Root Hill Cafe

Rose-Emma is a contender!

2012-02-21T13:31:00.000-05:00

Photo by Stefano Giovannini

Rose-Emma uses a sword to make latte art

Love is in the Air

2012-02-11T22:34:00.000-05:00

Love is in the air in Gowanus, Root Hill Cafe continues its ongoing series celebrating local art with a new exhibit by Brooklyn-based artist and architect Caleb Crawford. His collection of hand-drawn Valentine’s Day cards, saved over the past 10 years, began as a tribute to “the two women in his life,” his wife Annie, and 14-year-old daughter, Madeline.

“The cards are a parallel to a series of drawings I variously call Form Poems, Autodidactic Drawings, and Useless Drawings,” Crawford said of his work. “These Valentines are confections. Their sole intent is delight.”

Because they were gifts, the original drawings displayed are not for sale, but framed copies, as well as postcard sets of 10, are available for purchase at Root Hill through the end of February. Custom drawings can be commissioned for Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries.

Caleb Crawford is a practicing artist and architect living and working in Brooklyn. He is a graduate of Pratt Institute and SCI-Arc in LA. To learn more about Caleb Crawford, or to commission his work, visit his blog and website.

Crawford’s wife of 18 years, renowned artist and designer Annie Coggan, recently displayed her own work as part of the RHC Arts Series in a 3D exhibit, "The Chair Show." Other local artists previously featured in the space include Frank Ishman, Lourdes Sánchez and Percy Aguayo.

Winter Time

2012-01-26T12:05:00.000-05:00

Holiday Hours

2011-12-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

The Best Gift Idea Ever!

2011-12-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, so we have the perfect gift for your coffee crazed friend or family member!

This is our Gift Certificate:

This glorious form of currency can be any amount you desire. It can be used to purchase anyone of our coffee or expresso drinks made by our fabulous baristas.... or be used to grab a bag of the new Root Hill Blend! It can also be used to purchase a sweet pastry in the morning or something savory in the afternoon. It is the ultimate gift.

Here it is again in a different light.

Just look at it! It's so pretty!

Don't just think of it as a slender piece of paper with a really cool looking design on it, but view it as an opportunity for its recipient to get a sip or bite of pure goodness.

People will totally be envious of this gift, so it's best to go ahead a get a few so none of your friends or family get jealous.

Happy Holidays!

Take us with you

2011-12-15T08:09:00.000-05:00

Next week many of you will be heading off to see your family and friends in other parts of the world. You should know that we will miss you very much. We will miss seeing your sleepy-eyed faces in the morning and your awake selves in the evening; we will miss the brief conversations we have that give us an insight into your exciting day; we will miss the simple nod or tip of the hat from some of you; and we will really miss that smile you give after your first sip of coffee. All of this means so much and that smile in particular means that all our hard work has been worth it. But we understand you have to go away, so why not take something with you... something that will make us both smile.
How about your very own Root Hill Coffee...

What's inside is a blend that's a little bit artist, a little bit city, and made with a whole lot of love. Grab the very first bag of the Root Hill Blend today!

Art Up: Annie Coggan

2011-12-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

If you stop by this week you will immediately notice something different about the our space. Hung along the north wall is a row of wooden chairs all painted with light blue. Some parts of these chairs are painted with green, yellow, & red; some parts of these chairs have been replaced by seemingly unrelated objects.

So what's the deal? Is Root Hill becoming a furniture store? No, these beautiful pieces are created by artist and designer Annie Coggan, who's work we'll be featuring this month. Annie Coggan work uses furniture as a means of story telling. Her work personifies everyday objects, in order to give them a whole new meaning. Her work has been shown nationwide and she has been noted by Interior Design Magazine, Design Sponge, Bloesem, and Yatzer, to name a few.

Come by and see this very unique neo-folk art.

You've earned it

2011-12-02T07:22:00.001-05:00

You've had a busy post-holiday week and you deserve something special. There is a mountain of muffins available or something else rewarding for all your hard work this week. Come by and enjoy!

If you're not in too much of a rush or even in a tired haze you might want to considered justing down and enjoying your treat. This is what you do: grab a treat, grab a coffee, and just stare out our large window. Do a little people watching... and then, if you really have to, go rush off to your day.

Interview with photographer Frank Ishman

2011-11-27T14:59:00.001-05:00

Over the past month we have had the honor of showing 'Visibility' from international photographer Frank Ishman. Frank has worked for a wide variety of clients such as: Paramount Motion Pictures, Flux Magazine, International Rescue Committee, American Cancer Society, Bank of America and JDC. Frank's style has a very unique quality that somehow transcends the flatness of a 2D medium. He illustrates the emotional state of his subjects and then compels the viewer to identify with it. We had the pleasure of talking to Frank about 'Visibility', his travels, and how he captures his art.

Can you tell us about 'Visibility' now up at Root Hill Cafe?

[It's] Redondo Beach, California. I was out there showing my book and going to meetings, [while] staying with a friend. One thing I had to do [for my friend] was walk his dog. I got up in the morning and tried to figure out where I was taking the dog. The first few times I went out it was later in the day, so it didn't really look like those images [from 'Visibility']. One morning I got up really early…went down to a pier and there was this magical sort of thing happening. So, I ran the dog back to the house and grabbed my camera…. And then started shooting. For four days after that I took pictures every morning. It's this, sort of, reveal from every single day; as the fog opened up, I'd see something different…. It was really organic, and it just happened.

How did you arrive at the title for the series?

Initially it was walking into perfect lighting conditions; not necessarily with perfect backgrounds…. [T]he atmosphere and mother nature kind of showed me what it wanted me to see. I really wasn't seeking anything out. I shot images where it was completely clouded over…and you couldn't see anything through the fog…. But then, I shot some where it was just perfect. I'd look one way, but it wouldn't work, and then turn and it would be like "that's it!" Everyday certain things were visible and certain things weren't. That's where the title came from…'Visibility'. It's kind of turned into something I want to do in Detroit, Boston, [and] Atlanta. …[I'll] go out in the morning or at night just when it's dark… and capture what can kind of be seen.

How do you get your shots?

I usually see the shot before I put the camera up to my eye…. I want to take the picture fast enough so I can get what I am seeing, even if it's a guesstimate of what I think is going to happen. I feel a rush playing 'beat the clock'. I can kind of see a scene unfold and it's like (hand gestures taking a photo) I need to be there for it…. It was magical in a sense that the first two images [in 'Visibility'] were kind of unexpected. It's the world of digital, you know…you don't have to go to a lab to process. I immediately saw the image on the screen, and I started working backwards….

I see shots left and right. I don't really stop and think about exposure. I just pick [the camera] up and know this feels 'more silhouetted' or 'this feels more open' or 'this could be a good exposure…and it just happens.

What do you shoot with?

For ['Visibility'] I shot with LEICA digital M8. I also shoot with Hasselblad with digital back; I shoot with a 4 x 5 with a digital back...I shoot with everything really. The newest one I shoot with is a Fuji X100.

You seem to travel a lot. Where do you like shooting the most?

India and Ireland. I lived in India for a year. Lived in London for three years, but went to Ireland a bit…. When I look now at ['Visibility'], it kind of looks like Ring of Kerry or around that area…. Although the pallette of the places that I love has little to do with what I shoot…. I would say the influences are more personal. It's that initial feeling I get from a shot or it's something I've read or seen…. It's a feeling [that] I try to capture.

Frank's work will only be up for another week so stop by and check it out.

You can see more of Frank's photography and film work at: FrankIshman.com

Thanksgivin'

2011-11-23T22:55:00.000-05:00

We will be closed for Thanksgiving, but re-open at 8:30a on Friday to get you going before you go shopping, sleeping, or whatever!

Get Ready with a Sloppy Joe

2011-11-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, so you know you're going to eat a lot on Thursdays. Which is fine because it's Thanksgiving! the holiday / sporting event where you eat... and eat... and eat. Like all sporting events you really should prepare yourself physically.
But how does one prepare for the throes of a turkey (fo-turkey) and pie eating marathon?
Well, you eat something substantial a day or two before the event!
And boy do we have something substantial for you to sink your teeth into.

This is our Sloppy Joe!

This dish is no joke, it has all the sloppiness that comes with a normal sloppy joe...

...along with mashed potatoes and a pickle on the side!

Root Hill is here to get you ready for your food marathon! Come by and be prepared for the holiday!

No Impact Friday

2011-11-18T09:06:00.001-05:00

It's No Impact Friday!!! Those participating will receive a free small coffee or tea with a food purchase because your fantastic. Keep walking and keep ridding!

To find out more about the event or to enter to win a signed copy of the book No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process check out www.GoGreenStrees.org

Little Tart

2011-11-14T11:58:00.001-05:00

It can fit in the palm of your hand. It's like a pie only more compact. It's so tasty that you may need more than one. It's an Apple Tart!

It's made with fresh Granny Smith apples with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon... placed in a Breton crust which is like a sugar cookie.

So, let's review...
-fresh apples that are caramelized
-mixed with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon
-placed in a sugar cookie!

It's clearly impossible to resist, so you better grab one quick!

Yum Yum!

2011-11-11T08:01:00.001-05:00

Here's some morning goodness!

Art Up: Frank Ishman

2011-11-07T08:56:00.001-05:00

Now on our canvas like walls the work of Frank Ishman!

