I was wrong about the jack o’ lantern display in my neighborhood. They actually put the pumpkins out on Halloween and leave them up throughout November.

Check out the Kane Street Pumpkins for yourself.

Vero and Tam working our xtrapulp table.

Annie and Deanna handing out raffle tickets and free Calexico taco coupons at the door.

Dave from King Killer Studios and me working the raffle prize table. LJ loved the Hannah Montana game that she won.

Hand silk screened bags from xtrapulp. We’ll soon have these for sale online.

The OrangeYouGlad ladies took advantage of the Bell House’s photo booth.

More photos on flickr.

Join us at the Bell House on June 29 at 7 PM for a FREE Night of Rock celebrating the launch of two new local Brooklyn-based businesses – King Killer Studios and xtrapulp, and the 4-year anniversary of a third local business – Realty Collective.

The evening will feature 5 bands, tacos by Calexico (first 50 tacos are free!), and we’re also going to hold it down with an actual free raffle. That’s right, show up and you can win stuff. Stuff!! Will be raffled!!

What else have you got to do on a Monday night other than keep it local and go bananas at a raffle?

You will raise the devil horns to these bands:

Wounded Buffalo Theory
Kabona Zombies
Mike Hunchback and the Weird Fantasy Band
CONDO
In Musth
Dj sets by Robot Hot Dog

More about the event online on facebook.

A new joint opened up in our neck of the woods – Olga’s On Smith. Finally a place to get a coffee right on our block! Olga’s serves up healthy, kosher, and delicious fare, in a really nice and elegantly simple little storefront just up the street. (401 smith). There are a number of vegan, dairy free and/or gluten-free items.

I’ve been hitting them up for breakfast and lunch lately and I have a few favorites from their menu. Namely the Israeli couscous salad with mint (pictured below), the vegetarian lasagna and my favorite of favorites the pan fried eggplant in a pita with vegan dill sauce (also shown below). Unfortunately I’ve also become helplessly addicted to their Hungarian raspberry shortbread. Why shortbread? why did you have to come into my life?

eggplant sandwich. Going to get one today. YUM!

Hey Musician (and artist) folks – our friends have opened up a new rehersal/artist space in the Carroll Gardens / Gowanus / Slope area called King Killer Studios. They have a pretty sweet set-up including lounge, free wi-fi, easy load-in, inhouse recording studio and a bunch of nice rooms.  And they are located right near the subways (F/G & M/R).

A band arrives and take requests. The food vendors turn down their stereos for the occasion.

Coconut, Lime, Cantaloupe, Pineapple and Watermelon Juice. All fresh!

I ordered a pork and cheese papusa which I then smothered in picked onions. Some cabbage salad and fried plantains on the side.

This was a new one for me – fresh mango sprinkled with salt, chili powder, paprika and lime. THIS IS REALLY GOOD!

I can’t think of a better way to finish off the afternoon.

Ain’t she the cutest? I’m also told “she loves plastic!”

Little Girl sleeps in on weekdays mornings, staying clear of the traffic in her box above one of the drink fridges.

A&A Spice: 532 Court between Huntington and 9th street.

The first is a new little spice/grocery market at 532 court called A&A Spice. They are still stocking the shelves and packaging up some bulk items such as almonds and chocolate pretzels, but the little shop promises to have a few interesting spices for your kitchen. They specialize in Middle Eastern spices. I picked up some kabob marinade, some mediterranean spiced crackers and also some chocolate spread. (something like nutella but without the hazelnut flavor – just not a big fan of hazelnut). It seems like a very sweet family owned store and I even got a few pointers for tonight’s kabob marinade.

Cafe Scaramouche: 524 Court Between Nelson and Huntington

My second news item is to announce what I believe is the Best Cookie in Carroll Gardens. The award goes to Cafe Scramouche ‘s Dulce de Leche cookie! This delicious cookie sandwiches a thick caramel-y gooey interior between two soft shortbread-esq style cookies. They then coat the outside in coconut. There is also a chocolate coated variety, and a mini-variety – all exceptionally delicious but a sweet tooth is required.

Enjoy your cookie at the cafe even, it is a relaxed, low-key kinda place (away from the standard coffee shop hustle and bustle!)