'Frozen' Showing Tonight in Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn - Free (Monday)

Photo: MK Metz

Bring your beach towel and some popcorn: The film "Frozen" is being shown tonight for free at Cadman Plaza Park in Downtown Brooklyn / Brooklyn Heights, starting after sunset. Seating starts at 7 p.m.

The film is presented by Gristedes,  the Cadman Park Conservancy and other sponsors.

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Last Minute Shopping List for the Blizzard of 2015

Shoppers in Gristedes. Photo: MK Metz

 If you haven't already, you should pop out Monday morning and buy a few supplies to prepare for the Great Blizzard of 2015.

The city might just grind to a halt by Tuesday, with two feet of snow, some power lines down and outdoor subway trains, the LIRR and MetroNorth out of commisssion.

__________
De Blasio: "We are facing most likely one of the largest snow storms in the history of this city.”
__________

It seems that Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have already been raided by entrepid New Yorkers, but not to worry. The city has enough bodegas and grocery stores to supply what you'll need to get through the next two or three days holed up in your apartment.

Here's the basic list for last minute Blizzard of 2015 shopping:

- Cash: Get enough for a few days' necessities, in twenties or smaller.

- Basics electronics: Flashlight, transistor radio, batteries.

- Food for humans and pets. It doesn't have to be fancy: soup, pasta, sandwiches, eggs or frozen meals-ready-to-eat. Fruit: apples, bananas, a bag of clementines or oranges. Carbs you can eat without cooking, like cereal (you'll need milk), bread, granola bars. Buy treats, too: cookies, chips, beer, whatever you like.

- Get some water on the off chance you lose electricity and don't feel like drinking water out of your bathtub.

- Don't forget baby formula, prescriptions, tissues, sanitary needs and toilet paper!

- If you are a home owner, you'll need salt and a shovel. 

Charge your cell phone and other electronic gear. (If circuits are busy send text messages, which will go through if any cell towers are working, even if voice doesn't. If the power is out altogether, standard landline phones, which run on the power running through the phone wires, usually work.)

NOTE: Gas stoves with a pilot light work even if the electricity goes out, but the newer gas stoves have an electric igniter and they won't work. You may be able to manually light them with a match, however.

Note: Keep dogs on leash -- they get confused in the snow and may lose their way. Wipe off their paws carefully when they get back inside.


Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Things You Need To Buy Before Hurricane Sandy Hits Brooklyn / New York City

Photo: Jeff Keen

Last year during a previous hurricane, McBrooklyn published this list of things you should have in your house or apartment to survive comfortably for a couple of days, even if the power goes out.

As Hurricane Sandy / the Frankenstorm approaches, we're reprinting it with some updates here. Make sure to check last year's comments for instructions on how to disinfect drinking water with bleach and other great advice.

(Note: This is NOT a "Go Bag." This is a stay at home shopping list. If you are in an evacuation zone, you had better get your Go Bag ready now.)

Hurricane Shopping List:

- Cash: Get enough cash for a few days' needs. Break it into smaller denominations. (Remember the last time the power went out none of the ATMs worked?)

- Basics electronics: Flashlight, transistor radio, batteries. Here in Brooklyn, many drug stores and major groceries have already sold out of several sizes of batteries -- go to little bodegas and oddball stores to find them.

- Duct tape. (To tape big "Xs" on your windows facing the wind so they won't shatter, and to tape plastic sheeting or hefty bags over the ones that break.) Don't do this. We still haven't gotten the tape residue off the windows -- a year after the hurricane.

- Water: Fill up jugs with water, or buy a 24-pack of Poland Springs drinking-size bottled water -- $9.99 $6.99 for now at Gristedes. Get some individual juices if you like them. (Fill up your bathtub for water to flush the toilet. You'll need a bucket or plastic garbage can for this.)

- Food*: Granola and protein bars, nuts, a box of crackers, cans of tuna fish or other protein (after your mayo goes bad pour in a little oil), fresh peaches and apples, dried fruit, single serving canned fruit. Want hot food? Buy a couple of cans of Sterno (you'll need matches!) and some canned food or dry packaged meals and soup. If you like cereal make sure to buy powered or canned milk or Parmalat. Get some cookies and snacks. Buy paper plates, cups and utensils (there may be no water to wash dishes).  Make sure you have a manual can opener.