Celebrated photographer Frank Ishman has traveled extensively, living and working in various places around the world. He has built up an impressive amount of commercial work, including conceptual pieces of people and places, portraits, travel and documentary, fashion and beauty, and custom assignments.

Frank brings his unique, vision, aren't sense of lighting, and strong work ethic to each job. He moves between commercial and fine art styles easily, and enjoys incorporating one into the other while always maintaining his focus on the subject.

Born in Connecticut and raised in southern California, Frank received his education and training at Morehouse Collect and the Art Institute of Atlanta. Frank has lived in London, India, New Zealand and throughout the United States, and now calls New York City his home.

To see more of Franks work please visit his website at: www.FrankIshman.com

Blue Viper playin Sunday

2011-11-05T08:27:00.000-04:00

For Sunday's New York Marathon we will have the toe tappiniest group on planet earth playing out front... the Blue Vipers! Come watch the race with a nice warm cup of coffee and some great tunes.

Friday's Specials

2011-10-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

-Soup: Lentil Veg + Spiced Coconut Pumpkin Bisque
-Quiche: Smoked Salmon + Spinach
-Mac & Cheese w/garlic thyme breadcrumbs
-Grilled Cheese

Sandwiches:
-Turkey Breast w/ brie, slice apples, + honey dijon w/ greens
-Baba ghanoush w/roasted red pepper + cucumber + greens
-Slice hanger steak (red wine, garlic, + rosemary marinade) w/ Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions + roasted garlic mayo

Sides & Mains:
-Beet salad w/orange
-Orzo w/feta kalamata olives, capers + slow roasted tomato vinaigrette
-Roasted Sweet Potatoes + red onions w/ wilted garlic kale
-Chicken Salad
-Egg Salad
-House Salad

Come by have a bite or two or three!

The Deal With Those Tiny Spoons

2011-10-26T07:46:00.001-04:00

If you're not a coffee expert (and it's okay if you're not) than you might not know the deal with the tiny spoons that come with a shot of espresso. It's not because we want you to feel like you're at a child's tea party or because these tiny spoons have some sort of magic power; it's because some people believe an espresso shot should be stirred just before drinking.

Why you ask? The process of making an espresso creates layers. As your friendly Barista pulls the shot (makes the the espresso) the heavier elements begin to fall to the bottom. The lightest part, known as the "crema" stays on the top. Some believe that you need to mix all the elements together, including the "crema", to get the full taste of the espresso shot. While still others believe the opposite, that one should experience each layers as they drink the shot. It actually makes for a huge discussion with some purest, but we think you should make your own. One day maybe stir and maybe the next don't stir your espresso. It's really up to you. The import part is that you remember to just enjoy!

We've got the Beets

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this is one vegetable that is super charged for your health.
Beets are one of the best vegetables you can get! They contain loads of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and anti-oxidants; think orange meets banana then hooks up with raisin. It's the power punch of healthy goodness you need midday. This veggie is so badass that it can helps the body fight against heart disease and certain cancers. To top that, the beet taste exquisite in a salad! Oh, and look we have a salad for you...

Come by and make a healthy choice!

We now have Single Origin Pour Overs!

2011-10-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

What's a Pour Over you ask? Think really good coffee and multiply it by 1000! The short version is: get the best coffee beans, grind them up, put it in a filter over a cup, and pour hot water over the coffee so that the goodness just drips slowly into the cup below. As the hot water is poured it actually causes the coffee grounds to billow up like a mini volcano of coffee deliciousness inside the filter.

For our Pour Overs Dallis Bros. gets the coffee from a relatively small village of Yirgacheffe, which sits in the lush southwestern province of Sidamo. In the mid 20th century, Central American techniques of washing the coffee pulp and skin off of the fruit of the coffee were introduced to the region. With this advancement in processing techniques, new flavor profiles were discovered as intrinsic to the coffees in the vicinity. These ‘Yirgacheffe’ coffees became famous throughout the coffee world for intense floral aromatics, honey - like sweetness, and distinct notes of citrus.

Farm: Kochere

Growing Region: Yirgacheffe

Harvest Season: September – December

Varietals(s): Ethiopian Heirloom Varieties

Altitude: 6,500 feet above sea level

Processing: Washed and sun dried on patios

Cup: Sweet and clean notes dominate this cup. Lavender, sweet leoman and a big chocolatey body define this beautiful coffee.

Black Quinoa Salad

2011-10-12T07:21:00.000-04:00

Need something healthy for lunch... try the Black Quinoa Salad!

But what's Quinoa? -okay, so it's like couscous, but not at all couscous. Quinoa is a seed that gets fluffy on the outside and stays crunching on the inside when it's cooked. It's a pretty fantastic little seed that has been used by humans for 3000 years. Quinoa's taste is a little complex since your mind thinks it might be rice or even oatmeal. Overall the flavor is more like that of a basic cereal with a touch of nuttiness. For our Black Quinoa salad we've sliced in Red Bell Peppers, scallions, celery, dried canneries, and lemon juice to make the perfect balance of taste and texture. Come by today and try this tasting lunch time dish!

An Interview With Lourdes Sánchez

2011-10-06T08:54:00.001-04:00

For the first gallery showing after our new 'rearrange' we couldn't think of anyone's work that would be more fitting than the art of Lourdes Sánchez. We are pretty sure you or someone you know are familiar her work. Lourdes is a well know artist and textile designer; her work has been used by: West Elm, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger, Macy's Home, Victoria Secret, Ralph Lauren, Pottery Barn Kids, to name a few. The pattern she creates in her studio here in Gowanus, Brooklyn (and soon in Merida, Yucatan) are brilliant splashes of paint that are beyond ones imagination. Some of her designs pop with color, others have a muted tone, but no matter the pallet choice they are always original and unique.

We sat down with Lourdes to learn about the individual paintings she has hanging here at Root Hill and also to find out what she is up to next.

Why is the show called "Turning?

"Things were changing for me…. I could feel something building, something …happening…. [I have] just a few clients now that I am doing stuff for…. and…I am getting ready to go to Mexico…. So, I took a month off… [The new paintings were] made at the end of August just turning into fall. It was during pre-Irene, the days before the storm [when] things felt like they were percolating and moving…but somehow still. Our lives are like that when things are feel still, but yet somehow moving. I think that's where the cafe was at too; something was happening, but you didn't know exactly what. So Stephen Kelly, [the architect for the 'rearrange'], said let's call your show "Turning". And that was right on! It made sense and covered a lot of the situations that were happening."

Tell us about the work on display:

"These works are…a watercolor technique that…when [the colors] touch they affect each other…. You don't really know what's going to happen, until it does. It will do something and you may not like it… but you just go on and without worrying about it…. [For display] they are...heat transferred onto fabric."

What's the deal with the teardrop shape in a few of your pieces?

"Oh, they're 'plewds'…agitation drops from cartoons.... It's a word coined by Mort Walker of Beetle Bailey fame. 'Plewds'…are like all these expressions we have like 'sweating bullets' or like 'crying buckets'. It can represent that you're focused or that something's changing. It can be like you're exercising really hard or that you're anxious; your body's exuding heat and you're chemically changing…. That's what I see with these things shaped like tears…..
I saw this shape in Catholic School with the 'Sacred bleeding heart of Jesus', [it's] the blood running down the thorns. It's so morbid, but also fascinating like Creature Feature. [The shape] is just stuck in my psyche from way back.

In this case [for these pieces], when the shapes are touching they are changing. It [connotes] the way we go through…so much drama and…looking back and see [these moments] can be kind of funny."

Tell us about the piece on the wall above the condiment area:

"I drew out a shape…almost shield like…and… it started out as a pretty precise drawing. The [colors] were going to touch less at first, but this was painted the afternoon of [Hurricane Irene]…. I had laid out how all the colors were going to go, and I decided I wanted to paint it without stopping…. The paint started to spread more than I intended, and I just let it. When you start painting the paper is stretched, but it starts moving…with the water [from the watercolors] and with the angle of the paper…. [That day] the phone was ringing with people telling me to get out of the house before the storm…but I couldn't stop painting. This…captures the vibe of that day."

What's happening in touching circles?

"This one started out as a much simpler design…. I thought this was going to be [over by the counter] where people could see it when they were ordering…. I wanted something soothing for customers to look at, so they wouldn't give the staff such a hard time. It's supposed to be something that people aren't aware they were looking at…. Sort of lava lamp like…where there are these blobs that have a soothing effect…. I decided to have it so all the 'dots' are touching, which [represents] how 'we' affect each other. There's an effect when people come together, but we don't always know what that effect is. I was creating that effect of touching…. It ended up looking kind of like molecular DNA. This was not intentional…. it just sort of happened."

Why does red and white feel so different than the other pieces?

"I did this about two years ago. It was done when I was doing aboriginal type work. They're contemporary aboriginal work where you start a line, keep going with it, and although it is raw looking, it actually creates a 3D effect when you stare at it. When I sat down to do this one I was thinking about what's sort of primal and central to all of us. I [thought] about spinal columns up the middle and something that radiates out…[like] our nerves, our awareness! That was the effect I was trying to get… a radiating of the spine and nerves. But it can just work as an abstract decorative pattern. That was a part of that West Elm target [bull's-eye] collection where things just radiate out [from the center] of the piece. It's kind of nice having something simpler with one color."

