Brooklyn, I'm Trying

18-21 february 2016.

Liz Norment — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 19:00:11 +0000

THURSDAY

artists editions launch party at space 98, williamsburg.

yep, space ninety8. it’s an urban outfitters. in williamsburg. but newsflash: everything else commercial exists in williamsburg now too, and at least this “space” is being used to promote artists, showcase up-and-coming musicians, exhibit handmade goods, and give free drinks out to those in need. oh, and to sell vaguely overpriced trendy fast-fashion pieces but i’m not afraid to admit that i don’t hate it. at all. come to this the launch of their artists edition t-shirt series. and be part of the modern-version of a shop-meets-community-space and try to find me there. i’ll be the one bitching about fashion from the checkout line.

7-9pm, free. 98 N 6th st. release me.

Ra Ra Riot at rough trade, williamsburg.

in the spirit of giving, Ra Ra Riot will be playing in the intimate back room of rough trade records, free entry for twowith the purchase of their LP. which is going to be amazing. plus, get it signed and chat with the band after the show. **leave work early** this starts at 7pm. everything you need to know here, which i hope you’re reading on the way there. 64 N. 9th st, 7pm. trust me, it’s going to be a ra-ra-… damn good time.

show and tale at branded saloon, prospect heights.

when was the last time you participated in show-and-tell when you weren’t in preschool and also didn’t risk getting arrested for it? (don’t answer that.) bring a sentimental object and talk about it, in 3 minutes or less in a non-judgement free zone among strangers and perhaps some new friends. “it’s like antiques road show meets the moth”- way, way ok in my book. (solely spectators are also welcome, but don’t sell yourself short.) 6.30-8pm, 603 vanderbilt ave. locket up.

the library after dark monthly poetry series, williamsburg.

we all know that most of the fun in the library happens after dark- so embark upon this evening of poetry and spoken word performance among books, friends, and lovers at the leonard library. this month, it’s very appropriately themed around love and sex (unless of course you got enough of that last weekend.). 8-10pm, 81 devote st, $5 donation (and your heart). sounds spine-tingling.

big thief (and other criminal-minded friend) at bowery ballroom, soho, manhattan.

one of the best and most surprising musicians i stumbled across last year, just down the street at manhattan inn- and now look at them! the magic that this folk-soul duo produces is impossible to comprehend. read more and check out part of their performance in greenpoint, then go.to.this.show– also showcasing eleanor friedberger and icewater– only $16. 8pm, 6 delancey st.

FRIDAY

working rhythms, reverse art space, greenpoint.

an art installation that invites viewers to manipulate sculpture and LED lights to create and interact with rhythm, tones, and beats and engage with artist devin curry’s original compositions and dive into his otherwise impenetrably creative psyche. it’s immersive art, baby. get in there. let’s make some music. 28 frost st, free, 7-9pm at reverse art space. put it in reverse.

ROOTS Cafe Poetry Series, park slope

there is nothing better than the warmth of shared verse among virtual strangers. come to roots cafe’s monthly poetry series and feel enlightened, rejuvenated, inspired… and perhaps a bit more grounded (that was a root pun!) contributors and observers welcome. 8-10pm, 639 fifth ave. seek, here.

Flight Fight- Maine vs. New York, park slope.

i’m entirely confused as to why this is even a competition, but i’ll sure as hell entertain it. come and sample some of the finest beers from maine and new york, in addition to respective crustacean offerings and likely heated debate in diverse and progressively more slurred accents. $35, 7-930pm, luke’s lobster- 237 5th ave. let’s take what’s ours.

SATURDAY

The Oscar Nominated Shorts, nitehawk cinema, williamsburg.

blow everyone on your oscar ballot out of the water or simply have the opportunity to view a rarely celebrated art form in the world of film- they’re like trailers, with denouements. see them at your favorite neighborhood theater, the nitehawk- 136 metropolitan ave. click here for showtimes and tickets, and here for a video of chickenhawk at night, their official mascot.

live music and beer at radegast, williamsburg.

man i tried hard to hate this place- and i don’t really know why exactly. i mean, the big beers are way too big. and the picnic tables are a little difficult to get in and out of, in a large group. the bathrooms smell like playdoh. the sign outside is dumb. however, they have live music every single day with no cover, and the whole place has a very new orleans feel and it’s completely charmed me and made me forget all about the playdoh. check the lineup and head over after your short films for a tall drink.

disappears at baby’s all right, williamsburg.

here the progressive and iconically-clandestine experimental band perform unreleased tunes, followed by their interpretation of david bowie’s low. dance your ass off in the hot back room and then burn the midnight oil the rest of the night at everyone’s favorite venue. 7-11.30pm, 146 broadway. when the baby sleeps you sleep.