*(You're going to eat this stuff after you have first eaten the food in your refrigerator that will spoil within a few hours. To keep items cooler longer, avoid opening the fridge unless absolutely necessary.)

- Pet food! Kitty litter!

- Important Meds: Aspirin, prescriptions and anti-diarrhea medicine. Hand sanitizer. Rubbing alcohol. Contact lens solution. Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues. Feminine supplies. Condoms. Baby wipes to wash up if the water stops.

- Baby Things: Diapers, baby meds and formula, baby food. (Again, baby wipes to keep them clean if no water is available for baths.)

- Communications: Charge your cell phone and other electronic gear. If circuits are busy send text messages, which will go through if any cell towers are working, even if voice doesn't. If the power is out altogether, standard landline phones, which run on the power running through the phone wires, usually work.

- Misc.: A book to read. An itty-bitty book light.

NOTE: Electric stoves won't work in a power failure. Gas stoves with a pilot light work even if the electricity goes out, but the newer gas stoves have an electric igniter and they won't work. You may be able to manually light them with a match, however.

Ready.gov has much more information about preparing for a hurricane emergency.


Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Will Peas n' Pickles Challenge Gristedes' Supremacy in North Brooklyn Heights?

With the acquisition of the next door storefront on Pineapple Walk in Brooklyn Heights (shown above as workers were transferring goods from the original store), Peas n' Pickles market is expanding from a convenience mart into an supermarket/deli, with enough square footage to challenge Gristedes supermarket right across the walk.

While Gristedes is much larger and includes a pharmacy, their inventory control is chaotic and prices can be outrageously high.

If Peas n' Pickles can keep their friendly service and reasonable prices (cheaper than Gristedes anyway) the place should do very well.

Peas n' Pickles owner Jung Sook Lee told the Brooklyn Eagle the deli and salad bar portion will open in about two months, after the original section is renovated.

(Factoid: The Brooklyn Heights' Peas n' Pickles -- there is another branch in DUMBO -- has its own listing in the Urban Dictionary.)

Photo by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Before Hurricane Irene Hit Brooklyn Heights

We were wandering around Brooklyn Heights before Hurricane Irene this evening. After a day of taping windows, clearing balconies, filling bathtub, charging batteries, etc, we were hungry. Most stores and restaurants had closed or were putting on the last bit of tape or plywood. That's the Plymouth Deli on Henry Street, above.

In spite of buying about a hundred dollars worth of survival food and water yesterday, we were looking for something good. Gristedes was pretty much sold out.

Key Food on Montague Street was closed.

Even Starbucks was closed!

But there, like a lovely oasis, was Lassen & Hennigs. Neighborhood folks were shopping like there wasn't going to be a hurricane in a couple of hours and they had plenty of everything that all the other stores were out of: cases of water, salads, pastas, dinner stuff, sandwiches, snacks, but best of all . . .

Hot, juicy, mouth-watering, fresh-roasted chicken! Way to go, Lassen! We're coming here before every hurricane.

Photos by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Things You Need To Buy Before the Hurricane Hits Brooklyn / New York City

Assuming you are going to ride out the hurricane without evacuating, here is a list of things you should have in your house or apartment to survive comfortably for a couple of days, even if the power goes out.

(Note: This is NOT a "Go Bag." This is a stay at home shopping list. If you are in an evacuation zone, you had better get your Go Bag ready now.)

Hurricane Shopping List:

- Cash: Get enough cash for a few days' needs. Break it into smaller denominations. (Remember the last time the power went out none of the ATMs worked?)

- Basics electronics: Flashlight, transistor radio, batteries. Here in Brooklyn, many drug stores and major groceries have already sold out of several sizes of batteries -- go to little bodegas and oddball stores to find them.

- Duct tape. (To tape big "Xs" on your windows facing the wind so they won't shatter, and to tape plastic sheeting or hefty bags over the ones that break.) Don't do this. We still haven't gotten the tape residue off the windows -- a year after the hurricane.


- Water: Fill up jugs with water, or buy a 24-pack of Poland Springs drinking-size bottled water -- $4.99 at CVS, $9.99 at Gristedes. Get some individual juices if you like them. (Fill up your bathtub for water to flush the toilet. You'll need a bucket or plastic garbage can for this.)