Tell us about yellow the work along the hallway:

"I did that one after…I saw what the floor was going to look like. I just thought it'd be great to have that glowy yellow…. I wanted something that when you sat next to it, you felt warm. I thought it would look good next to the gray. I also vaguely wanted it to look like butter….. Radiating! Something that you'd feel great next to on a rainy or cold day."

What's next for you?

"I am going to do some things for my agent, and then I am going to Mexico where I have to start setting up my studio from scratch…which will be an interesting adventure."

"I think that particular spot [where the studio is going to be] is going to be great. It's like the Gowanus of Merida [Mexico]…. I feel very happy! …when I got off of the bus there a year and a half ago I said "I am going to live here, I just know it!" ….And the fact that it's affordable was just mind blowing to me. I didn't want to live there cause it's cheap, I just wanted to live there! .…it has a Mayan undertone. The only thing that scares me is the womens' fashion. When you go to buy stuff, they have all these ruffles…[and[ these peekaboo Cutouts with gold rings! So, if your going [to Merida] you might want to bring your own clothes."

Have you been inspire by Merida already?

"Last year I made my Christmas Cards there, and I was really inspired by the color of the buildings…. They are Necco Wafer colored. They are not obvious brights, but cut down by grays and whites. It was pretty cool. Having more space will definitely influence [my work]. Also, having more sun will definitely change [my] color pallet."

On being an Artist:

"I really enjoyed doing the paintings…but I also like doing my open design line, [Luli Sánchez]…. I went into Chelsea [to an art gallery] and was like "what makes something important" and "what makes it fine art?"…[I thought] "Would my life be happier if I was considered more of a serious full time fine art artist?", I don't think the answer is "yes". I don't think I would be happier…in that traditional hierarchy… patriarchal way….And I am okay with that. I am happy…as I am."

A Little Extra Shot

Lourdes has one of the cutest dog on the planet named Moonpie. We wondered…
How do you think Moonpie feels?

"I think she's happy cause we go to Root Hill and get bacon. She's actually sat on all those artworks [hanging at Root Hill] at some point. She's put a little weight on cause of all the bacon and treats. I might've created a little bit of a monster. I taught her a trick called "sit pretty". So she does that and people just give her half the croissant. I think Moonpie hates it when I am painting, cause when I am painting I am not taking her out where greasy food might come her way."

We are happy to have Lourdes's work in our new space. Come by and see these rich, colorful pieces on display. Plus, find her other works at: LuliSanchez.com

Like You This Car Runs On Coffee!

2011-09-30T08:53:00.001-04:00

Engineer Martin Bacon and Teesdale Conservation Volunteers of Durham have a bit of an odd goal in life... they wish to take a 'cup of joe' and use it as fuel to not only power a car, but to break a world record!

After stripping the insides of the car they put in a soup-up or we should say 'coffee'd-up' engine. The engine is actually a 'gasifier' that filters the waste granules from the coffee into energy. The coffee is broken down and goes through a process where carbon and steam produce carbon carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Here's a video on how the whole 'this car runs on coffee' works from the car maker...

And here's them breaking a world record by hitting a speed of 66.5 mph!

That amazing!
But we bet we could out run that car with the same amount of coffee.

via

Cortado

2011-09-27T10:52:00.000-04:00

So, you want more espresso flavor than the taste of milk... yet, get more balance than a macchiato? Well, you might want to try a Cortado. It's like a mini cappuccino with almost equal parts espresso and steamed regular milk or soy milk. The balance allows the full body of the espresso to mix with the soft feel of the milk.

Maria, one of Root Hill's owners, really loves this drink and says:

"I like the strength of our espresso
coming through a cortado with soy milk. The nuttiness of the soy milk highlights the nuttiness in the espresso
."

Check out how we make one of Maria's favorite drinks:

First, one of our marvelous barista's, like Natasha, loads the espresso...

Then, we pull a shot...

mmmh... delicious espresso ...

Next, the soy milk is steamed...

The soy milk is then added to the espresso...

Finally, the Cortado is ready for you to enjoy!

Try one today... they're delightful!

Yesterday's Floodin'

2011-09-24T08:58:00.004-04:00

Why yes, that is Michelle and the Root Hill team in a photo on FIPS fighting one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Thanks for noticing!

Image From FIPS

While the FDNY worked to put out a dangerous fire at the Danken, it begin to rain. And when it rains... it sometimes pours. Yes, it flooded again... as it does. (call 311 and say "No more flooding on 4th Ave. & Carroll St." today, tomorrow, & the day after too)

So how'd we do? Well, let's just say we are not a submarine! We were up and running shortly following the flood after a bit of mopping and drying.

a shoeless Percy sweeps out the rain

Come by an have a post-apocalypse espresso shot and see what a newly mopped floor looks like!
Oh and send us your flood photos if you have them to RootHillCafe@gmail.com

As always thanks to everyone for the support!

A Sea of Muffins!

2011-09-20T08:23:00.000-04:00

We're not saying that you have to indulge...but we are saying you will have a goofy grin on your face after you take your first bite. It's like Fall outside... live a little.

Also, one of these has bacon in it...yes bacon! And it will blow your mind!

Art Up: Lourdes Sánchez

2011-09-17T10:38:00.000-04:00

On the walls at Root Hill Cafe you can find the amazing work of Lourdes Sánchez in an exhibit called Turning. Lourdes is a Cuban born, Queens and NJ raised artist and textile designer. Her unique pieces are meticulously hand painted with water colors. She spent 18 years designing prints for the fashion industry before setting up her own studio, Luli Sanchez, in 2004. Her works have appeared at West Elm, Theory, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Target, and many others. She currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY and Merida, Yucatan.

Find out more about Lourdes's art and design check out LuliSanchez.com or contact her at Lourdez@lulisanchez.com

Come by and see these unbelievably beautiful pieces of art!

Just For Fun: 'What Was There' Mapping

2011-09-15T08:41:00.003-04:00

A group called 'Enlighten Ventures of Ann Arbor' is reaching into the past and using technology to bring what has been forgotten into the future. The group has created an global interactive photographic map called What Was There that marks present day and archived photos. Images are marked by the year and exact location., so you can discover what things look like back then. Right now they have 20+ in Park Slope / Gowanus. Check it out at WhatWasThere.com

We're Back!!!

2011-09-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

So we are back in business after a nice refresher!

Take a look at how our rearranging went:

Of course their is more refreshing to be done... such as this seating area that currently looks like an art installation:

We will close early 9/6/2011 at 4pm, so we can keep working. But do not fear... we will be open Wednesday 9/7/11!

Also, this Sunday Sept. 11th we will not be open, but will be back open on Monday.

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful support!

A Doctor says coffee's good for you...

2011-08-25T10:06:00.001-04:00

Coffee has been consumed around the world for ages. The world leaders in coffee consumption are the Scandinavian countries, with Finland no.1, Sweden next, followed by Norway and Denmark with the United States trailing far behind at no. 27 on the list! The world loves its coffee and research has found some very good health reasons why we should love it and drink it!

Speaking of coffee drinkers in Finland, a study done there in 2009 found that people who drank 3-5 cups of coffee a day had a 65% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer disease. We always knew that drinking coffee made us more alert and helped us do better on cognitive tests, but the results of this Finnish study were a real boon to Alzheimer disease research.

In addition, several years ago, a Harvard University questioned whether coffee had any effect on type 2 diabetes. It was found that, indeed, several cups of coffee a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These findings were not related entirely to the caffeine content as decaffeinated versions also showed protective benefits, however, less so.

Coffee, like black, green and white teas, has rather strong antioxidant properties to it. It contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and magnesium which help improve insulin sensitivity which likely accounts for its anti-diabetic effect.

Coffee also contains chemical compounds theophylline and alkaloids which work to relax smooth muscles, as well as inflammation reducing properties. This may be why a 2008 study showed that coffee prevented strokes in men who smoked, but also drank 8 cups of coffee, or black tea, a day.

In yet two other studies called the Nurses’ Health Study and The Health Professionals Study, male and female participants were studied for 25 years. The results showed that people who drank coffee were far more likely to live into old age! That’s right! People who drank 4 cups of coffee a day were found much less likely to die in middle age, especially women. It also concluded that women who drank 2-3 cups of coffee a day had a 25% lower chance of dying from heart disease as well. Men, too, had lowered risks but not as much as women.

In addition to those listed above, other benefits afforded by coffee include:

- Boosts metabolism, appetite control and weight loss

- Helps ease certain headaches

- Lifts mood

- May contribute to decreased risk of some cancers

- Can help certain heart rhythm problems

Mark Rosenberg, M.D. Institute For Healthy Aging

Now serving 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM M-F out front till Sept 6th

2011-08-22T12:58:00.000-04:00

Root Hill Takes a Rest.

2011-08-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

Saturday, August 20th, 12:00 PM

till

Tuesday, September 6th, 7:30 AM

Coffee & Beverages Served on the Front Porch Monday - Friday,

August 22nd - September 2nd.

7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Morning Mr. Donkey..?

2011-08-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

This morning... this little guy is sitting out front of (Park Slope) Family Car Service. It's very existence borders on the absurd! Apparently it is a gift from a recent trip abroad. Guess the donkey is standing guard against any more flood on Carroll St.

