The 'Gateway' to Native American culture

By Alex Rush

When you can find hula-clad performers, intricate feathered headdresses and a daring dance with fire in Brooklyn, that can only mean one thing — Floyd Bennett Field’s annual celebration of Native American culture is back.

From June 3 to 5, more than 1,000 artist, performers, scholars and food vendors will take over the park for the annual Gateway to Nations festival.

One of the main events at this powerful powwow are the thrilling dance contests, which pay homage to the competitions that began between in Oklahoma more than a century ago, according to event organizer Cliff Matis.

“Various tribes wanted to showcase their unique dance styles, regalia and costumes,” said Matis, whose Redhawk Native American Arts Council has run the event for 17 years.

Many of the dances will honor nature, such as an indigenous Peruvian dance dedicated to the Andes Mountains.

When you’re not watching the feather-and-bead-clad performers, you can browse the jewelry booths and feast on rustic dishes like venison stew and corn soup.

“Our goal is to celebrate and teach the contributions of the indigenous people of the Americas to American culture,” Matis said.

Gateway to Nations at Aviator Sports and Event Center [3159 Flatbush Ave. off the Belt Parkway in Marine Park, (718) 758-7500], June 3, 10 am–4 pm; June 4 and 5, 11 am-7 pm. Admission $12, $7 for young adults and seniors, children under six are free. For info, visit www.aviatorsports.com/kcf.

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Family fun at Aviator

By Meredith Deliso

With a name like Kings County, it’s only  proper that we have our own county fair.

And this month, the Aviator Sports and Event Center delivers, as it hosts the Kings County Fair from May 19 to 30, for 12 days of funnel cake, corn dogs and carnival rides.

For the thrill-seekers, the family-friendly affair will feature plenty of rides and games for kids — think bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and the ones that tilt and spin at stomach-lurching levels. There’ll also be clowns, live music and food so good it’s bad for you, including cotton candy and funnel cakes.

“Like last year, we expect thousands of families to once again enjoy the rides, games, food and music at one of the area’s most cost-efficient activities,” said Kevin McCabe, co-founder of the Aviator Sports and Events Center.

Kings County Fair at Aviator Sports and Event Center [3159 Flatbush Ave. off the Belt Parkway in Marine Park, (718) 758-7500], May 19-30, Monday–Thursday, 5–11 pm; Friday, 5 pm-1 am; Saturday, noon-midnight; and Sunday, noon-11 pm. Admission $7, children under three feet are free. For info, visit www.aviatorsports.com/kcf.

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Dress up, go out this New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is right around the corner. If you're lacking in plans, look no further than our guide to doing it right in Brooklyn. Even if you have plans, check it out.

As for what you're going to wear, ladies, we've also got you covered. Check out these offerings from some of the borough's best boutiques and shops. We found the perfect items in which you can ring in the New Year — dresses that are chic yet still affordable (well, there’s one splurge in there).

Abby Z Lace Wrap Dress

This lace wrap dress is sexy and comfortable at the same time, making for the perfect evening out look and feel. You’ll also feel smart – find it at vintage Boerum Hill shop Re/Dress NYC for $49, marked down from the original $249!

Re/Dress NYC [109 Boerum Pl. between Pacific and Dean streets in Cobble Hill, (718) 522-7962].

Sequined Stefani Mini Dress

All eyes will be on you in this sequined Stefani mini dress ($68). Thanks to its relaxed A-line shape, it’s an easy fit, but it won’t take much to look stunning in this shimmery showstopper by Tulle. Find it at Fred Flare in Greenpoint.

Fred Flare [131 Meserole Ave. near Leonard Street in Greenpoint, (718) 349-1257].

Rebecca Taylor Sparkle Sweetheart Dress

It didn’t take long to find this silk stunner at Cobble Hill’s Diane T., a go-to shop for party cocktail dresses. This light, peek-a-boo sequined stunner by Rebecca Taylor ($475) creates the perfect silhouette for a night out, has a sweet strapless sweetheart neckline, so you can dress it up even more with a necklace, and a banded waist for a nice fit. The pleated A-line skirt also adds flirty movement.

Diane T. [174 Court St. between Congress and Amity streets in Cobble Hill, (718) 923-5777].

Strapless Mesh Cross Over Mini Dress

You can’t go wrong with this sateen skirt combo ($42) by Fashion to Figure, a trendy, contemporary plus-size women’s apparel chain for sizes 12-26 that recently opened in Kings Plaza Shopping Mall. The strapless piece creates a classic yet edgy look that you can pair with heels and hoop earrings. And it has pockets, which is always a plus.