- Food*: Granola and protein bars, nuts, a box of crackers, cans of tuna fish or other protein (after your mayo goes bad pour in a little oil), fresh peaches and apples, dried fruit, single serving canned fruit. Want hot food? Buy a couple of cans of Sterno (you'll need matches!) and some canned food or dry packaged meals and soup. If you like cereal make sure to buy powered or canned milk or Parmalat. Get some cookies and snacks. Buy paper plates, cups and utensils (there may be no water to wash dishes).  Make sure you have a manual can opener.

*(You're going to eat this stuff after you have first eaten the food in your refrigerator that will spoil within a few hours. To keep items cooler longer, avoid opening the fridge unless absolutely necessary.)

- Pet food! Kitty litter!

- Important Meds: Aspirin, prescriptions and anti-diarrhea medicine. Hand sanitizer. Rubbing alcohol. Contact lens solution. Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues. Feminine supplies. Condoms. Baby wipes to wash up if the water stops.

- Baby Things: Diapers, baby meds and formula, baby food. (Again, baby wipes to keep them clean if no water is available for baths.)

- Communications: Charge your cell phone and other electronic gear. If circuits are busy send text messages, which will go through if any cell towers are working, even if voice doesn't. If the power is out altogether, standard landline phones, which run on the power running through the phone wires, usually work.

- Misc.: A book to read. An itty-bitty book light.

NOTE: Electric stoves won't work in a power failure. Gas stoves with a pilot light work even if the electricity goes out, but the newer gas stoves have an electric igniter and they won't work. You may be able to manually light them with a match, however.

Ready.gov has much more information about preparing for a hurricane emergency.

More Here:
- Hurricane Irene Prompts Hazardous Weather Outlook In Brooklyn, New York City
- Hurricane Irene: Storm Surge Probabilities Increasing for Brooklyn

Photo by Jeff Keen, Creative Commons license 

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Bikers, Robbers, Seniors, Weiners, and More Brooklyn Briefs

Cop gives cyclist Casey Neistat $50 ticket for riding outside of bike lane-- which is not against the law. This (video, above) is what happens to Neistat when he tries to stay in the bike lane. (Via Gothamist)

- Coney for seniors? CEO of the Gristedes supermarket chain John Catsimatidis may target his new "Ocean Dreams" development there to middle-aged adults and seniors. TRD

- Photo: Robbers used a stun gun to rob a man waiting for the F train in Borough Park. Fox

- The data of hundreds of thousands of Citibank card customers was hacked. Huff Post

- Weiner's seat may be sacrificed in redistricting. NY Times

- He'll be popular there: A former cop who was part of a crew that tortured, kidnapped and robbed drug dealers will spend the next two decades in federal prison. Brooklyn Eagle

- Awesomely creepy puppets coming to re-enact Shackelton's voyage at BAM. Gothamist

- Too brownstoney: Landmarks sends 27 Cranberry Street in Brooklyn Heights back to the drawing board. Brooklyn Eagle and BHB

- There's another rally against the city’s planned closure of Engine Co. 205 in Brooklyn Heights today. Brooklyn Eagle

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Fireworks Over Manhattan Bridge Sunday, Oct 4

Not one but two sets of fireworks celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Manhattan Bridge Sunday evening.

A fireworks display by Grucci of NY went off at about 7:30 p.m. (presented by Gristedes.) There was great viewing from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Then another set of fireworks lit the sky north of the bridge sometime after 8 p.m. (This was a surprise to us!) Check out gio.o's photo on flickr.

Other 100th events included a parade of historic vehicles, walking and bike tours, and public discussions on the history and construction of the bridge More events -- tours, discussions, etc. -- will celebrate this milestone all week. See the Brooklyn Eagle for the full schedule.

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

LICH Merger with SUNY Downstate, and Other Brooklyn Briefs

- The plan to merge Long Island College Hospital with SUNY Downstate has some supporters, but also a large group of doctors who are vehemently opposed. Brooklyn Eagle

- The Division of Housing and Community Renewal has denied the Riverside Apartments building owner’s plans to construct an underground garage/garden. Brooklyn Paper

- For shame: The treasurer of the Gristedes supermarket chain -- Michael Seltzer --was charged with trying to have sex with a 14-year-old girl he met online (who turned out to be a cop). NY Post

- Brooklyn home prices fell 16 percent in the second quarter from a year earlier and sales of new condominiums slid by almost half. Bloomberg

- David Letterman posted his largest weekly victory over The Tonight Show since 2000. Is Conan losing his grip? Gawker

- When Housing Works on Montague St. was "Mammy's Pantry." Pardon Me For Asking

- O.M.G. The Republicans are promoting their new web site -- only problem is, it's filled with obscenity, degrading images and stereotypes. Seriously. AMERICAblog via Huff Post

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

A Run On Crab Cakes At Brooklyn's Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is another retailer that seems to be coasting through the recession. The frozen food coolers were half wiped out Sunday about 5 p.m.

