Bay Ridge's Robicelli's Market to Close in Favor of Wholesale

With lots of deliciously favorable media coverage (and a Bloomberg campaign commercial!) and a fiercely loyal following for catering and cupcake yumminess, Robicelli's Market will now close. It's a good thing, really, at least for Allison and Matt, the magicians behind cupcakes like the Bea Arthur and The Kiwanis.

In an announcement to the Bay Ridge Parents Group, through Facebook, and with a link on Twitter, the Robicelli's duo announced that they will be closing their retail shop on October 25th (yikes! get over there now!) in favor of growing their wholesale cupcake and dessert business.

This is what success becomes in these days of the internet ordering and massive media exposure. It really is wonderful for the owners, but it's also sad to see a place that has so quickly become a fixture in a neighborhood.

According to their explanations, this will allow them to maintain the quality of their baked goods while maintaining the quality of life they want for their two children (and themselves!). They have several retail opportunities (for their cupcakes and pastries) around Brooklyn, but as of now they are still seeking a retailer in Bay Ridge. Naturally, if anyone thinks a place in Sunset Park would want to carry their cupcakes and cheesecakes and carrot cake, let them know! Perhaps one of the new-ish delis on 4th Avenue? Or one of the coffee shops in Greenwood Heights?

I wish them great luck and great joy in their plans. They have been excellent members of the business community as well as the Bay Ridge neighborhood.

excerpted from their Facebook page:

We have made the difficult decision to close our retail business on Sunday, October 25th, and continue solely as a cupcake and dessert wholesaling business serving the New York City area, with a webshop for national customers. We will miss all of you who have come in every week, who have become not just customers, but part of our family. This has been one of the best years of our lives, because you were in it. As hard as it is to let go, we feel that moving in this direction is not only what is best for our business, but also for our family.

Some of the internet coverage that caused this bittersweet change:

Food Mayhem

Eat It: The Brooklyn Food Blog

Feisty Foodie (awesome pics of cupcakes and other foodstuffs there)

Bay Ridge Food Coop Meeting Tomorrow

For those who want a coop but don't want to travel in the northerly direction, visit the Bay Ridge Food Coop site for information about joining. If you prefer face-to-face information, feel free to stop by the Bay Ridge branch of the BPL on 73rd Street and Ridge Boulevard.

This meeting is for anyone looking to find out more information or those looking to join. Children are welcome.

Bay Ridge Public Library, 2nd fl.
73rd st and Ridge blvd.
10:30am - 12:00pm

www.foodcoopbayridge.com

Bensonhurst Wants to Dump on Sunset Park

Obviously, the United States has a waste problem. We need to learn to deal with the remnants of our lifestyles (and our lifestyles) in a manner that will make future generations look back with something less than disgust at our habits. However, that doesn't mean that Sunset Park needs to do the bulk of the management of waste for Brooklyn, or the City, even.

CB 7 sent out an email with the link to an article (see yournabe link below) about a proposed waste transfer station. Randy Peers, the chair for CB 7, added this comment to accompany the link:

"Dear friends and fellow board members, please read the very disappointing article about assemblyman Colton's suggestion that another waste transfer station be put in Sunset Park instead of Bensonhurst. Rest assured we will not allow our community to be dumped on again. We are in the process of drafting a letter in response. I will keep you posted on any further developments."

According to a yournabe.com article from last Wednesday, Bensonhurst's Colton is trying to get a proposed waste transfer station moved from Bensonhurst to Sunset Park. While his reasons sound pretty solid (parts of Gravesend Bay would have to be dredged), Sunset Park is doing more than its share, as Randy Peers of CB 7 points out:

“Tell Mr. Colton that we already have the Hamilton Avenue waste transfer station; a private waste management facility; two sanitation garages; and a private recycling facility. Mr. Colton needs to learn the definition of ‘fair share,’” said Peers.

Also, the proposed site, 1st Avenue and 58th Street, is just blocks from Lutheran Medical Center and PS 314, as well as the in-construction PS 971 on 4th Avenue - an early childhood center. Seem like good reasons to write in to Felix Ortiz, Sara Gonzalez, and CB 7. Also, don't forget that we have a CB 7 meeting coming up in early October!