Fashion to Figure at the Kings Plaza Shopping Mall [5100 Kings Plaza at E. 53rd Place in Marine Park, (718) 377-7040].

My Tribe Steel Rouged Front Dress

Look effortlessly glamorous this New Year’s Eve with this steel grey rouged front dress by My Tribe ($74). Complete the chic ensemble with a tri-color multi chain necklace by Lulu ($29), and a matching grey clutch with glass crystals by Paris Designs ($44). You can get the whole look at Suzette LaValle’s new boutique in Clinton Hill.

Suzette LaValle [923 Fulton St. between Waverly and Clinton avenues in Clinton Hill, (646) 281-4029].

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Eat right this Christmas Eve

This Christmas, leave the cooking up to the pros. Henry's End owner Mark Lahm shows off the Brooklyn Heights restaurant's stuffed quail with sour cherry reduction. Photo by Stefano Giovannini

By Michelle Manetti

Sure, Christmas Eve is one of the big “family nights” on the Gregorian calendar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the family out to a great meal at one of the few borough restaurants that are open. Here’s our guide to the best Christmas Eve dining options (minus Chinese restaurants, which never seem to close):

Fish

In Bay Ridge, the seafood-renowned Pearl Room will be serving up a Christmas Eve menu that will live up to its reputation.

Guests can enjoy appetizers like crab cakes, baked clams and a seafood salad and entrees including lobster ravioli, penne a la vodka with a choice of chicken or shrimp and hummus-crusted Atlantic salmon, in an atmosphere as good as the food.

“All ages come here to celebrate,” said waitress Donna Somma. “We have a lot of couples and big families but it’s great because it’s a very safe environment, not rowdy at all. It’s classy.”

In Coney Island, Gargiulo’s is also planning on a big fish feast. Along with the number of pastas being offered for $10-$15, there will also be entrees like fried calamari, broiled lobster tails and shrimp racanati, ranging from $17-$35.

The Pearl Room [8201 Third Ave. at 82nd Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 833-666]; $52 plus tax. Seatings begin at 4 pm on Dec. 24. Also open Dec. 25. Reservations required. Gargiulo’s [2911 W. 15th St. between Mermaid and Surf avenues in Coney Island, (718) 266-4891]. Reservations required, last seating at 8:30 pm. Closed Dec. 25.

Meat

If you’re more of the meat and potatoes kind of family, Henry’s End in Brooklyn Heights has just what you’re looking for. And it’s not just the hearty winter fare that creates the holiday mood.

“We have very festive decorations in the restaurant,” said owner Mark Lahm. “Families come here to enjoy themselves in a calm and comfortable place.”

For a pre-fixed price of $60, diners choose from appetizers including a shaved Brussels sprout salad or stuffed quail in a Pinot Noir reduction, and entrees such as duck with spicy orange glaze and Buffalo hanger steak. A glass of sparkling wine and dessert is included.

In Marine Park, Salvi Restaurant will also be big on the land, serving chicken, veal and lamb dishes at a variety of prices, and Buckley’s Restaurant iwill be serving Christmas Eve dinner with a choice of 12 entrees, including its famous roast prime rib for $29.95.

Henry’s End [44 Henry Street between Cranberry and Middagh Streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 834-1776]; $60 plus tax. Reservations required. Closed Dec. 25; Salvi Restaurant [4420 Quentin Road between Flatbush Avenue and Hendrickson Street in Marine Park, (718) 252-3030]. Seatings at 6 pm and 8:30 pm on Dec. 24. Reservations required. Closed Dec. 25; Buckley’s Restaurant [2926 Avenue S at Nostrand Avenue in Marine Park, (718) 998-4222]; Reservations required. Open Dec. 24 from 5-9 pm. Closed Dec. 25.

Vegetarian

If you’re looking to keep off the pounds this holiday season, the excellent Sun in Bloom in Park Slope wants to help.

“Raw living food and gluten free items are perfect for people who want to keep pounds off and feel light after their holiday meals,” said owner Aimee Follette. “Friends and family will be delighted by the pleasure of our dishes and feel lighter, energized, and healthy.”

This vegan restaurant is serving delicious treats like pumpkin-yam soup, three bean chili with gluten free corn bread, rosemary thyme stuffing and raw apple pie at a variety of prices. You won’t miss meat.

