Don’t Throw it Away!

Retrogreen in Williamsburg

Andre van Hoek doesn’t follow today’s throwaway culture. Owner of Retrogreen, a shop of repurpose objects of the past, Andre uses old materials that he found while he was traveling the world and recreates them for his store. Retrogreen carries industrial and distressed farm furniture, mirrors, 1960′s artwork, retro lamps, projectors, vintage bicycles and eyeglasses. To decorate the eco-friendly shop, Andre used discarded wood cabinets, craft shelves, and mirrors. Visit the store at 204 Bushwick Avenue between Meserole and Scholes Streets in Williamsburg, and pick up some unique items to adorn your home.

-Caitlin

Recommended: Grape and Grain

Grape and Grain in the East Village

A cozy winebar tucked away in the East Village on 6th Street between Avenues B and C, Grape and Grain offers a vast selection of wines and beers. I visited the spot last night, completely impressed by the exposed brick walls, intimate tables, and candle-lit atmosphere. I enjoyed their white bean dip appetizer served with spicy pita and a beet salad with goat cheese and pumpkin seeds. It was difficult to pick a wine, as there were so many good options, but I went for a Pinot Blanc from France, which was smooth and not overly sweet. While I did not order from it, the restaurant has a huge craft beer list and other menu items like scallop ceviche, shitake mushroom tart, and a cheese selection. Make sure to stop by Grape and Grain for brunch, dinner, or just a drink; I recommend it!

-Caitlin

First Annual Besen Retail Awards

Since the creation of “Blogging with Besen Retail” back in August, the retail team has experienced some exciting moments worth looking back upon. From making deals, to getting our hands on free stuff, to seeing our co-workers sporting fancy rust-colored velvet blazers, we are lucky enough to have seen it all in a short period of time. On the last day of 2009, I want to look back at some of the best times of year, presenting you with the first annual Besen Retail Awards Ceremony.

Best Hangout Spot

Elliott Dweck introduced me to what I think is the best coffee in New York City, Stumptown Coffee. With cool fedora-topped baristas, comfy couches of the Ace Hotel, and an overall cool hipster vibe, Stumptown is hands down the best find of the year.

Best Free Item

Elliott and I held up our crisp white shirts in victory after the Thomas Pink/White Collar promotion event. Thomas Pink and USA teamed up to give out 1000 free shirts to the lucky people who stood in line. We were second and third, after fellow blogger Peachy Deegan. To top it off, we also enjoyed free Dean & Deluca coffee and a DVD copy of the premiere of White Collar.

Best Fashion Event

One of my first blog posts, my Fashion Night Out experience was a success. Celebrities, fashion lovers, designers, and store employees crowded the streets to celebrate the industry with parties, concerts, and shopping. I came back with my exclusive Fashion Night Out tee, boots, and a belly full of wine and cheese. I’m looking forward to FNO 2010!

Best Outfit

I’d like to think I’m a fashion savvy person, but I can’t compete with Retail Specialist Steve Escalera. Steve showed off his purple tie and rust-colored blazer on September 29th impressing us all. He stated, “No risk, no reward.”

Best Space

While all Besen Retail spaces for lease are special in their own way, the most beautiful space of the year is 11 Christopher Street in the West Village. Leased to children’s salon/birthday party spot/boutique Doodle Doo’s, the 1800 SF property sits near the intersection of Christopher and Gay Streets. After meeting owner Dana Rywelski and her family, we saw that we could not have found a better tenant.

Best Celebrity Meeting

Just a few days into starting at Besen, I met Australian Television host Lola Berry. Elliott and I were visiting vegan bakery Babycakes when we ran into the bubbly nutrition expert, and have kept in contact with her ever since. Good news: Lola is moving to the city next year!

Best Tee Shirts

Audrey and Gloria of Urban Cricket made their way up to the Besen Retail office to show us their must-have hand printed tee shirts. The duo sells them in Union Square right in front of Whole Foods, and creates some of the most unique designs in a variety of colors.

Best Worst Trend

Even though Elliott Dweck has openly expressed his hatred for men in tights, I think there is a secret love for them deep down. Providing extra warmth for its wearers, tights are now being sported by men all around the world. Spotted on NYC runways and loved by American Apparel shoppers, mantyhose is definitely the best worst trend.

Best in Brooklyn

Retail Specialist Murray Doueck is making a name for himself in the Brooklyn retail market with two recent deals. The first is at 226 Atlantic Avenue, where personal trainer J. Ellis Jones opened Elite Bodies. The Macao Trading Co. owners also leased 145 Borinquen Place, and will open a new Mediterranean restaurant. We are looking forward to the next Brooklyn deal in 2010.

Best In-the-Know Broker

I owe much of my New York knowledge to Elliott Dweck, who is overflowing with information about every shop, every block, and every neighborhood. His insight keeps Besen Retail on the top of our game, and his storytelling abilities make every piece of info entertaining.

Best Witty Boss

With the most appearances on Besen Retail Line of the Week, Executive Director Matt Mager impresses the team with his quick thinking and clever sayings, making the retail work environment a pleasant one. A favorite: “There’s no tired! There’s no tired in retail!”