Blogger Luv: Emilia Lives Life - Cafe Chronicles

2011-08-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

We've totally been blogged!

EmiliaLivesLife.wordpress.com talks about us! *blush!

On our Coffee they said:

"You feel as if you are getting proper coffee, the real stuff that people should be drinking instead of Starbucks..."

They had a croissant which they said was:

"was very very good"

but due to high demand (you know who you are) they were all eaten on their next visit. doh!

-Stop by again and have some of Pete's mind blowing treats and dishes!

They are also not a fan of our location, but we are cause we are in Gowanus!...Go Gowanus!

Check it out here: Emilia Lives Life - Cafe Chronicles: Root Hill

Thanks Emilia we ♥ bloggers

Something Stuffed

2011-07-20T10:43:00.004-04:00

What's this?

This is a...

Stuffed Pocket filled with Chickpeas, Roasted Onions, Cumin, & Red Pepper!

But it can be so much more...it can be your lunch!

Just take a look at the goodness inside...

A Cup of Excellence with Dallis Bros. Coffee July 19th 6-8pm

2011-07-15T09:42:00.000-04:00

Join Dallis Bros. Coffee and Root Hill Cafe Tuesday, July 19 from 6-8pm in celebrating the coffees from Honduras esteemed enough to reach the nation's 2011 Cup of Excellence auction table. Dallis Bros. Director of Coffee Byron Holcomb will spin tales about his participation in the Cup of Excellence competition in Honduras, as well as guiding us through a cupping of his favorite coffees from the winning finalists. There will be photos, farm stories, slurping, snacks and time for plenty of Q&A.

Free of charge

Four years ago Byron Holcolmb's tolerance for failure and risk made buying a coffee farm in the Dominican Republic seem like a good idea. When he's not sharpening machetes, he's working as the Coffee Director for Dallis Bros. Coffee in New York City, which means that he is responsible for green buying and quality control. He is a coffee person by trade and a clown at heart.

DallisCoffee.com

An Interview with Kelly Anderson director of 'mybrooklyn: The Battle for the Soul of a City'

2011-07-14T08:04:00.001-04:00

Luxury condos rise up like giant monsters, shadowing old communities in a new wave of growth within the County of Kings. People stare at the fancy new storefronts, endure the skyrocketing costs of living, and even get uprooted from their homes by development. Some are convinced that this is the natural order of city life, while others fight tooth and nail against this seemly indestructible system. Does this borough really want to be 'gentrified' or is this sometimes taboo word so confusing that it causes hope and fear all at the same time? These issues and the contentious history behind them are laid out in the new documentary mybrooklyn by Kelly Anderson & Allison Lirish Dean. Within the film they talk with residents about the dramatic changes to their individual neighborhoods in New York City's most populated borough, Brooklyn. Root Hill had a chance to sit down with the director and co-producer of the film, Kelly Anderson, to discuss the details of this project and find out what she needs to complete it.

What inspired you to create this documentary project?

image from mybrooklyn.com

I've been making documentary films on social issues for a long time, but I have never done anything that is really…close to home. I moved to Park Slope in '88 and…lived on 9th street and 5th avenue. I came here because it was diverse, it was know as an activist, engaged, multi-culture community, and that's what I was looking for. –And also it was really cheap to live here at the time. Over the years I've moved from neighborhood [to neighborhood] usually getting pushed further and further out from the, sort of, center that is Park Slope [to] Clinton Hill, Ft. Greene, Boerum Hill…. [I've] been here for twenty five years and have seen the communities really change…. I sort of [caught] on to the fact that…gentrification isn't just this natural process that goes on and there is nothing you can do about it…. I've been apart of that first wave many times where you're an artist and you move in, and you're one of the only white people in the neighborhood…. Over time more come and eventually [the community] has become displaced…and you find that you don't want to live there [anymore]. The place has become this rich white enclave.

When i realized there were some things the city was doing to exacerbate that process, it really pissed me off! And it made me realize that this is not some type of natural inevitable thing that we can't do anything about, this is something the city is fostering…. the thing that made me realize [this] was the downtown zoning in 2004, where all of a sudden I saw all these huge luxury condos going up…one after another in downtown Brooklyn…. [This was] very much displacing this commercial center that was the downtown Brooklyn shopping center. While a lot of people, who are more recent newcomers to Brooklyn, might not feel Fulton Mall has much…it was a extremely successful shopping center for the people that shopped there. People don't know that the Fulton Shopping Center [was] the third most successful shopping center in New York City before this rezoning…. It was a real cultural mecca and there was lots of hip hop history there…. The city was just sort of was oblivious and was always talking about how it needed more 'appealment' to these surrounding communities that had…much higher income residents…. [I] started talking to people trying to figure out what was going on. I realized the changes I was seeing were not inevitable and were policy driven. What's even worse is that a lot of it is funded by our tax money…. those luxury condos that are going up, the people buying them are going to have a tax break for 25 years on their property taxes. Now, I am not sure why that is necessary. I have talked to the developers and they say they need those tax breaks from the city to be able to sell those apartments for those prices. So, to me…tax money subsidizing development that's hugely upscale; it wouldn't be able to happen unless 'we' were pouring public money into it. And there is very little affordable housing being build, so the public benefit is low…. what's up with that?!!

Do you think that these issues revolve around race?

Yeah, i do! I think that if you look at the history (which is something our film does)…[of] these neighborhoods, you find out that historically banks and developers have high jacked public policy in all kinds of ways…to use race to make all kinds of money…. One of the ways they've done [this] is by manipulating the housing market for their goals. The film goes deeply into the history of 'Redlining'…. If you take Bed Stuy as an example, it was an integrated neighborhood till the 40's. Then the banks created these 'Redlining' maps where they raided neighborhoods; people use to think that they would give a "D" rating [which is part of the 'Redlining' system] because [the neighborhood] was all black, but that's actually not really what happened. What happened was that any neighborhoods that had any 'blacks' at all got a "D" rating. So suddenly [at the time] white people who had black neighbors panicked because…their neighborhoods were completely without access to any credit and their property value started plummeting…. The whole reason the realtors, developers, and banks were doing that was to push this new housing development in the suburbs…. they were using race to make money…completely, blatantly, and obviously! The legacy of that is something we are still dealing with…

What's the goal for the documentary?

One of my main goals is get 'white' people to recognize that there are a lot of benefits that they reap now because of this history. Being able to move into these neighborhoods that are very affordable is owed…to those same neighborhoods and those old residents. [We] cannot just let [old residents] be just displaced by new development. Everyone wants reinvestment in their communities, but [people] just don't want to be displaced by it…. [And] we all want diversity. My understanding of Brooklyn has a a lot to do with diversity…

Have you had any unique responses that were different from your own assumptions?

…Yeah, I think going into neighborhoods like Bed Stuy, I was surprised by how much the people actually appreciated the diversity that 'gentrification' had brought to the neighborhood, even as they fear the ultimate impact…. I have noticed that a lot of African American's say: "re-gentrification" instead of just "gentrification"…. I think that is good because they have this historical memory of how the neighborhood use to be diverse and much more stable. Then this terrible thing happened in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's [race dividing]…. There's an understanding that diversity in a neighborhood is a good thing, which has been interesting.

I have been shocked about how uninformed the dialogue of 'gentrification' is. I'll go on Brownstoner.com and [see] a lot of the comments that people make are…without understanding of what's going on. I think that is a good motivation for making the film… we can help elevate the dialogue, so that we can talk about these issue…public policy and what we can actually do….

There is a a lot of blaming black people for the fact that these neighborhoods were poor…. I think this is shockingly racist!

…when we made [the] kickstarter film there were a lot of people that came together…. I was amazed…there seems to be this ripeness for this moment...a kinda of multi-racial conversation and coalition…. [The film] feels very rich with possibilities.

A lot of people from the city surprised me…. [They] seem to feel that you can bring all this investment…and not have any protection and that it's not going to have any negative consequences. I don't know if they really believe that or if they are just taking the party lines.

What do you need now to complete the film?

….This has been a labor of love…. I've paid very few people on the film…. I've been editing myself…. and this film is really close to me…it's dense…. I am too convinced that there [are] fifty things that have to be said. So, what I want to do with this kickstarter money is to hire an editor to come in…. And hopefully find money for the post production….

It takes an immense amount of work to bring this intense subject matter to the big screen. If you'd like to help support this project head over to kickstarters and donate today. Check out the kickstarter video below and go to mybrooklyn.com to learn even more about the film.

Interview by Benjamin Aufill

*Root Hill Cafe does not necessarily endorse any of the views presented in this interview.

Chicken Salad

2011-07-07T12:23:00.000-04:00

Chicken Salad w/ grapes, red unions, pecans, grana padano, &basil

Piece of the Quiche Pie

2011-07-05T11:10:00.001-04:00

Quiche, pronounced kēsh, is a savory French tart that is made with eggs and milk. Quiche was invented in an effort to make everything into pie form by the same guy who named the mathematical term for π (this may or may not be true).
Today our savory quiche goodness has roasted poblano peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar for your enjoyment.

Just an FYI

2011-07-01T09:13:00.001-04:00

Root Hill's hours will be normal all weekend.

On Monday we will be open from 7:30am to 2:00pm

Happy July 4th!

Go America!

Beyond just leafy greens... Our Salads!