Sun in Bloom [460 Bergen St. between Fifth and Flatbush avenues in Park Slope, (718) 622-4303]. Open Dec. 24 from 8 am-3 pm. Reservations required. Take-out option is available. Closed Dec. 25.

All of the above

Can’t decide on what you want just yet? Two Williamsburg restaurants will be serving up a range of French and German holiday dishes for you to feast on.

Le Comptoir will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas, with specials including baked oysters with champagne sabayon, lobster salad, Beef Wellington, and even a foie gras tasting menu on both nights, as well as a lobster-heavy brunch on Christmas.

For more of a German spin, Loreley Williamsburg will be serving a special dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas. For $38, enjoy a three-course meal with a choice of grilled filet mignon or Eisbein (grilled pork shank) or Kartoffelgratin (vegetarian casserole), with a housemade apple strudel or traditional stollen cake for dessert. Drink it all down with a choice of beer or glass of mulled Glühwein. It’ll be the start of a new tradition.

Meanwhile, on Court Street in Carroll Gardens, Marco Polo is doing what it does best. Sticking with traditional Italian fish dishes, guests can enjoy appetizers like fried calamari for $13.95 and entrees such as “baccala alla livornese” which is dry codfish sautéed with potatoes, onions, capers and olives for $24.95.

Le Comptoir [251 Grand St. near Roebling Street in Williamsburg, (718) 486-3300], open Dec. 24 from 5-11 pm and Dec. 25 from noon-8 pm. Reservations recommended; Loreley Williamsburg [64 Frost St. near Meeker Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 599-0025]. Open from 5 pm-midnight for dinner. Reservations recommended; Marco Polo [345 Court St. at Union Street in Carroll Gardens, (718) 852-5015]. Reservations required. 

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Sparta! American Gladiators-esque race to invade Brooklyn

By Roxanna Asgarian

This race is epic.

On Aug. 15, spears will be wielded and mud will fly when the Spartan Race invades Floyd Bennett Field.

The extreme contest — think “American Gladiator” meets Navy SEAL training — draws 1,500 competitors to test their mettle in an hour-long race comprised of such obstacles as a mud pit, fire jump and barbwire crawl (ouch!).

“Leave your comfort zones at home,” said race Director Brian Duncanson. “This is an extreme sporting event [but one] about the fun — getting dirty, getting down in the mud, something exciting and new.”

The 5K run is based upon the type of fitness training Spartan warriors underwent in ancient Greece, and, in a nod to that, would-be warriors from around the tri-state area will break out their Spartan armor and red tunics as they attempt such trials as the spear throw, balance beam obstacle course and wall climb, all intended to physically — and mentally — test the runners.

“Some people find the typical 5K a little boring,” said Spartan Race spokesman Doug Drotman. “This race adds a little action and strategy to what would normally be a traditional run in the park.”

Joe Chick, a Fort Greene-based marathon runner, decided to celebrate his birthday out at Floyd Bennett Field by channeling his inner Spartan and running the race with 35 of his closest friends.

“It’s something different, it’s not just going out to dinner or a happy hour,” said Chick, who had shirts emblazoned with a baby chick leaning on a Spartan war helmet and the words “I’m doing this for a chick” (a play on his last name) made for the race.

“My friends come from varied backgrounds. Some are just looking to finish the race, while others, like me, hope to do really well.”

For those not brave enough to enter the race, there will be live entertainment, BBQ and games all day at the park. You can even get your face painted and a set of spray-on abs so you can cheer on the warriors in true ancient Greek style.

The Aug. 15 spectacle is the third in an international series, with races also held in Montreal, Houston, and Manchester, England, among other cities. The ultimate Spartan warrior with the fastest race time from each city will be awarded an “authentic” Spartan spear, as well as a spot in the intimidatingly named Death Race, a 36-hour ultra endurance test held annually in Vermont.

The words of Homer may also serve as a motivating force: “I too shall lie in the dust when I am dead, but now let me win noble renown.”

That Homer, he really could write.

Spartan Race at Floyd Bennett Field [Flatbush Avenue and Aviation Road in Marine Park, (718) 758-7556], Aug. 15 from 8 am-6 pm. Entrance fee is $70, free to watch. For info, visit www.spartanrace.com.