Hopefully Bay Ridge will also have something to say about this; its northern residents already have some residual issues due to waste management.

Bay Ridge Food Coop Launch Party TONIGHT!

This idea has been in progress for a while, and I haven't been paying much attention on the BR message boards due to other concerns. Sorry about the last minute notice, but I only found this when cleaning out my spam folder. Thanks, Jim, for forwarding this to me!

Register for the launch party here.

2nd Annual Greening the Ridge Festival on Sunday

Check out the website for more information. Here's Sunday's rundown:

GREENING THE RIDGE 2009!
SUNDAY, JUNE 14th, 2009 at Veteran’s Memorial Pier at 69th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
10am- 6pm
(no rain date)

Festival Schedule:
9am-10am: Exhibitor setup
10am: Festival Opening Ceremony
10am-Noon: Xavier High School Jazz Band “Bailout”
11am, 1pm, and 3pm: Dance Performance Installation, “What We Can See From Here,” by Cassie Mey and Jesse Phillips-Fein
Noon: Dance Performance Installation- Kids Workshop!
2:00pm: OLPH Twirlers!
2:30pm: SRWA Green Youth Award Ceremony
Noon to 6pm: Pill Hill Radio and Musical Guests
6pm: Festival end

The Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance is pleased to announce our Second Annual Greening the Ridge Festival in 2009! This annual summer festival will bring vendors, agencies, programs, and individuals to the pier for an educational festival on how to green our community.

Building upon the success of our First Annual GTR Festival in 2008, this year’s event will bring even more people, and more inter-active booths to the Veteran’s Memorial Pier at 69th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. In addition, we are unveiling our Green Youth Award Program at this year’s festival, click here for more information!

Love Wanted gets the Celebrity Treatment

Love Wanted has a lot of events that go on every so often; there is never a shortage of animals in need of a home. This Saturday's event at Salem Church will have a special guest: Joel Silverman of Animal Planet's Good Dog U. I've never seen it, but I'm sure true animal lover's would get cable just to watch. Read more about Silverman and about the event here, thanks to the Brooklyn Eagle.

If you are interested, be at Salem Church, 450 67 Street (between 4th and 5th Avenues) on Saturday, June 6, at 11:30 AM.

Reminder: Scandinavian Festivals this Weekend

The Viking Festival will be in Owl's Head Park on Saturday, May 16 from Noon to 5 PM. The weekend festivities continue on Sunday along 5th Avenue with The Norwegian Day Parade; its 2009 theme is “Norse Mythology," and it begins at 90th Street at 1 PM. If you want to be there to see the end, be at Leif Ericson Park in the 60's (just past the elevated highway).

The Brooklyn Eagle has an article about the new Scandinavian Museum in Bay Ridge.

Viking Fest in Bay Ridge

May 16th and 17th will bring out the Scandinavians (and those who love them) to celebrate . Check out all the details here. The basics are that Saturday will host a festival in Owl's Head Park from Noon to 5 PM. Viking ships, Scandinavian food, and Turkish drummers. Hmmmm.

And Sunday will be parade day; the theme is "Salute to Norse Mythology" - very cool. Anyone have a spare Valkyrie costume?

Jump-Start Your Relationship in Sunset Park

According to Time Out New York, the place to put a little pizazz into your long-term relationship is Sunset Park. If you start out here and work your way south, you'll dispel all worry about the solidity of your love. Start out with Ba Xuyen (the article points out that the veggie only option is yummy. Didn't I tell you?), throw in some bludgeoned bass, buy squid on a stick, and you're set. Isn't that true for any romantic relationship?

Check out their suggestions. I'd make a few adjustments, but it's a good walking tour with bountiful pit stops and views. Good effort, TONY.

Then and Now: Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

It's been a long while since I posted up some Then and Now photos. This isn't quite Sunset Park, but it's close, and the photos are both pretty darn cool.


Vicariously_Me uploaded the above photo to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool, and it gives me the perfect excuse to share the photograph seen below. According to Tony, who sent this photo to me many months ago, the shot was taken around 1963, while the Verrazano was under construction. He says, "the cables had just been completed and the roadway support wasn't put in yet. The opening of the bridge in 1964 caused the closing of the ferry line" on the 69th Street Pier.