We were there to load up on crab cakes and vegetable gyoza, both gone. Shrimp and chicken stir-fry, chicken tempora, various vegetable blends and deli items were also out.

Workers were refilling other bins, so perhaps they just didn't have time to refill these items.

The lines, as usual, wrapped around the store, but they do move quickly.

- Gristedes' 'Trader John's' vs Trader Joe's
- After Gristedes and Trader Joe's, What's Next for Downtown Brooklyn?
- Frozen Meals Return to Brooklyn's Trader Joe's
-Trader Joe's Warehouse Fire: Frozen Food Meltdown in NYC, Brooklyn
- An Insecure Fruit Stand Guy in Brooklyn's Trader Joe's Territory
- Brooklyn Hulas To New Trader Joe's

Photos by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Gristedes 'Trader John's' vs Trader Joe's

Gristedes owner John Catsimatidis (shown above at the opening of the recently renovated Brooklyn Heights Gristedes) is in hot water with Trader Joe's for opening up a Trader Joe's clone. Called "Trader John's," the TJ's lookalike is just three blocks away from the Trader Joe's Union Square location.

Stories in the NY Post, Forbes, Bloomberg, Gothamist and more report that TJ's filed a complaint Jan. 8 that Gristedes "gutted, renovated and renamed and redecorated to make it appear more similar to Trader Joe's." It was a "blatant attempt to confuse consumers and capitalize on Trader Joe's hard-earned goodwill."

Forbes says that Trader Joe's has 326 stores in the U.S. and is expected to ring up $7.2 billion in sales in 2009, while Gristedes has 35 stores with $275 million in sales in 2008.

That means thatTrader Joe's makes roughly three times per store than Gristedes. The NY Times noted in September 2007 that the number of Gristedes stores has dropped from 78 a decade ago to 39.

UPDATE: Vanishing New York reports that "Trader John's" has covered up its sign. See photo here.

See all past Brooklyn Heights Gristedes stories here.

Photo by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

After Gristedes and Trader Joe's, What's Next for Downtown Brooklyn?

Now that Brooklyn Heights has their Gristedes back, and Cobble Hill has Trader Joe's, Downtown Brooklyn is waiting for their own spiffy supermarket.

Back in March, The Real Deal reported that Freshway Marketplace inked a 15-year lease at 200 Schermerhorn (that's ground floor at State Renaissance Court, shown above) for its first NYC retail space.

Brownstoner reported that the deal had fallen through. In October, however, Brownstoner got a tip that a market called Brooklyn Fare was coming in.

The Brooklyn Paper confirmed the story, and the Brooklyn Eagle reported that Brooklyn Fare has negotiated a 30-year lease. Owner Moe Issa, who says he hopes to open in January, told the Eagle that the market will have "food to go, a seafood department and a butcher, a cheese bar with a selection of at least 500 cheeses, a chef onsite, a bakery and a kitchen."

The Eagle also reports that "a new market will soon replace the Associated market that closed this summer at the Concord Village residential complex at Tillary and Adams streets."

Photo by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Opens With a Bang

The totally rebuilt Gristedes supermarket at 101 Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights reopened in a glorious fashion Friday morning with a VIP party and actual VIPs!

John Catsimatidis, chairman and CEO of Gristedes Foods (above), Brooklyn BP Marty Markowitz (below), Councilman David Yassky, and State Senator-elect Daniel Squadron and various store managers were among the ribbon-cutters.

Half of Brooklyn Heights enjoyed free breakfast as delicious nibbles -- including fruit, bagels and lox, fresh-baked muffins and free coffee -- were generously handed out.

Neighborhood shoppers' reactions were generally awestruck. The store appears to be much larger than before last April's disastrous fire, owing to a new traffic-flow design, and the shelves are stocked with fresh, clean items. Service, at least Friday morning, was cheerful and polite. The produce department is particularly impressive, fully stocked with fresh and organic greens.

There are many more choices for carnivores than before as well -- the poultry department now carries Murray's and Coleman's organic chicken.

