Brooklyn's own Reggie Watts: the largest comedy hair you'll ever see

This might sound self-promotional, but I’m doing it for your benefit (too). Here’s the thing: I co-host with Trish Nelson a fun comedy/variety show called A Big Effing Deal on Tuesdays at The Cove (formerly Hugs). And tonight’s show features not only Jessie Cantrell, Mrs. Claus, and the National Ballet, but also Reggie Watts, the reigning king of improv musical comedy looping magic (I mean, c’mon), as well as Brokelyn’s own Anna Jacobson performing one of her many other talents: belly dancing. And it’s all free.

Tonight, Tuesday, March 15th, 8 pm. The Cove, 108 N. 6th St. Williamsburg.

This is the ninth in our series on the venues featured in the second Brooklyn Beer Book. This week we’re featuring The Roebling Inn, a downtown Brooklyn pub that celebrates the old-world charm of Brooklyn’s olden days.

The Roebling Inn. Photo via L Magazine

THE ROEBLING INN

97 Atlantic Ave., between Henry and Hicks, Brooklyn Heights (walk across the street: Cobble Hill).

What it is: A sister bar to Brooklyn Inn, and sharing it’s high points: televisions, dart boards and snacks. There are 16 beers on tap, more than 10 actually drinkable wines, and a full bar. It’s spacious and yet still romantically lit.

Why we love it: Brooklyn Heights has Disneyland prices, but Roebling is unaware. Most beers on tap and wine glasses are $5, and it’s the kind of place you can get a $4 Bud Light and not look ironic or cheap. (more…)

Tired of rich people and their blow-outs? Was that facialist (that I got on Groupon) right when she said I should be going monthly? Are those wrinkles, already?! Someone help! Enter Gwyneth Paltrow, and her latest blog post: The French Pharmacy. Yes, GP has a blog, called GOOP advising you what to do or buy. They are the most useless streams of information, especially for Brokesters. She gives a head’s up that the presidential suite at the Mandarin Oriental is really where you should stay when in Hong Kong. She doesn’t understand, um, money, or lack thereof.  (more…)

We're pretty sure Ben Lerman is posing here.

Here are two things we love: comedy and secrets. Or at least the whiff of secrecy that comes from calling something “underground.” Starting tonight, there are some really unique and hilarious acts coming to Public Assembly as part of the BK Underground Comedy Festival. The mini-series, which starts tonight and runs through Wednesday, features Stacy Mayer’s Funeralogues, the puppet artist Nick Jones‘ “Smart Phone,” Dr. Steam Whipple and the Prescriptions (with “deep roots in southern voodoo and eastern confusion”), and the hilarious and talented Ben Lerman*, tinkling away at his ukelele. Tickets are $10 a night, and you can see all of the shows  here.

*Um, just saying… Ben Lerman will also be peforming this Wednesday at the awesome storytelling show at The Sackett Bar called The NutSackett. Just in case you don’t get enough of him Monday night … or want to see me as well.

Underground Comedy Festival at Public Assembly, 70 N. Sixth St. Williamsburg, 11211, (718) 384-4586, Sunday, Monday & Wednesday at 8 p.m.

This is the latest in our series on the venues featured in the Brokelyn Beer Book. Strong Place, Cobble Hill’s late-bloomer of the Beer Book bunch, is open for business (as of July 26). Two dozen tap beers and one savory menu await.

STRONG PLACE
270 Court St. at Kane St., Cobble Hill

What it is: A gastro-pub featuring 24 tap beers, new American fare and a raw bar.
Why we love it: From the chef and owner of Bocca Lupo. If it’s any bit as tasty, atmospheric, and dependable, we’ll soon be hooked. Also, expect an amazing back yard (which should open in September).
Who to bring: Your future in-laws, foodie dates.
What to order: Crispy Duck Leg Confit, Grilled Lamb Burger with Feta, Fried Ipswich Clams Oysters.
Strong Place fun fact: For many years, the space was a bookstore called Shakespeare’s Sister.

Anna selling raffle tickets to our party-goers

In case you missed it, Brokelyn had a huge, awesome party a couple weeks ago to celebrate year number one. It was a blast: raffle prizes, entertainment, free drinks… even some love for our libraries. We hope you were there. But if you couldn’t make it out that night, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle has a nice story on our special evening. There’s a run-down of the festivities and prizes, and a bit on the beginnings and workings of the site you love. The story’s subtitled “Cheap Living Blog Celebrates Year of Thrift,” and we couldn’t be prouder. (more…)

Colin Hearts Kay is the kind of movie we can’t help but love: It’s shot entirely on location in Brooklyn, with a soundtrack by talented up-and-coming Brooklyn bands and most importantly, made on a pea-sized budget. This veritable ode-to-Brokelynites about a guy, a girl and a break-up is having its world premiere tonight at the Brooklyn International Film Festival (Brooklyn Heights Cinema, 9 p.m.). And on Sunday, CHK has been honored with closing out the 10-day fest. That show’s all sold-out, of course… except for the TWO FREE TICKETS we have to give away to one lucky Brokelyn reader. (more…)

There’s yoga with your mat touching your sweaty neighbor’s, your arms touching uncomfortably in Warrior 2 and the instructor concentrating only on the pregnant lady. Then there’s Brokelyn-RAFFLE-OF-THE-CENTURY yoga: a private lesson on a rooftop, plus a free week of group yoga, courtesy of the good people at goodyoga. Win this one, and you’ll enjoy a one-on-one session with co-founder and vinyasa instructor, Flannery Foster, hailed as one of the city’s best. (more…)

Megafauna from Brooklyn's Catbird Pictures

As Brokelynites, we love free stuff, especially, lately, of the movie and festival variety. And especially, especially, we love taking previously un-free stuff, making it free and giving it to you. Enter the Brooklyn International Film Festival. Really, enter it, with the two all-access passes we’ll be giving away to one lucky Brokelyn subscriber. Win and you’ll have two keys to the kingdom that is BIFF, where you can spend Jun. 4 to 13 jaunting around the borough, watching more than 100 films from 25 countries and keeping your eyes peeled for the next Spike Lee or two. (more…)

Photo by bitchcakesny.

You asked for it, we got it. It’s a store, cooking school and butcher shop all-in-one. It’s The Meat Hook, the newest extension of The Brooklyn Kitchen, helmed by one of Brooklyn’s most renowned foodies, Tom Mylan. And it’s given us (you) a $75 gift card for the RAFFLE OF THE CENTURY. While the actual term “meat-hook” isn’t high on the trendy or appetizing scale, think of it like this: To be called something so graphic and carnivorous-sounding means that it’s a) trendy enough to have such a daring name, 2) good enough to make it an instant success and 3) not joking about this meat. (more…)