2011-06-28T12:29:00.000-04:00

Breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day, but we all skip it sometimes or at least forget to actually eat a 'balanced' morning meal. That's why it is important to known the options for a healthy lunch. We have many different types of salad available, but we realize that some people are not to keen on eating a bunch of leaves to get their midday fuel. That's why are salads are packed with more than just greens. We have:

Orzo w/ cherry tomatos, olives, & garbanzo

Quinoa w/ black bean, red bell peppers, fresh corn, in a lime vinaigrette

Beets with orange slices, walnuts, and chives

A little Brooklyn boy needs your help!

2011-06-27T09:09:00.000-04:00

Recently a little Brooklyn boy was diagnosed with ALD. ALD (adrenoleukodystrophy) is a rare genetic determined neurological disorder and affects the brain with demyelination (the destruction of nerves cells throughout the brain). The disorder makes it so the body is unable to break down big fat molecules, which means the fat molecules build up,clog cells, and eventually damage nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms included visual disturbances, auditory discriminations, impaired coordination, dementia, and seizures. At this time their is no cure for the disorder, but there is an experimental treatment of a bone marrow transplant. The idea is to replace the bad defective ALD gene with new good cells that possibly could break down the fat molecules.

This is where you can help! Today at PS 154, located at 1625 11th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 from 8:30am to 3:00pm, there will be a Bone Marrow Donor drive.

Joining the Be The Match Registry is easy. Patients need donors who are between the ages of 18 and 60, meet the health guidelines and are willing to donate to any patient in need.
When you come to the donor registry drive, we will explain what it means to join the registry, help you understand your commitment, answer your questions and help you through the process.

All you need to do is:

Complete a registration form with contact information, health information and a signed agreement to join the Be The Match Registry. To help you complete the form, bring along:

-Personal identification (such as a driver's license or passport)
-Contact information for two family members or friends who would know how to reach you in the future if your contact information changes

Give four swab samples of your cheek cells to be tissue-typed. We will use the results to match you to patients.

Who is eligible:
To join you must be age - 18 to 60

You cannot have:
* AIDS/HIV
* Autoimmune Diseases
* Back, Neck, Hip, and Spine issues related to Herniation
* Bleeding Problems
* Brain Injury/Surgery
* Breathing Problems/Sleep Apnea
* Cancer
* Diabetes - Insulin Dependent
* Epilepsy
* Heart Disease/Stroke
* Hepatitis
* Kidney Problems
* Liver Disease
* Lyme Disease/Tick-Borne Disease
* Organ or Tissue Transplant
* Pregnancy
* Sexually Transmitted Diseases
* Tuberculosis
The subsidized cost for our drive is $25 per registrant. If you are unable to pay, but still want to join, the cost will be covered for you.

For more information visit www.marrow.org

What's this?

2011-06-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

So last night some magical fairies stopped in and delivered this?

But what is it exactly? Well since our Chef Pete cranks out so many different kinds of sweet and savory items we thought it best to have a place to put them. This case will hold the vast amount of muffins, cupcakes, cookies, bagels, crumb buns, and other new items that he creates right here at Root Hill. We are very excited!

Brief History of Cupcakes

2011-06-08T12:36:00.000-04:00

Cupcakes were invented by the Gods to tame the wild humans on planet earth.

During the 19th Century the framework for cooking food at home changed dramatically. Advancements like indoor plumbing, stove technology, and food storage transformed the kitchen. With these new features baking became more efficient. New concepts emerged as the kitchen quickly evolved; ideas like making cakes smaller decreased baking time and, we assume, increased the joy in baking cakes. These smaller cakes were known as 'number cakes' because of their simplistic and easy to remember ingredient amounts. The term "cupcake" first appeared in an 1828 cookbook E. Leslie's 'Receipts', although the name origin is still not known. By the 20th Century consumerism standardized bakeware in the kitchen. And by the 1950s most kitchens had some type of metal 'cupcake' pan that featured 6 to 12 cups for mini cakes.

The cupcake has become a staple for baked items in the home kitchens and an elaborate version is now standard for most bakeries. We tend to like ours the best. Just look at that icing! It's crazy good!

Our cupcakes are so good they attack each other

Ice Cream Sandwiches

2011-06-07T13:10:00.000-04:00

This is a jaw dropping drool inducing Chocolate Chip Chunk Ice Cream Sandwich made by Chef Pete! In the middle you'll find some fantastic vanilla ice cream that is frozen just perfectly. Up top and on bottom are two chocolate chip chunk cookies. Once you've bitten in to this bad boy there is no turning back. You're going to get messy and that just dandy! Oh, and it is as good as it looks! The taste is the kind that makes you forget all your worries and moves into the cool calm world of deliciousness.
If you like chocolate and peanut butter then try our Peanut Butter Cookie with Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich or have a Strawberry Ice Cream sandwich that has two molasses spiced cookies which have crystallized ginger in them wrapping strawberry ice cream.
Come by and have one...it's Tuesday you've earned it!

Cupcakes!!!

2011-06-03T13:11:00.001-04:00

Beautiful Weather, Beautiful Iced Tea

2011-06-02T12:37:00.000-04:00

Legend has it that at the 1904 Worlds Fair in St. Louis a tea plantation owner offered up samples of his 'hot' tea for people to try. Unfortunately, it was hot day, so a plan was hatched to add ice to all the tea. The 20 million people attending the fair noticed the new style of serving tea 'iced' and Iced Tea became popular from that day forward.

On a nice day like today nothing really beats of cool glass of iced tea. The various flavors are not only pleasant to the tongue, they also create sweet looking colors in the beautiful in the sunlight.

We have Ceylon Black, Passion Fruit Green, and Blood Orange Herbal tea for you....

basking in the sun: Blood Orange Herbal Tea

a toast to a lovely day

Morning Goodness: Crumb Bun

2011-06-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

On Monday we will Open at little later

2011-05-27T12:33:00.000-04:00

Since Monday is a holiday we will be opening at 8:30am instead of our usual 7:30am. Our Saturday and Sunday hours will not change. Drop by and grab a fabulous drink and/or tasty treat baked fresh at Root Hill by Pete of Little Buddy Biscuit Company.

Get Balanced with Bend & Bloom Yoga

2011-05-26T10:10:00.004-04:00

Bend & Bloom is a calming studio that offers over fifty different classes on Yoga. They are dedicated to teaching balance both mentally and physically. The primary yoga offered at Bend & Bloom is Vinyasa Flow, which is a cleansing style of Yoga that requires only one breath per movement. This can be quite rigorous, but this technique helps with building body control and mental focus. Bend & Bloom is offering a deal for Root Hill customers. If you swing by and grab their spring schedule in our postcard area you can receive a 15% discount on Adult 10 or 20 yoga class packs or Kids yoga seasonal enrollment. Get balance with your life with Bend & Bloom located at 708 Sacket St. btw 4th & 5th Ave in Park Slope.

Forecast: Gorgeous with a side of Ice Coffee!

2011-05-25T07:37:00.000-04:00

Eat Me of the Day: Spiced Cookie

2011-05-18T14:47:00.000-04:00

Got a sweet tooth that is only overpowered by your love of spicy things? We have something for you!

This is a seamlessly a normal looking chocolate chocolate-chip cookie. But you are being deceived! Something inside it is very different from a normal cookie. Sure when you take that first bite you will be transported back to being a kid, but that will only last a moment; for hidden inside its' deliciousness is a peppery spice that will make you happy your taste buds have evolved since being a child. It's got the perfect balance sweet and spice that's been missing from the 'humdrum' of your everyday chocolate-chip cookies. Come by and bite into one before they're gone!

Quiche! It's what for Lunch!

2011-05-12T11:44:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is Quiche just being placed into our oven. Specifically Pete just put in a tray of artichoke, caper, & feta quiches as well as a tray of bacon & caramelized onion quiches in to bake. It's like a plethora of magic goodness heating up in our ovens. The smell alone will drive you crazy!

ParkSlopePatch talks about Pete Solomita & our Ginger-Molasses Cookie

2011-05-02T08:39:00.001-04:00

In their "Best Things We Ate This Week" section, ParkSlopePatch.com looks at the two sweet things found at Root Hill: Pete Solomita, our new expert chef, and his tasty Ginger-Molasses Cookie.

Click the image to go strait to the article

Winner of the Northeast Regional Barista Competition to serve up at Root Hill

2011-04-26T13:01:00.002-04:00

Philip Search, a Texas boy, grind'd the competition at the Northeast Regional Barista Competition at the beginning of April. The blond haired, blue eyed barista took the title in the regional competition. Philip will be making a special appearance at Root Hill Cafe tomorrow starting at 10am. He will be serving up our Honduras blend from Dallis Brothers coffee. Should be pretty sweet!

Philip is man all about coffee. Before moving to New York he spent a lot time trying to be a coffee whisper. He focuses on making sure his grind looks good for the best dose of espresso. His calm domineer makes him a delight to be around, but deadly to competitors in the upcoming United States Barista Championship. Please check out an interview with Phillip below from Dallis Brother Coffee and stop by and see the coffee winner in person.