Best Newbie

Fast talking, hard working retail newbie Evan Silver keeps the retail team in check with his thoughtful questions and computer knowledge. When he is not showing spaces and canvassing neighborhoods, you can find him sipping on Delirium and playing video games.

Get ready for 2010; “Blogging with Besen Retail” will keep you updated on future retail trends, neighborhood news, and spaces for lease and leased!

Caitlin

There is such thing as a FREE lunch!

Chef Andy Yang (picture via NY Times)

Run to Thai restaurant Rhong Tiam East (formerly Kurve) today from 12-3pm for a free lunch! Chef Andy Yang is promoting his rendang, a rich, brown Indonesian Curry with wide flat noodles served with either beef or chicken. After the free meal today, the dish will go for about $5 a serving. Rhong Tiam East is at 87 2nd Ave at 5th Street.

-Caitlin

Macao-Style New Year’s Eve Party!

The Macao Trading Co. in Tribeca (picture via Gothamist)

Spend New Years Eve in Tribeca at a lavish party evoking the feeling of the red light district of the 1930′s… AND there’s no cover! The Macao Trading Company is hosting a celebration with two DJ’s, a burlesque performance, and a Chinese-Portugese menu. The restaurants serves some of the funkiest cocktails in the city, like the Esmerelda, muddled honeydew and minced ginger shaken with Armazem Esmeralda Cahcaca, Luxardo Maraschino liquer and lime juice. For something spicy yet sweet, try the Drunken Dragon’s Milk, Charbay Green Tea Vodka shaken with young coconut puree, Thai basil, and Macao five Spice Bitters. The menu includes Spicy Shanghai Noodles and Chinese or Portuguese style prawns, chicken, and fish. The party starts at 11pm at 311 Church Street, and keep an eye out for a new Macao-owned restaurant in Brooklyn at recently leased space 145 Borinquen Place.

-Caitlin

Have a Fondue Night

Spend winter Sundays at Trestle on Tenth, a Swiss Brasserie across from Highline Park. Each Sunday through February you can enjoy a traditional fondue night, complete with Swiss cheese made with nutty Emmanteler, spicy Gruyere and creamy Vacherin cheese. Dip a fresh baguette, steamed potatoes, or cornichons  and escape the cold! Trestle also serves up an extensive wine and beer list from all corners of the globe. Fondue night starts at 5:30pm through 10pm, and costs just $24 a person. The restaurant sits at 242 10th Ave. at 24th St., visit www.trestleontenth.com for more information.

-Caitlin

Tuesday Trend Find!

Forget someone on your holiday shopping list? Make it up to them with an animal-inspired necklace by Sabrina Dehoff. Handcrafted in Berlin, Germany, each piece is made from plum wood and gold plating. Choose from one of the single charm designs: a peacock, cat, emu, deer, cricket, or cute birdcage. The collection is available at Honey in the Rough in the Lower East Side, or at their newly opened online shop, www.honeyintheroughstore.com.

-Caitlin

Expand your school or daycare!

Looking to expand your school or daycare center? A unique retail opportunity is available for lease in one of the most vibrant and lively neighborhoods in Jamaica, Queens. The space boasts 9,600 square feet with 16 foot ceilings, creating an airy atmosphere, perfect for a learning center. With easy access to several transportation options, almost 30,000 people live within a 1/2 mile radius of the site, and nearly 100,000 people within 1 mile.

This opening is a part of the Moda project, a 45,000 SF retail space, currently under construction, and expected to be available for occupancy in Q1 2010. Neighbored by The Home Depot, Old Navy, Walgreens, and other national and international retailers, the building includes 171 feet of total frontage along Parsons Boulevard and 372 feet along 89th avenue. Sitting above the retail space are 346 apartments, and below is a 500-space underground parking garage. Associated Supermarkets has already committed to the project, becoming the anchor store upon opening.  

This is an amazing opportunity to expand your learning center to the heart of Jamaica, Queens. A state of the art facility in busy downtown area, to be built for you by the developer,  it is the perfect space to create an ideal learning environment.

-Caitlin

Multitasking at Old Made

Boutique/Concert Hall/Art Gallery, and soon to be record store, Old Made is making its debut in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Opened by Leah Adams-Kroll and Frances Pezik, the vintage store is stuffed with vintage dresses, blazers, sweaters, and even old board games, typewriters, shaving kits, and other knick knacks. The loft building will show off some of Brooklyn’s up and coming musicians and artists, while providing a living room-esque setting for visitors. Old Made is located at 441 Metropolitan Avenue between Marcy and Meeker Avenues, not far from space for lease 145 Borinquen Place.

-Caitlin

Lola Berry Back at Babycakes

Australian television host Lola Berry was back at Babycakes this holiday season, enjoying vegan cupcakes and cookies. One of Besen Retail’s favorite bakeries, the Lower East Side dessert spot is the very place we first met Lola. Take a look at the footage she recently posted from her time in the city. Babycakes is just a block away from recently lease space 75 Orchard Street.

-Caitlin