Heart of Brooklyn Shuttle Comes to Bay Ridge and Sunset Park this Saturday

The Heart of Brooklyn shuttle, which goes to the Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Prospect Park Zoo, and other locations of interest will be stopping to pick up (and later drop off) eager Brooklynites in Bay Ridge and Sunset Park this Saturday.

Take advantage of the direct transportation to visit Brooklyn's fantastic places to see. Instead of taking two or three trains, two buses, or a combination thereof, just hop on this shuttle and ride along. The Sunset stop 4th Avenue and 51st Street. It's the last stop before the Central Library, so you may want to hedge your bets and get on at 4th Avenue and Bay Ridge Avenue (69th Street).

This shuttle will be available to our corner of Brooklyn the second Saturday of the next few months.

See the schedule and stops here.

Adopt a Pet from a Shelter Tomorrow

Salem Church, at 450 67th between 4th and 5th Avenues, is hosting the Love Wanted Adopt a Shelter Pet event tomorrow from 11:30 - 4:30. Considering the mild weather expected tomorrow, it would make a nice walk down to the northern-most reaches of Bay Ridge.

Adoptable animals are from North Shore Animal League and Animal Care and Control of NYC. There is an adoption fee, and proof of identification is required.

Links: The Producers, Ba Xuyen (again), and Gonzalez Challenged

1. For $25 you can see The Producers starting next weekend. Travel down to 92nd and 7th (in Bay Ridge, not Manhattan) for the Bay Ridge Community Theatre's presentation of Mel Brooks' wildly popular musical. Tickets are available here.

from The Brooklyn Eagle's article:

The Producers will be lead by stage veterans Danny Velez as “Leo Bloom” and Tom Kane as “Max Bialystock.” Sunday was the orchestra’s third rehearsal, and its first rehearsal with the full cast. Despite what Tadross described as “hilarious” rehearsals during the early weeks, “everything is ready but the timing,” Samaha said on Friday.


2. Once again, Ba Xuyen is featured in a Banh Mi article. It's Serious Eats, and this time there is a review of specific sandwiches. If you've never tried one, this article will take you by the hand and make your mouth water. (Unless you're a vegetarian, in which case you can ask for a sandwich with just the veggies for about $2.25 - $2.75 - depending on who is working the register.)

*By the way, they call it Borough Park in the article, or at least in the site address, but 8th Avenue is Sunset Park on its west side and Borough Park on its east side. Ba Xuyen is on the west side, so there.

3. David Galarza announced a run for Gonzalez' seat in 38th District. Galarza was mentioned on BViB in regards to the anti-sex-shop rally. I've since learned that he is no longer an active member of SPAN. Read The Brooklyn Eagle article here.

from the article:

Among those there in support of Galarza, a former Community Board 7 member who helped initiate the Sunset Park Alliance of Neighborhoods (SPAN), was neighboring City Council candidate Josh Skaller, who praised Galarza’s “goals and vision.” Skaller is one of seven candidates running to replace outgoing CD-39 Councilman Bill de Blasio.

Another well-known supporter attending was John Miniaci Jr., co-owner of the popular Johnny’s Pizzeria on Fifth Avenue. “David is a sincere person we can trust who truly cares for Sunset Park,” Miniaci said.

"Deceptive" Burglary in Neighboring Areas

While Sunset Park is not named, our friendly neighbors to the south and south-east are. The Brooklyn Eagle (and thanks to Brownstoner for doing the linking) reports that there have been at least four home burglaries involving thieves posing as Con-Ed or Water Department employees.

Always ask to see ID prior to letting someone in to check meters. It's also a good idea to take a look for an official vehicle. When in doubt, call the company to check on the employee. If they say they can't wait, take a name and ask them to come back another time. That's what would have happened had you not been home, right?

Read the article from this link.

World Yoga Day is Tomorrow

Feeling stressed about the economy? Feel like you can't afford a really great yoga class? Willing to go to Bay Ridge? Tomorrow is your chance to relieve some stress for less than most yoga classes - and your $10 donation (you're welcome to give more!) goes to help the people of Zimbabwe. Win. Win. Win.