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Go 'Fourth'

By Ben Kochman

On July 4, the smart set stays right here in Brooklyn rather than rushing off to beaches (we’ve got those), parties (check) or hot concerts (um, this is music city, after all). Don’t believe us, here’s our full guide to this weekend (so full, in fact, that you’ll need to take Monday off).

Friday

Kicking off the holiday weekend, Prospect Park will be ablaze on Friday night, as Jamaican reggae veterans Fab 5 hit the Celebrate Brooklyn stage. The group will celebrate its 40 years on tour with an evening of lively grooves. Opening will be percussionist Junior Wedderburn’s band Uzalo, who will get the party hopping with a “cornucopia of rhythm.”

Afterwards, head down to Coney Island’s weekly Friday night fireworks over the Boardwalk. Shot from the beach, the bombs burst directly overhead, dazzling beach-front revelers. Deno’s Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone Roller Coaster and the Brooklyn Cyclones are some of the sponsors who make this festive tradition possible.

Fab 5 at the Prospect Park band shell [enter at Prospect Park West and Ninth Street, (718) 855-7882], 7:30 pm. Free; Fireworks (between W. 10th and W. 12th streets, no phone) begin at 9:30 pm. Free.

Saturday

The Brooklyn Cyclones offer fans a chance to pre-game the holiday on July 3 with fireworks display plus a BBQ tool set giveaway so you can grill in style this Fourth. Pepsi outfits the first 2,500 fans in attendance with free grilling paraphernalia before the Cyclones beat the despised Staten Island Yankees. The team celebrates Independence Day with post-game fireworks shot from the outfield. Sounds like a home run.

If you’d rather watch a film than baseball, head the Old American Can Factory, where Rooftop Films screens a selection of shorts that are sure to make foodies blush. In a collection from the Umami film festival, viewers will witness experimental interpretations of the complex power that food possesses. Umami is the Japanese word for “savory,” and these films hope to capture the elusive yet satisfying taste of a savory, earthy delight.

After stimulating your mind, quench your thirst at an after-party, where free Radeburger Pilsner will be on tap. That’s free, as in you can drink as much as you want.

Later, rewind back to 1980 at Brooklyn Bowl, where rockers Destroy Babylon will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of “London Calling” by performing The Clash’s famed album in its entirety.

Destroy Babylon describes its sound as “punky reggae,” which makes them a good fit to honor The Clash, who were known to experiment not only with various substances but with different musical styles.

Independence Day Celebration at MCU Park [1904 Surf Ave. at W. 17th Street in Coney Island, (718) 449-8497]. Game starts at 6 pm; Films at Old American Can Factory [232 Third St. between Sackett and Union streets in Gowanus, (718) 417-7362] begin at 8 pm. Tickets are $10; Destroy Babylon at Brooklyn Bowl [61 Wythe Ave. between 12th and 13th Street in Williamsburg, (718) 963-3369] starts at 8 pm. Tickets $5.

Sunday

It will be man-eat-dog mania when the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest returns to Coney Island. Last year, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut set an all-time record of 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, and has apparently sent Takeru Kobayashi packing as he goes for his fourth consecutive title at the corner of Stillwell and Surf avenues. If Kobayashi doesn’t show, look out for “Notorious B.O.B” Bob Shoudt — who just recently surpassed Kobayashi for the No. 2 eater.

If you’re a betting man, head on over to Willie’s Dawgs instead and sign up for the Park Slope spot’s hot dog eating contest lottery pool, with the spoils (a $100 discount at Park Slope Veterinary Care) going to whoever correctly predicts the amount of hot dogs it will take to win Coney Island’s fabled event (last year it was 68, and everyone knows that Chestnut will eat 74 this year). The hot dog joint plans to donate all proceeds from the lottery to the Sean Casey Animal Rescue organization, which helps keep man’s best friends safe.

Later, head to Floyd Bennett Field for a Fabolous day. That’s no misprint: the Brooklyn MC will co-headline the third annual Brooklyn Music Festival at Aviator Sports. He’s joined by the infamous Shaggy, whose hit song “Wasn’t Me” lit up the charts in the late 1990s, and B.O.B, the young budding rap star from Atlanta who topped the charts in 2010 with his soulful ballad “Nothin’ on You.” Other acts include Tony Matterhorn and Lady Saw, two Jamaican dancehall deejays who plan to ignite the dance floor, and Jamaican crooner Barrington Levy.

