Saved [For Now]!

By on February 1, 2013  Featured story, Food & Drink
Feb 012013
 
Image source: emilydickinsonridesabmx via Flickr

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!

VIDEO: The Building of the Verrazano Bridge from a Staten Islander’s Perspective

By on September 18, 2012  Arts & Entertainment
Sep 182012
 

In the continuation of a similar thread, let’s play devil’s advocate to that forgotten borough across the bridge.

When historians write about the tragic side of the Verrazano Bridge’s construction in the 1960s, it’s normally limited to the hundreds of Bay Ridge residents who were displaced from their homes by eminent domain and the all-powerful Robert Moses.

But what about the rural denizens of then-sleepy Staten Island – who would soon have to deal with becoming a sort of suburban Brooklyn exclave?

In the above Youtube Video, jazz composer and Staten Islander Alex Leonard sings a bittersweet bebop ballad from the perspective of the oyster fisherman – many of whom were the descendants of freed black slaves, farmers, and factory worker who called the largely rural island borough home before the great Brooklyn migration brought condos and McMansion-lined cul de sacs.

In the song, Leonard exhorts visitors to take the ferry rather than the colossal, car-centric span. I guess the Staten Island discount bought less goodwill on the island of Shaolin than Brooklynites commonly believe.

From a Southern Brooklyn perspective, one can draw certain parallels between the eradication of Staten Island’s pre-1964 pastoral landscape with the development of bucolic pre-1920s South Brooklyn.

“Jazz In The Park” Brings Alex Violette Ensemble To Owl’s Head September 8 (UPDATED)

By on September 5, 2012  Events
Sep 052012
 

This story was originally published on August 21.

A musical ensemble led by saxophonist and composer Alex Violette – whom Harlem World Magazine calls a rising star, brings the sweet sounds of jazz to Owl’s Head Park on Saturday, September 8, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

The event, known as Jazz In The Park, will include free activities for children and is a great way to introduce the whole family to a new aesthetic experience.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, light snacks, and soft drinks. Grilling and alcoholic beverages are unfortunately a no-no.

In a written statement, Councilman Vincent Gentile said, “Now with newly paved pathways, benches, fencing and landscaping – the Owl’s Head Park Overlook is the destination spot for families to enjoy beautiful weather, scenery and cultural performances sponsored by the Bay Ridge Arts + Culture Alliance… I hope everyone will help me kick-off this season with a little jazz in the park!”

Just another reminder that you can find something for everyone on the Bay Ridge Odyssey Events Calender.

Owl’s Head Park is located at 68th Street and Shore Road.

First Summer Stroll A Success

By on July 26, 2012  Arts & Entertainment, Events
Jul 262012
 

While unseasonably cool temperatures and rain made the weather less than cooperative for a summer street fair, Bay Ridge’s first Summer Stroll on Third Avenue last Friday still managed to be a success, writes Melisa Stumpf for the Home Reporter.

Summer Stroll, which closes 3rd Ave from 82nd Street to 89th Street, returns for three more dates in July and August.  The event “transforms” the thoroughfare into a pedestrian mall complete with block-by-block street themes.

Attendees enjoyed the outdoor stands and sidewalk tables set up by local businesses, which included some offbeat promotional tactics. Continue reading »

3rd Avenue’s Summer Stroll Starting July 20

By on July 2, 2012  Events
Jul 022012
 

On four select Friday nights this summer, 3rd Avenue between 82nd Street and 89th Street will be awash in entertainment for all ages, as the Summer Stroll struts its stuff, writes Helen Klein for the Home Reporter.

On July 20, July 27, August 10, and August 17, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., bustling 3rd Avenue will “transform” into a pedestrian mall complete with block-by-block street themes. Continue reading »