SUNDAY

brewers’ brunch at greenpoint beer and ale, in its namesake neighborhood.

if you haven’t heard, dirck the norseman, upon returning from his voyages and pirating (is that what a norseman is? or what is he? a northern-based horseman? a horse-drawn nor’easter?) he has used his spoils to open a smaller-than-micro-batch-brewery space in place of his former rockabilly bar on N.15th. this sunday, check out what he’s made of it along with 10 of your favorite local brewers, all collaborating and coagulating to create some fresh mashes, and fresh gashes. with. their. pirate hooks. 7 N. 15th st, 1-5pm. arrrrrrgh!

hangover cure brunch class at brooklyn kitchen, located in that bermuda triangle between greenpoint and williamsburg.

because nothing beats a hangover like learning, this brunch class offers a much more inventive way to kick the funk than your local bodega’s egg sandwich. on the menu is an exotic fusion of flavors (yes there will be eggs involved) and you’re guaranteed to enhance your know-how in the kitchen exponentially. oh, and kick that hangover out of mccarren park. $85, 2-4pm, 100 frost st. with an advil apertif.

where to drink this weekend

st. mazie in williamsburg

the answer to everything you want on a cold winter weekend night- live music, low lighting, inventive drinks, and warm, attractive bodies. it feels like it dropped out of the prohibtion era, clandestine and dangerous yet warm and inviting. i’ll be at the bar, let’s have 3 or 4 old fashions. www.stmazie.com/

where to eat this weekend

selamat pagi, greenpoint

if you haven’t tried indonesian food, this is the place to do it. and now is the time, if you’re joining me on that late-april trip to bali (spots still available!). this authentic, charming, and super unassuming gem in eastern greenpoint is the closest you can get to the islands. and in the middle of february, we could all use more than a taste. 152 driggs ave. selamatpagibrooklyn.com

28-31 january 2016.

Liz Norment — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 18:47:32 +0000

what i’m doing this weekend- that will include neither “netflixing” or “chilling” or anything that rhymes with the two. except for, like, “pet fixing” (it’s important!) and positively killing it.

for proof, read more below.

THURSDAY

Madam Vivien V’s Bordello, bushwick.

i don’t even know what to say about this, other than i know it’s a bad idea.

there’s nothing crazier than the feeling of going to a completely raucous and counter-cultural event until the wee hours then sitting at your desk the next morning, having pleasant office banter over a cup of coffee that you’re not sure is even real. or if it’s your hand holding it. or if you have hands at all.

and then you go hide in the bathroom.

(see you there.) 12 jefferson st, 9pm. $7 suggested donation.

Live Jazz at The Room, park slope.

for something slightly less aggressive and definitely more fit to discuss around the keurig friday morning, check out free jazz at the room- a new music venue in park slope. thursday brings the local and captivating sound of the slope swing trio. park slope, 230 5th ave, 8-11pm, free cover, fancy cocktails! seems like the calmer option for you weenies.

Captain Baby + friends at the Knitting Factory, williamsburg

finally see the band behind that very aggressive sidewalk-graffiti campaign. that is all.over.brooklyn. oh yeah, and friends lindsey luff and hillary capps share the stage.

7-midnight, 361 metropolitan ave, gettin’ knitty wit it.

FRIDAY

visit NoGreePo, my favorite neighborhood, for inventive cocktails, progressive small plates, and transitional live music in two of the most charming settings i’ve ever stepped foot inside-

Le Fanfare, 1103 manhattan ave

i can’t say enough about this place. amazing food, live jazz every friday, saturday, and sunday night. a burrata that will make you want to trade in all of your gold and become a traveling gypsy and a seared octopus that feels like a hug from 4 people at once. go, friday night, and be charmed by the musical stylings of the rustic swing duo. 8.30-11pm, 1103 manhattan ave. (also music saturdays and sundays!) let’s just say i’m a fan. and it seems the other side has taken notice too- there goes the neighborhood.