What inspired you to compete in 2011?
I think there are multiple reasons I ended up competing. Every year I go through an internal debate with myself about whether or not I will do this all over again. The truth is though, I love coffee, I love being able to highlight it in this format. It excites me to be able to have unique conversations, and a chance to learn with other coffee professionals. I have to say though, I was truly inspired this competition. It started when I tasted the Liquid Ambar and the Don Mayo in a cupping. They both are compete coffees, unique in their own rights, and totally representative of the work of the families at origin, the cultivars, and the terroir of their regions.
The first time I roasted the Liquid Ambar as espresso, I pulled a shot and we were all floored. Pillowy body, a mind blowing espresso with a unique honey malt flavor I’ve only tasted a few times in 16 years. The Don Mayo was equally impressive. The spice note reminded us all of an Indian curry dessert. These coffees together create a unique combination of flavors that nearly brought me to tears. Completely unique to anything I had ever worked with before. After this, I was hooked. I wanted this coffee, and the risks the farmers took in producing it to be showcased to the world. There were other circumstances that came to light about the coffee. As you know there is a shortage of super high quality coffees in the current market. The coffee from the Don Mayo mill is part of what I believe is a solution to this issue. It is a Villa Sarchi Cultivar, a natural mutation of old Bourbon plants that happened in Costa Rica quite a few years ago. In showing off this coffee as a microlot separated out with its unique cultivar, I hope to encourage farms to begin producing more of this coffee in the Tarrazu region of Costa Rica where the climate and soil lend its self to its best potential.
I also enjoy being able to push our industry forward in unique ways. In the past this involved adding special dose control to things like the Anfim grinder. In this case, I wanted to show people a grinder platform that doesn’t have most of the existing flaws of current espresso grinders, and that there is a different way to pull shots even in a tight time frame. I also believe that in life, and all things coffee, we should aspire to our daily tools being functional works of art. This grinder reflects that aesthetic belief.
You use an unusual grinder setup. What is it?
I wanted a grinder that looks good, and avoids a lot of the dosing, heat, and grind spectrum issues of existing espresso grinders.
What goes into your signature drink, and how did you come up with it?
The sig drink is an infusion that mirrors the flavors of the two coffees I used. This allowed me to stretch out the flavor profile and make the complexities of the coffee more accessible. It involves using nitrogen cavitation, a common tool in the arsenal of cutting-edge mixology, to infuse flavors into liquids. I used a slice of orange, grapefruit peel, tamarind, smoked sea salt, sucrinate (dried unprocessed cane juice), raw orange blossom honey, and lapsong souchong tea, and infused this into water. Then I poured this “deconstructed flavor infusion” into champagne flutes and served it alongside the espresso. This helps people better understand the coffee. The cool thing is that, along with each ingredient as a flavor, there is a chemical reason I used them as well, each represent an acid or other chemical piece of the flavor that is in the coffee as espresso. For example, the Don Mayo had a unique tropical flavor from tartaric acid, this was then achieved in the deconstruction using the tamarind.
Do you find it easy to explain “nitrogen cavitation” to people at parties?
Sure! But I can be a bit of a nerd. Nitrogen bubbles are small, and when put with ingredients under pressure, they attach themselves to cell walls and weaken the cells, when you rapidly release this pressure, the cells burst and you have and instant infusion. Pretty simple really.
Who else are you watching closely in this year’s United States Barista Championship in Houston, TX?
Well, really there are always a lot of great coffee people, and it can be any ones game, But Pete Licata, from Honolulu Coffee, is another long term veteran with a lot of experience. He is solid, and his coffee has a great story.
What are you doing to refine and perfect your routine before you compete in Texas?
Barista Competitions are. I desire to be a coffee ambassador, both to the professional community at large, and to customers. That is my passion, and what I live for.

Follow Philip at the USBC on the road to the World Barista Championship this June in Bogota! And follow him personally on Twitter at @phineas984.

Also, check out this except from the Northeast Regional Barista Competition featuring Phillip:

Eat me! Cheddar & Black Pepper Biscuit!

2011-04-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

This will blow your mind! It is a savory cheddar and black pepper biscuit!

This wondrous treat is from our chief Pete (Little Buddy Biscuit Company).

Come eat and drink and be merry!

Andrew Kessler's Not From Mars, but he did have a Martian Summer

2011-04-14T05:06:00.000-04:00

Andrew Kessler is a local Brooklyn writers who's work can be found in the New York Times and on the Discovery Channel. In his new non-fiction piece: Robot Arms, Cowboy Spacemen, and My 90 Days with the Phoenix Mars Mission he tells of an ultimate science nerds dream of working on the Phoenix Mars mission. He spends a summer with 130 of the best and brightest minds on the planet who exploring the north pole of Mars.

Here's quick taste of Andrew's amazing life:
>

Head over to Andrew's site to see more details about the book or order it here: Robot Arms, Cowboy Spacemen, and My 90 Days with the Phoenix Mars Mission.

Book's out this Friday April 15th!

KessleronMars.com

This Is Brooklyn

2011-04-11T05:44:00.001-04:00

Photography by: Anonymous

Shoes dangle from telephone wires and seem to dance in the air; Some walk by and never notice, others they stop and stare. This is unusual, this is normal, this is Brooklyn...

*Submit your Photos of the Brooklyn to: roothillcafe@gmail.com

A Shot from Friday's NERBC event

2011-04-10T10:28:00.000-04:00

Angelo doles out some hot drinkage at NERBC AND BREWER’S CUP, sponsored by our friends at Dallis Brothers Coffee.

Tomorrow Part Of Our Team at Milk Studios for NERBC Event!!!

2011-04-07T16:35:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning Maria and Angelo will be at Milk Studios brewing it up a NERBC!
Stop by and see how they are doing. They will be a machine #4! The competitions got Free Coffee!!!
Check it out!

Get the skinny on the competition over at Dallis Bros. here!

NORTH EAST REGIONAL BARISTA CHAMPIONSHIP (NERBC) 2011

2011-04-05T14:13:00.001-04:00

Our friends at Dallis Bros. Coffee are hosting a barista competition starting this Thursday. It should be a blast!

The Details:

This year we are proudly hosting the North East Regional Barista Championship! The event is taking place in New York City for the first time, at the gorgeous Milk Studios, 450 W 15th Street – 8th Floor, Studio D New York, NY 10011 between April 7th to 10th.
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in what is going to be arguably the hottest coffee event in the last decade in New York City!
From the NERBC website:
The United States Barista Championship (USBC) is a national competition designed to highlight the craft of the barista and espresso-based beverage production. The annual competition cycle consists of 6 regional events that lead up to the US Barista Championship. The winner of each competition will have proven their professionalism, passion and skill through various criteria as outlined in the USBC Rules and Regulations. In a 15 minute presentation, competitors will prepare and serve three courses of espresso based beverages to a panel of four sensory judges. Two technical judges will score competitors on procedures, consistency, cleanliness and other technical details. The top six from each regional event will be granted entry into the 2011 USBC.

SUMMARY OF EVENT SCHEDULE:
Thursday April 7th: Judges Training Workshop
Friday April 8th: Round One
Saturday April 9th: Round One (continued)
Sunday April 10th: Finals

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
NERBC 2011 website with full schedule: http://usbaristachampionship.org/?p=northeast
NERBC direct link to detailed schedule in PDF format: http://usbaristachampionship.org/PDF/nerbc/schedofevents2011.pdf
NERBC 2011 Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190012101020185
Register to compete: http://bit.ly/NERBCreg
NERBC 2011 Party & Monster Throwdown (Sat 4/9) Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205044092856215

3rd Anniversary - a perfect day, glad to spend it with you

2011-04-01T08:25:00.001-04:00

Three years ago it was a beautiful sunny spring day when we opened. So for the rest of the day because it's our anniversary, it will be a beautiful sunny spring day inside Root Hill to match the sun shiny people that have been a part of our journey these past few years and for the many years to come.

A Brief History of Root Hill - 3 Years of Excitement (Birthday!)

2011-03-31T06:58:00.017-04:00

In honor of our Birthday we have put together a brief sort of photo history of the locations of our cafe and of our last 3 years in this great neighborhood.

This clipping from July 1976 New York Magazine indicates that it became Joe's Italian Kitchen at one point. Our location seems to have been a Social Club for many many years, which is not surprising considering social clubs used to be very common in the area. In addition to this clipping AllNY.com indicates that this place at one time was called the Silver Bark Social Club. Neighbors in the area confirm this information. Also, two of our owners Michelle & Andrew have an Aunt May who hung out at the place when it was a social club.

Later just before Root Hill was converted into the cafe the location was home to a Family Car servers.

Finally we moved in and started causing trouble.

We got RSVP Architect Studio to come in a create a unique design for the space. Their design was awarded later in 2008 'Best of Year Merit Award' from Interior Design Magazine

During the renovation we painted the covering wood, which we briefly kept during the first year. The mural of dancing coffee cups was done by cartoonist Jennifer Camper.

On April 1, 2008 we thought it'd be a funny prank to open a coffee shop in South Brooklyn, Gowanus.

Then we thought it'd be really cool to add a mural to the side of the building in 2009. The mural was done by Katherine Gressel (check out her site!). You can also, read more on the mural here: The Mural.

Our friend Brian Trzeciak brought our 'roots' inside with this mural on the back wall in 2010. Brain also wrote a great story early called the The Tale of Root Hill, which you can find here.

We then added the Trash Pony Bar sign for our night time venue that open in June 2010.

The blogs over at TrashPonyBar.BlogSpot.com

What's Next?...well something special you can be sure...