The store has new freezer units, stocked with Lean Cuisine and other convenience foods. The deli looks pretty awesome.

One drawback is the prices. We had to notice that many of the items that we generally buy seem to be about a dollar more at Gristedes than at Key Food or Trader Joe's. This probably won't deter many North Heights shoppers, especially if Gristedes keeps the store clean, the shelves stocked with fresh items and the service friendly, but it might hurt them with South Heights customers who are closer to the other stores.

But we commend Gristedes on a job well done. The supermarket is completely rebuilt, modern clean and friendly. The large amount of organic items is a big plus. The greens look scrumptious. And Lydia is back!

Check it out. Free coffee all week.

More details at the Brooklyn Eagle, the Brooklyn Heights Blog and the Brooklyn Paper.

- Gristedes Workers Scramble to Get Brooklyn Heights Store Ready
- VIP Party Friday at Brooklyn Heights' Gristedes!
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Major Upgrade, Hiring Nov. 5 - 7
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes to Go Upscale With Coffee Counter
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes All Cleaned Up
- Inside the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- The Line at Peas and Pickles
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Closed Until July
- Schumer Endorses Former Aide in Front of Burnt-Out Grocery Store
- Fire-Damaged Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Pharmacy To Reopen?
- Cleanup Begins at Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Fire Dismal Aftermath

Photos by MK Metz
Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Gristedes Workers Scramble to Get Brooklyn Heights Store Ready

Workers at the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes were still scrambling tonight to get ready for tomorrow morning's VIP Grand Opening party. Expectations are high; workers are hustling, and debris is stacked up at the front of the supermarket, on Henry Street at Clark.

Will the store be ready? Will the neighborhood render a positive verdict?

We'll know tomorrow . . .

- VIP Party Friday at Brooklyn Heights' Gristedes!
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Major Upgrade, Hiring Nov. 5 - 7
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes to Go Upscale With Coffee Counter
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes All Cleaned Up
- Inside the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- The Line at Peas and Pickles
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Closed Until July
- Schumer Endorses Former Aide in Front of Burnt-Out Grocery Store
- Fire-Damaged Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Pharmacy To Reopen?
- Cleanup Begins at Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Fire Dismal Aftermath

Photo by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

VIP Party Friday at Brooklyn Heights' Gristedes!

The Big Opening Day is coming up fast for the Brooklyn Heights' Gristedes!

A VIP party will be held Friday, Nov. 21 from 8 - 11 a.m. All are invited to come and help celebrate the reopening.

Burnt to a crisp last April 1st, the wheels of change have spun full circle and a reloaded, replenished and redesigned supermarket is almost ready to roll.

Last month, Gristedes sent us this message about the store:

"Our newly renovated full service supermarket will include a full service Chock Full of Nuts Cafe with breakfast sandwiches and a full array of coffee selections. Our in-store bakery will feature a highly qualified baker preparing baked goods fresh daily as well as specialty cakes and pastries. Our Deli will feature a Gristedes original Mike's Sub Shoppe with a cornucopia of fine sandwich selections. Our Deli will also feature a fresh Olive Bar, Hot Food selection, prepared Meals To-Go."

- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Major Upgrade, Hiring Nov. 5 - 7
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes to Go Upscale With Coffee Counter
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes All Cleaned Up
- Inside the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- The Line at Peas and Pickles
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Closed Until July
- Schumer Endorses Former Aide in Front of Burnt-Out Grocery Store
- Fire-Damaged Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Pharmacy To Reopen?
- Cleanup Begins at Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Fire Dismal Aftermath

Photo by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Major Upgrade, Hiring Nov. 5 - 7

Brooklyn Heights residents have been watching and wondering for months about the reopening of the fire-ravaged Gristedes supermarket on Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights.

The store was gutted last April 1, and has experienced several delays on the road to reopening. But activity has certainly picked up recently, Gristedes has been kind enough to post a construction update for us here at McBrooklyn. We're reposting it here:

"Our crews are working fast and furious to bring you an updated, full service and modern supermarket as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience while we continue to push for the opening. Our newly renovated full service supermarket will include a full service Chock Full of Nuts Cafe with breakfast sandwiches and a full array of coffee selections. Our in-store bakery will feature a highly qualified baker preparing baked goods fresh daily as well as specialty cakes and pastries. Our Deli will feature a Gristedes original Mike's Sub Shoppe with a cornucopia of fine sandwich selections. Our Deli will also feature a fresh Olive Bar, Hot Food selection, prepared Meals To-Go.