For those looking to move, put on your Fourth of July dancing shoes and head out to Bushwick for a patriotic powwow of massive proportions. The Sunday Best crew is at it again with its self-proclaimed “best doggone backyard barbecue in Brooklyn,” at its new home at Brooklyn Fire Proof. Burgers, corn on the cob and, of course, hot dogs will be on the grill, while special DJ guest Rich Medina will keep the tunes pumping from 3 pm into the night — but ending early enough for you to catch some fireworks.

And for a good old-fashioned picnic, head to Bay Ridge for state Sen. Marty Golden’s third annual gathering. Blues Circus, the Groove, High Tides, Piranha Bros., The Ridge, and Frank Marra and His Band will provide the tunes, while hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, drinks and ice cream will be available.

Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan’s Famous [between Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island, (718) 946-2202], noon; Hot dog eating contest lottery at Willie’s Dawgs [351 Fifth Ave. between Fifth and Sixth streets in Park Slope, (718) 832-2941], noon. Enter for $5; Brooklyn Music Festival at Floyd Bennett Field [3159 Flatbush Ave. off the Belt Parkway in Marine Park, (718) 758-7556], noon to 10 pm. Tickets $59; Sunday Best at Brooklyn Fireproof [119 Ingraham St. at Porter Avenue in Bushwick, (718) 456-7570], 3-9 pm. Tickets $12. RSVP to rsvp@sundaybestnyc.com; Greater Bay Ridge Fourth of July Picnic [82nd Street and Shore Road, (718) 238-6044], 11 am to 9 pm. Free.

Monday

What better way to mark Independence Day than through an exhibit devoted to the Revolutionary War?

At the Harbor Defense Museum in Bay Ridge, you can explore artifacts from the period that were used to secure your freedom, including a three-pound cannon, Coehorn mortar and 18th-century Charleville musket at its permanent exhibition devoted to the war.

And if you’re looking to shake things up on your day off and throw in some variety, head on over to Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO for a night of tap-dancing bears, Kung Fu juggling, clown bands, sword swallowers, physical comedy and more. It’s all part of the Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show, so anything’s possible. Hope to one day be part of the act? Get a set of juggling balls and spend the day beforehand at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 and practice, practice, practice.

“Battle of Brooklyn, August 27, 1776” at the Harbor Defense Museum [230 Sheridan Loop at Sterling Drive in Bay Ridge, (718) 630-4349], 10 am-4 pm. Free; Bindlestiff Variety Show at Galapagos Art Space [16 Main St. at Water Street, (718) 222-8500], 8 pm. Tickets $5.

— with Stephen Goodstein and Damian Harris-Hernandez

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Your 'Gateway' to Native American culture

Finally, someone has put the wow in pow wow.

And that means a half-naked man in a loincloth juggling a two-headed torch.

“It’s pretty dangerous — a way of showing the prowess and fearlessness of a warrior and his agility,” said Cliff Mathias, director of the Redhawk Arts Council, which will sponsor the Samoan “Fire Knife” dance as part of its three-day “Gateway to Nations” Native American festival, starting on June 4.

The all-weekend event brings together more than 1,000 Native American artists, performers and educators, demonstrating the finest in Native American song, dance, drumming, food and art.

Spectacles don’t all feature fire, but they’re all exciting, including the Men’s Fancy War, where men spin furiously with a circle of eagle feathers on their backs; the Hoop Dance, performers use small hoops to create shapes of animals while they dance to traditional drumming; and singing groups from northern Canada.

The visual element of the festival is another draw, said Mathias, thanks to the colorful regalia of the performers — from giant feather headpieces to buckskin dresses.

“It’s a modern take on our old styles,” said Mathias. “We still dance and sing the same, but we do use a lot of bright colors, which I think a lot of people are surprised by when they come to the pow wow.”

Indeed, the majority of the attendees are not of Native American descent (especially since Brooklyn’s American Indian population comprises half a percent of the borough’s population), but merely show up to experience the culture and authentic Native American cuisine, including buffalo burgers, venison stew, corn soup and fry bread.

This year, the festival, which typically has a strong emphasis on Native American culture of New York state, will be branching out to encompass indigenous people from outside the U.S., including a performance by a Polynesian dance troupe.

“Gateway to Nations” at the Gateway National Recreation Area Floyd Bennett Field [50 Aviation Rd. off Flatbush Avenue in Marine Park, (718) 258-0324], Friday, June 4, 10-5 pm; Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6, 11 am-7 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and children (6 and under free). For info, visit www.redhawkcouncil.org.

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