We'd like to thank everyone for their continued support over these last 3 years. We are very honored to have such great people visiting our cafe and bar each day. Come by and celebrate with us April 1st; At 8pm one of Root Hill's favorite musicians, Matthew Brookshire, will be playing a few turns.

A Little About Whoopie Pies

2011-03-30T08:55:00.000-04:00

The Treat of Much Debate

Whoopie Pies were also known as Gobs, which according to some originated in Germany. The American version that we know, the Whoopie Pie, has two origin stories: One involves Pennsylvania Amish farmers selling the treat from food carts on the side of the road and the other involves the left overs cake batter from bakers in Bangor, MA. It is unclear exactly when the Whoopie Pie became the "Whoopie Pie", but each state takes credit for it's creation. Maine is so proud of the Whoopie Pie that recently, legislators have sponsored a bill to make the Whoopie Pie the official "treat" for the state. In response Pennsylvania has put out a reward for anyone that can definitively prove the Whoopie Pie's originated in it's state.
We choose not to take sides on this issue. We'd rather just enjoy the delightful desert. Come by and have Whoopie Pie. WHOOPIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Whoopie for the Bearded Man

MoonPie enjoys a cappuccino / make a four legged star today

2011-03-28T09:18:00.000-04:00

Celebrity Model and star of Dog Adventures, MoonPie, enjoys a nice cappuccino outside Root Hill Cafe. When not in the limelight Moonpie also likes: walks with designer Lordes Sanchez, eating muffins, and tasting all things that might be bacon.

_____________________________

Moonpie's animal friends need your help. Unlike Moonpie they are not yet celebrities, but need a good manager to help them become stars of your home movie or home photo shoot.

Muffin loving mutts and other animal friends are looking for managers at both:

Sean Casey Animal Rescue

Tavi & Friends

Help create a star today and give a home to a four legged friend!

A Zoo of Cookies

2011-03-26T10:13:00.002-04:00

Cookie by Margaret Palca Bakes

Yesterday someone bought all of our "chick" cookies. But don't worry. We have a whole zoo of animal cookies that just came in. Let us tell you...their delicious!

Neighbor: Brooklyn Reiki

2011-03-22T06:33:00.012-04:00

At 7am your alarm goes off. . . you hit the ground running getting ready for what will be another long day of work. Soon enough you are out the door grabbing a shot of espresso to help get you going. Then the rest of the day it's work work work! By the time you get home your energy is completely gone and you just sink into the couch. You're out of gas… But what does one do about this exhaustion? Well, what about Reiki?. . . Brooklyn Reiki to be exact. Just around the corner from Root Hill, inside the Triomph fitness center, classes are offered to help you get back the strength you need to get through a busy week and a busy life.
But what is Reiki exactly? Reiki in loose terms is a system of empowering stress reducing and relaxation technics that are meant to help with healing and with the strengthening of the self.
Heather Alexander, partner teacher at Brooklyn Reiki, explains:

"think of your inner self or energy as a river, so when we start off it flows very clearly and easily, but over time things happen to us, we develop prejudices, hold emotions and judgments and so our river gets blocked – sticks and stones fall in it, sometimes boulders – then it cannot flow very easily. Practicing the system of Reiki gives us tools to clear the river out again so our energy can flow easily and freely around our body."

Cleaning out the stress inside seems like a pretty darn good idea. The classes offered always start with meditation and move on to the various levels of Reiki. With each level you will be given the tools and education on how to heal and focus yourself. The goal is to bring a physical and mental calmness to everyday life.

To learn more about Brooklyn Reiki head over to: BrooklynReiki.com or stop into the Triomph fitness center at 540 Union Street, Suite 1F, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

______________________

In addition to Brooklyn Reiki Heather Alexander is apart of NewUnderstanding.co, which is an online show featuring ways to bring 'wellness' into ones life. The team of health experts try out different 'wellness' practices and discover how and why these practices help with health and happiness. Check out informative video below or check out their site NewUnderstanding.co

Welcome to the 1st Full Day of Spring

2011-03-21T08:31:00.001-04:00

Place your winter coats and boots in the storage position,

make sure your window screens are securely fastened,

and get ready for a wondrous spring.

Mocha!

2011-03-15T08:49:00.000-04:00

The Lion Cookie Says...

2011-03-13T05:18:00.000-04:00

Cookie by Margaret Palca Bakes

Press: ParkSlopePatch.com

2011-03-11T06:35:00.000-05:00

"The borough's hottest beverage is now on tap. . . . At Root Hill Cafe. . ."

—Kristen V. Brown ParkSlopePatch: Tap Into Kombucha on Draft

Our barista's hard at work...

2011-03-09T11:35:00.001-05:00

We're taking a break, so should you.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

B. . . B is for Bagel

2011-03-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

Our Bagels are made in Brooklyn by Terrace Bagels

Jasmine Kombucha...totally have it

2011-03-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

Switched Passion Fruit for Jasmine...mmmmh!

This is Brooklyn - Past Winter in Prospect Park

2011-02-28T06:23:00.001-05:00

This Is Brooklyn

Prospect Park Winter 2011 Photography by: Anonymous

*Submit your Photos of the Brooklyn at: roothillcafe@gmail.com

Life's Mysteries are in a jar of Marshmallows

2011-02-26T09:22:00.001-05:00

Just thought you should know.

2011-02-23T06:59:00.015-05:00

This Is Brooklyn

photography by: Matthew J. Burgess

matthewjburgess.wordpress.com & www.weathereyeout.com

*Submit your Photos of the 'Brooklynest' places at: roothillcafe@gmail.com

Make Brooklyn even better by supporting local artist.

Visit former Presidents and historic places today

2011-02-21T07:52:00.001-05:00

President's Day for too long has been about buying an automobile from a car dealer. This year take a moment to explore the Presidents within your own neighborhood by visiting dedicated sculptures and maybe a park or two. There are many places in the city that have honored the Presidents; here are a few in the Park Slope/Gowanus area.

This bust of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President, sits on the far north side of Grand Army Plaza. This sculpture of President Kennedy was originally erected in 1965, but took up until August of last year to be finalized. The bust of the former President was adjusted and given a different stand during a resent renovation. Brooklyn's own Neil Estern created this piece and was on hand last year for it's dedication.

This handsome man is of course Abraham Lincoln. This sculpture by Henry Kirke Brown has an interesting story because it was first placed in the Elliptical Plaza (now Grand Army Plaza) in 1869, but for one reason or another (maybe political) the statue was removed and placed (abandoned) in Prospect Park's Concert Grove in 1896. There it sat falling in to disrepair, until an extensive renovation was done during the late 1980's. The beautiful and improved statue still sits in the Concert Grove, but according to the New York Post the statue may return to Grand Army Plaza soon. The statue probably will not sit in it's originally position since there is currently the bust of JFK in that particular location. see: NYPost.com

You can find another sculpture of honest Abe still in Grand Army Plaza on the Civil War arch known as Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial. This fine Roman style arch is similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and also features the United States 18th President Ulysses S. Grant. Both Grant and Lincoln are mounted heroically on horseback as reliefs on the inside of the arch. These bronze reliefs were done by both William Rudolf O'Donovan (figures) & Thomas Eakins (horses). The Soldier's and Sailors' Memorial Arch was designed by John H. Duncan and was completed in 1892. The Arch became a designated landmark by the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission in October of 1973.

Washington Park, also still known as J.J. Byrne Park, is a staple of Park Slope's 5th Avenue. It was originally named to honor America's first President George Washington, but was briefly changed to honor Brooklyn's Borough President James J. Byrne. The name was only recently changed back to Washington Park. The park contains the Old Stone House from the Revolutionary War's Battle for Brooklyn (aka Battle for Long Island). The Old Stone House is where General William Alexander fought British troops so, at the time, General George Washington could escape across the Gowanus Creek (now part of the Gowanus Canal).

Artist rendition of what it might of look like when Washington crossed the Gowanus

Of course this city has a ton of other great historical sites. Please check out brooklynhistory.org & NYCGovParks.org for more information or just for the fun of it.

*caution facts could be historically accurate or could be something you tell tourist.

Giant Cinnamon Bun

2011-02-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

Do not attempt to adjust your screen...these Cinnamon Buns are that huge!

Theatre: Arthur Miller's The American Clock

2011-02-17T07:46:00.000-05:00

If you hang out in Park Slop/Gowanus area (which we hope you do cause it's pretty sweet) you might remember last March when, Brave New World Repertory Theatre presented The Crucible at the Old Stone House in Washington Park. If you missed the fine work of this theatrical company, don't worry, they are back with another Arthur Miller played called The American Clock. And lucky for all of us they are presenting this production just up the street.

Set primarily in Brooklyn, but moving throughout the United States, The American Clock is a panoramic patchwork about the Great Depression told in a medley of dramatic scenes and songs of the era, including Mood Indigo, Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries and On The Sunny Side of the Street. Alternately upbeat and bittersweet, Miller’s ode to the optimism and naiveté of the American spirit warns that the clock is ticking on the American Dream. The 53 characters—ranging from a middle-class Brooklyn family to train-riding hobos and high-riding Wall Street brokers brought low, will be played by 20 actors and musicians who tell the poignant story of an economic crisis Americans believed could never again happen.