"We will be having career days scheduled on 11/5 through 11/7 from 10AM thru 4PM at the store. Tables will be setup and we will be accepting applications for various store positions.

"We appreciate your patience and look forward to serving the neighborhood with our newly renovated Supermarket.

"Please feel free to contact us anytime to let us know your thoughts. We can be reached at customerservice@gristedes.com "

- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes to Go Upscale With Coffee Counter
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes All Cleaned Up
- Inside the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- The Line at Peas and Pickles
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Closed Until July
- Schumer Endorses Former Aide in Front of Burnt-Out Grocery Store
- Fire-Damaged Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Pharmacy To Reopen?
- Cleanup Begins at Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Fire Dismal Aftermath

Photo by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Brooklyn Heights Gristedes to Go Upscale With Coffee Counter

Insiders say that the Gristedes supermarket in Brooklyn Heights -- undergoing a total redo (see above) since it was destroyed in a fire last April -- will include a coffee counter, along with other upscale amenities.

The coffee counter will be in the front of the store near the windows facing north.

Insurance delays have held up the store's reconstruction, sources say, but things are starting to move along now.

The store had hoped to open by the end of September/ early October, but there's no word on whether that time frame still stands.

- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes All Cleaned Up
- Inside the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- The Line at Peas and Pickles
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Closed Until July
- Schumer Endorses Former Aide in Front of Burnt-Out Grocery Store
- Fire-Damaged Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Pharmacy To Reopen?
- Cleanup Begins at Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Fire Dismal Aftermath

Photo by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

A Balcony Catches Fire in Brooklyn Heights

Quite a crowd watching the scene from Henry Street yesterday afternoon, when a balcony caught fire at the 101 Clark Street apartment complex in Brooklyn Heights. The fire was very roughly on the ninth floor, but it was hard to judge because the complex is built on top of the (burned-out) Gristedes.

Seemed like no one was home, because the firefighters climbed out on a balcony above the one with the fire and sprayed something on it. Too bad about those bushes. The firefighters had to hack their way through (photo above) so they could lean over and spray.

A short while later, somehow they got onto the burning balcony to examine the situation.

It was odd how this fire started, with no buildings or equipment anywhere near this balcony and no one home.


The Brooklyn Eagle has more about this.

Photos by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Brooklyn Heights Gristedes All Cleaned Up

Behind that paper plastered all over the windows at Gristedes on Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights, the fire-gutted store has actually been cleaned up. The above was shot from the front of the store.

Below you can see what the same approximate area looked like in May. This photo was shot from the back -- the front windows can be seen to the right.

The fire took place April 1st. Back in May, the manager said he hoped the store would reopen in July. Now, he told McBrooklyn he's hoping for September, but no promises. One problem they ran into had to do with insurance, he said.

Workers say the store will be "better than ever" when it reopens.

- Inside the Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- The Line at Peas and Pickles
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Closed Until July
- Schumer Endorses Former Aide in Front of Burnt-Out Grocery Store
- Fire-Damaged Brooklyn Heights Gristedes: Pharmacy To Reopen?
- Cleanup Begins at Brooklyn Heights Gristedes
- Brooklyn Heights Gristedes Fire Dismal Aftermath

Photos by MK Metz

Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.

Banana Stand 1, Brooklyn Heights Association 0

Last Tuesday we ventured that this illegal fruit stand, squatting blatantly in front of the Hotel St. George in Brooklyn Heights, would be "dragged outa here by a squadron from the Brooklyn Heights Association any minute."

Turns out that the BHA did indeed put in a call to the authorities to have the oversized cart removed, according to the Brooklyn Eagle.

But the cart is still there -- and getting busier every day. It seems the fruit is cheaper than Peas n' Pickles up the block, which has been King of the Mangoes since Gristedes burned down.

The illegal stand even has the temerity to expand it's illegal real estate, with a sign around the corner on Clark Street which reads in part: "Fruit Station is Now Open! . . . On Henry Street. This is what you need! 24/7"

How long can the banana stand hold off the powers that be? Have they bested the BHA? And will they ever get avocados?

- Rogue Fruit Stand Pops Up on Henry Street

Photos by MK Metz
Go to McBrooklyn's HOME PAGE.