Milk and Roses, 1110 manhattan ave

this enchanting little gem in NoGreePo beckons you in with its rustic charm- antique books line the walls, a baby grand piano with a live pianist nightly, a hidden garden in the back with gnomes peeking out of the bushes, giggling and chirping just ever so perceptively. oh yeah, and their cocktails are dope. get lost in here, for a while. music 8-midnight

Baseline, trestle gallery, gowanus.

for a disorienting experience without chemical influence (or with, if you prefer), check out the opening of baseline at trestle gallery in gowanus, a sculpture and installation exhibit combining found materials, mirrors, light and sound, and the way five different artists interact with each. on view fridays + saturdays through 2.15 at trestle gallery, 400 third ave, 1-6pm, free. let’s get a little twisted.

SATURDAY

Vegan Breakfast Cook-Up! bushwick.

the pine box rock shop introduces the first of its cooking competition series- competitors create their interpretation of vegan breakfast dishes in both sweet and savory categories, and guests get to try all dishes. plus swig $4 mimosas while watching the action.

12 Grattan St. 1-4pm, $20. limited number of tickets so get yours now. here.

then head directly across the street to-

Dream Catcher (and weaver!) Workshop, bushwick.

photo via betterthanjamnyc.com

make your own dream catcher with our friends at better than jam- all supplies provided but bring personal charms and mementos to weave into your personal creation. catch those dreams.

saturday 1-3pm, 20 Grattan Street, $46.

Meat in the Middle, long island city.

collaboration between local favorites rockaway brewery and the meat hook. beer release and pop-up food event featuring a smattering of meats and sausages, pickles, and other surprises, plus a pig roast, brewery tour, and exclusive seasonal brew release. at the meat hook’s pop-up shop in LIC, 46-01 5th st, 1-7pm. more than a sausage fest.

Atletico de Madrid faces off against FC Barcelona- watch at banter bar in williamsburg. AT 10AM.

i realize that not everyone will give a shit about this game but let’s face it- football season is effectively over and we all need a real sport to watch while we earnestly try to keep our hangovers at bay. enter- the greatest soccer team in the entire world, fighting to break their tie against the red monsters from catalunya. and claim the lead en la liga. (oh, and it will be the first time we see this sexy beast of a man face-off against his old squad.) best place to catch it? banter bar in williamsburg, 132 havemeyer st. see you there in your rojo y blanco, bright and early.

AUPA ATLETI.

SUNDAY

Chili Cook-Off, greenpoint.

warm-up with a chili competition at the habitat- featuring10 cooks bringing a hell of a lot of heat, plus raffles and games, $5 a tasting, plus the habitat’s resident beer and drink specials. 988 manhattan ave, 6pm. you can’t spell overheat without overeat.

*note- brooklyn i’m trying does not encourage gluttony- just puns.

Stephane Wrembel in park slope.

you know what i love about new york? if you’re reading this, you could probably think of a few things- but, i love that you can see a grammy-nominated artist for free nearly any night of the week. this week’s selection- Stephane Wrembel, the france-native and spanish-guitar aficionado and woody allen musical-muse who wrote the original scores for vicky christina barcelona and midnight in paris- and will absolutely charm you with his haunting sound, poignant stories, and genuine talent. at my favorite little music venue in park slope. barbes. 8pm-midnight, 376 9th st. free- bring tips for the band.

where to eat this weekend

tikka indian grill, williamsburg.

this might be one of my favorite culinary discoveries in months. some of the best indian food i’ve had in the city, amazing staff, diverse menu that doesn’t overwhelm, more flavors than can seemingly fit on each spoonful and it’s fucking byob. plus the owners are amazingly personable. get there as soon as you possible can.185 grand st.

where to drink this weekend

black rabbit, greenpoint.

cold winters tempt me to search for cozy, welcoming, alcohol-serving establishments with few bells + whistles within a decently close proximity to my front door. hop over to black rabbit on greenpoint ave for a real neighborhood feel, great drink specials, trivia, games, and warm people. plus saloon-like personal booths. it was my snow-day haven and will continue to warm me up, for the rest of the season and then some. 91 greenpoint ave.