the weekend buzz

“Brooklyn Flea, PS 3 Benefit, Gemma Dinner for Japan, Dim Sum at Ember Room”

News from Brooklyn Flea

This weekend, April 2nd and 3rd, the Brooklyn Flea heads back outdoors for the season, to its flagship site on Saturdays in Fort Greene and to a brand-new Sunday location: on the Williamsburg waterfront between North 6th and North 7th Streets, with an expansive, unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline and riverside park access to both the north and south. At 40,000sf, both sites will accommodate up to 140 vendors every weekend through November 19+20, rain or shine, with many vendors selling at both markets, alongside an exciting lineup of new faces. Starting November 26+27, the Flea plans to return to Skylight One Hanson, the event space in the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank, for the 2012 winter.

The new Williamsburg market, located on an undeveloped acre parcel within The Edge development, adjacent to East River State Park, will feature local businesses such as Saltie (sandwiches), Kings County Jerky (grass-fed beef jerky), Opus 418 (antiques, decorative art), and Neal Mello (vintage clothing and furniture). When the East River Ferry service begins landing at the North 6th Street pier in June, the Flea will help establish the area as a major Brooklyn waterfront destination.

In what has become an annual tradition, marching bands will usher in the Flea's opening outdoor weekend. Raya Brass Band will parade its Balkan rhythms around the Fort Greene market on Saturday, and the Brazilian Maracatu will march in Williamsburg on Sunday, both from 1 to 3pm. There will also be a brief ribbon-cutting at 1pm on Sunday with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and City Council Member Stephen Levin, at the North 7th Street entrance. And on Saturday in Fort Greene the nationwide Bake Sale for Japan will set up outside the Lafayette Ave. entrance, featuring donated baked goods from Il Buco, The Treats Truck, Fat Witch Bakery, and more.

For a complete list of new and existing vendors, hi-res photos, and any other information, email us, or visit http://www.brooklynflea.com.

Saturday: Annual PS3 Auction for the Arts

On Saturday, from 7-10pm, PS3 in the West Village will host its annual fundraiser, Auction for the Arts, at the Stephan Weiss Studio (711 Greenwich Street) to benefit the school’s varied art programs.

Zakary Pelaccio of Fatty Crew fame will be providing the food including such Fatty ‘Cue favorites as Fermented Pork Meatballs and Whole Pig Mini Sandwiches. Murray’s Cheese will provide additional fare, and the event’s open bar will be stocked with Brooklyn Brewery beer, Michael Skurnik wine and cocktails made with St. Germain and U’Luvka Vodka. Spoon Catering and Fat Witch will supply desserts.

Tickets are $50 in advance for PS3 parents and $75 for general admission. There will be three different auctions to raise money for the cause; a live auction at the fundraiser led by a Christie’s auctioneer, a day-of silent auction and online auctions leading up to the event. The items up for bid include a Marc Jacob’s bag, dinner for 2 at Mary’s Fish Camp and more.

For more information, visit www.ps3nyc.org.

—Rachel Barbarotta

Dim Sum Brunch at the Ember Room

If your go-to spot for Dim Sum is Chinatown’s Golden Unicorn, you know all about steaming carts and long waits. While there’s nothing like a good authentic dim sum experience, you might try something new this weekend at the Ember Room, the modern American-Asian barbecue joint in Hell’s Kitchen.

Star chef duo Ian Chalermkittichai and Todd English have created an innovative fusion brunch menu, featuring dishes like scallion pancakes with short rib, apple and soybean, and shrimp toast with sesame, miso and Asian celery. There’s also a selection of small share plates, such as Bacon and Eggs with cilantro, soy and an English muffin, and rice and eggs accompanied by Chinese sausage, scallions and cilantro (with prices ranging from $4 - $14).

Ember Room’s Dim Sum Brunch is being served daily from 11am - 3:30pm. Ember Room is located at 647 9th Avenue (between 45th & 46th Streets), 212-245-8880, www.emberroom.com.

—Megan Murphy

Sunday: Gemma Joins the Effort to Provide Support in Japan

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan, many are joining forces to offer support and relief in any way they can, and this effort includes many highly acclaimed New York City restaurants. On Sunday, April 3rd, Gemma at the Bowery Hotel will donate 10% of all dinner sales to The Japan Society to aid in the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

The Japan Society is a nonprofit group that was formed as a way to bring the people of the United States and Japan closer together. Through the fundraiser, Gemma hopes to raise both awareness and proceeds for Japanese aid.

Gemma is located at 335 Bowery at 3rd Street in The Bowery Hotel. Dinner reservations for April 3rd can be made by calling 212-505-9100.

—Rachel Barbarotta

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