Michelle, of Shanti Baby Yoga, is hosting a World Yoga Day class at 7905 7th Avenue. The one hour class begins at 9:30 AM. See below for specifics and to reserve a space. Please bring your own yoga mat.

It's open to all levels of experience, and even children ages 8 and up. You can register here, and pay by PayPal or bring your donation to the class.

Norwegian and Levantine Dance Party in Bay Ridge

It's free! There will be food! You get to watch performances! You get to dance! What could be better? Perhaps an early dinner at Tanoreen? Well, that's up to you.

Especially if you attended one of the two dance classes offered in the last two weeks, make sure to attend the party where you can show off your new-found skills.

The party is this Saturday - January 24th from 7-9 PM at the Salaam Arabic Lutheran Church (345 Ovington). Take the R train to Bay Ridge Avenue, or the B37 on 3rd Avenue.

Check out the flyer for information about the sponsors.

Folk Feet on Fifth: Lebanese and Palestinian Debke Dance Class

This series, with the Young Dancers in Repertory, is free thanks to several sponsors. (See the flyer for a long list.) This dance class will feature Ramzi Ed-libi, Jad Lebbos, and Sheren Attal - as well as live percussion. That's always a good thing.

Thursday, January 22nd's dance class will be Lebanese and Palestinian Debke Dance. It is from 7-8:30 PM at the Salaam Arabic Lutheran Church located at 345 Ovington Avenue. Take the R to Bay Ridge Avenue or the B37 on 3rd Avenue.

Two days later is the Dance Party that lets you put your learned skills to work.

To register, or to obtain more information, call 347-702-7155.

Folk Feet on Fifth: Put on Your Dancing Shoes in Northern Bay Ridge

Folk Dancing! It's one of the best ways to keep warm in frigid weather. And it's FREE! You know I love free events. This free event is thanks to many sponsors. See the flyer for a long list.

Tomorrow evening, try out a Norwegian Folkdance Class with Paul Busse and the Norwegian Folkdancers Society. It's from 7-8:30 PM at the Salaam Arabic Lutheran Church. The church is on 345 Ovington Avenue (between 3rd and 4th Avenues). The closest train is the R train to Bay Ridge Avenue. For those unfamiliar with Bay Ridge numbers versus names, Ovington is basically 70th Street from 4th Avenue to the water. Bay Ridge Avenue is 69th Street. You can also take the threatened B37 bus on 3rd Avenue, if you prefer.

Upcoming events include January 22nd's Lebanese and Palestinian Debke Dance Class from 7-8:30 PM and January 24th's Norwegian and Levantine Dance/Hafla from 7-9 PM.

To register, or to obtain more information, call 347-702-7155.


Thanks to the Friends of Sunset Park for forwarding this!

OLPH on the List of Threatened Schools

The NYT and CBStv.com have stories about the Catholic School troubles around the City. I'm sure most news sources have stories, but those were the first two that I found.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help looks so solid standing there on 5th Avenue. It's hard to believe that it is in danger of being shut down. It will be quite a blow to the area if the school shuts down.

Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge is also on the Brooklyn list.

72nd Precinct Shows a Rise in Murders in 2008

The Brooklyn Eagle has a run-down of Brooklyn's murder statistics, and the 72nd Precinct gets the last word. Literally.

The 68th Precinct (our friendly neighbors to the south) was one of three precincts in NYC that had zero murders last year. The 72nd Precinct had seven, four more than 2007. The three most well known are the February Tacos 2004 murder, the May murder of a Windsor Terrace Dry Cleaners Owner, and the September murder of an EMT.

Here's some of the basic information from the article:

Patrol Borough Brooklyn South reported a 35.2 percent rise in murders in 2008 to 92 compared to 68 in 2007, while Patrol Brooklyn North recorded a lower murder rate, 114 compared to 141 in 2007, according to the NYPD CompStat figures as of Dec. 28, 2008.

In the 75th Precinct in East New York murders were down by half, with 16 reported compared to 33 in 2007. In Brownsville’s 73rd Precinct there were 29 murders, one more than in 2007. The 71st Precinct in Crown Heights reported a rise to 16 murders from 2007’s 11.

The 72nd Precinct covering Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace reported a rise to seven murders, compared with three in 2007.