The American Clock

from

Brave New World Repertory Theatre

at The Brooklyn Lyceum

227 4th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn

Trains: R to Union Street

March 3-13, 2011

Thursdays & Fridays – 8pm | Saturdays – 3pm & 8pm | Sundays – 7pm

Priority seating and assistance available to those in wheelchairs or visually impaired. Please email info@bravenewworldrep.org for details.

Purchase your ticket here: The American Clock

*support local artist

Need A Date (Bar)?

2011-02-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

This date won't judge you...

...and is ever so sweet.

You won't forget your time together.

Take a chance on a sure thing...

they'll be waiting for you here at the cafe.

Happy Valentines Day!

This is Brooklyn!!! - Photo of Brooklyn Bridge through rainy windshield from Fulton Ferry Landing

2011-02-14T04:55:00.002-05:00

This Is Brooklyn

*Brooklyn Bridge through rainy windshield from Fulton Ferry Landing*

Photography by: Nomi Lubin
Nomi Lubin is a painter whose work can be found at: NotPaintings.Blogspot.com

Show us your Brooklyn! Submit photos of this beautiful borough here: RootHillCafe@gmail.com

What to do on V-day go to Attitude: Brooklyn Portraits by Brooklyn Photographers at Central Brooklyn Public Library

2011-02-13T09:42:00.002-05:00

Photo: Lauren Fleishman

If you still are wondering what to do on Valentines day then look no further than the Central Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza. Right now in the main lobby the library has an exhibitions called Attitude: Brooklyn Portraits by Brooklyn Photographers. This free exhibit features individuals that are synonymous with Brooklyn and shows the many diverse characters within the borough. Some of the images are just on white backgrounds displaying the unique the sharp and soft facial features of individual Brooklynites. Other images show people within their natural urban surroundings adding a context to each of the characters demeanor and style. Still others show couples embraced in a loving moment and comes with a comment from someone within the photograph. These particular images with their comments will tug at your heart stings because they explain caring relationship featured within the photograph. Even though you may not know these individual Brooklynites (some you will cause they are our neighbors) you will feel like you have met then before or know someone almost exactly like them.

Representing Brooklyn in the finest way the photographer for this exhibit are:

Michel Scott Berman, Joe Delano, Walker Esner, Laure Fleishman, and Nora Herting.

photo by: Joe Delano

Attitude: Brooklyn Portraits by Brooklyn Photographers

Exhibitions: Now - April 9th

Central Library

10 Grand Army Plaza

Brooklyn, NY 11238

More on the Brooklyn Library

The Brooklyn Public Library system represents how Brooklyn is still independent from the rest of the city. The Brooklyn public library system is funded by the city and state, but is control by Brooklyn separately and independent of the two other library systems (New York Public Library and Queens Borough Public Library) within the city. The Brooklyn Public Library system is the 5th largest library system in the United States and has some of the best and highest attended public programs. There are over one million periodicals: books, magazines, etc., and over one million individual items such as maps and manuscripts available at the 58 locations in Brooklyn. This means that every resident in Brooklyn has access to a library within half-mile of their homes. Funding for this wonderful system can be difficult, so if you feel like donating a few dollars drop off on your visit to your local public library or find out how to donate funds and supplies here: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/support/.

There's no reason to not be ready to kickass! Self Defense Class Saturday

2011-02-10T12:05:00.000-05:00

This Saturday just around the corner from Root Hill at Tessa Gordon's Pure Energy Martial Arts learn how to be ready for any possibility. Learn to be tough so you can face when things get 'tough'.

Self Defense for Women

Sat, Feb 12th, 2011 2pm-4pm

Tessa Gordon's Pure Energy Martial Arts

548 Union St. Gowanus, Brooklyn, NY 11215

More info: Here

Kombucha Growlers are in.

2011-02-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Well our sleek new Growlers are in!

What's a Growler you may ask?

Well, it is a glass container used for filling up in-store liquid, so you can take it back to your home.

What, back to my home?

Yes, this is so you can fill up your favorite Kombucha (either Straight Up or Passion Fruit...mmmh Passion!!!) here at Root Hill Cafe and take it back to your home to enjoy.

Awsome!

Yeah, it is pretty awesome.

In case you might of missed it: Root Hill Cafe also serves up a pint of Kombucha fresh from the tap.

For more on Kombucha visit our friend over at Kombucha Brooklyn

Henry the Hippo was hungry...

2011-02-09T08:05:00.001-05:00

In the wild jungle Henry the Hippo was sad. True he liked splashing and swimming in the water. He liked hanging out in the mud and playing games with his other hippo friends, but he was sad because he felt somehow starved and incomplete. You see Henry the Hippo wanted something more than splashing and swimming in the water, sitting in the mud or even playing games with his other hippo friends, Henry was hungry for love.

Then one day one of his hippo friends introduced him to another hippo named Helen who, like Henry, enjoyed splashing and swimming in the water, sitting in the mud and playing games with other hippo friends. Also, just like Henry, Helen felt hungry and incomplete. Helen the Hippo was also, hungry for love. So Henry went out and got Helen cookies for a human holiday called Valentines day. Helen was ecstatic! Helen loved the cookies and shared them with Henry the Hippo. Together eating cookies they were no longer hungry hungry hippos. And they lived happily ever after. The End!

*cookies by Margaret Palca Bakes

This is Brooklyn - Photo

2011-02-07T05:07:00.040-05:00

This Is Brooklyn

photography by: Matthew Burgess

Matthew J. Burges is a versed photographer whose work can be found via:

matthewjburgess.wordpress.com & www.weathereyeout.com

*Submit your Photos of the 'boro filled with Kings' at: roothillcafe@gmail.com

Support local artist!

Neighbors: HS Hollywood is just down the street...Reel Works

2011-02-05T10:23:00.001-05:00

As a teenager if you made a documentary about your life would it be all about prom, a high school crush, how boring it was to sit in school, or would it be something more?

Reel Works knows that teens have stories that are beyond the surface of everyday high school. They aim to pair teens with professional filmakers to capture the world through teenage eyes. They feel through the cinematic arts teens will gain self-esteem and find a unique way to express themselves. Born in Brooklyn at the Prospect Park YMCA in 2001, Reel Works offers five core programs: The Lab, The Master Class, Reel Impact, Reel Works Production, and the Summer Lab, in order to help teenagers create art through film. This nonprofit organization now resides just around the corner at 540 President Street, Suite 2F.

If you'd like to learn more about Reel Works programs, to volunteer, or to make a donation head over to their site: www.ReelWorks.org

Support the arts and those that create new artist

Kombucha = Super Powers, maybe

2011-02-04T09:23:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week we added something new and tasty to our menu . . .

We brought in something that will energize and detoxify you. We got Kombucha!

-from our friends at Kombucha Brooklyn.

What is Kombucha you may ask?

Well it is a type of fermented tea that contains: Probitotics, Polyphenois, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Organic enzymes, Vital amino acids, & Organic acids. You know healthy things, that gives you energy, and possibly super powers. (Keep in mind that this is nothing like Brawndo, which has what plants crave.)

You can buy bottles of Kombucha in various locations, but there are very few places that have it on tap. That's why we loaded up not one, but two of our taps with this interesting elixir.

Right now on tap we have:

Straight Up

Passion Fruit

plus, Red Ginger in a bottle

Photo: Angelo pours the first pint from our new Kombucha tap

Come by give it a little taste of this unique drink!

Behold the power of the Pumpkin Muffin

2011-02-02T09:19:00.000-05:00

The Pumpkin Muffin is an untapped resource of unimaginable power. It surpasses Frodo's ring by 10 times and puts the energy output of the sun to shame. What make's Pumpkin Muffin's particularly amazing around this time of year is that they have the ability to make crappy ice filled days, like this one, into wonderful days just with a single bite. Once eaten the frowning face brought on by the cold will be erased and all the ice will magically melt with a single look.

Ted Talks: Future Urban Oysters in places like Gowanus...

2011-02-02T04:00:00.005-05:00

Kate Orff, of TED Talks, discusses urban oysters and her vision for using them to rejuvenate areas such as the Gowanus Canal.

via: TED.com

Today's Specials: Hummus Avocado Sandwich of goodness or Salmon Salad Sandwich from out of this world

2011-02-01T12:17:00.005-05:00

Hummus Avocado Sandwich

in toasted sesame pita with cucumber and carrot. mmmmmmh good!

served with Brooklyn Brine's pickled eggplant string beans & carrots

or maybe...

Salmon Salad Sandwich

with lettuce and cumber

served with a side house greens

Give 1% to Change the World

2011-02-01T05:58:00.002-05:00

We all spin along on a big giant ball in the middle of a huge universe. We run here and there and everywhere; sometimes so busy we can't even think. But there are moments in our lives when we do have free time. These are the times when we are checking facebook or reading blogs(by the way you should read this one more), sitting in front of the TV, and staring into space. These are the moments when we finally have time. But is it time well spent? Do we really need to watch 4 hours of TV a day; that's 9 years of our lives. Maybe instead of wasting time, we could be changing the world for the better. That's what the 1% Club is doing.

The 1% Club is an online market place for development projects where one can directly offer 1% to a project of ones own choice. Basically it's a place where you can take an idea of helping someone and actually help someone.

"We are the first generation that has the knowledge and means to collaborate on a global scale. If all of us can write an online encyclopaedia (Wikipedia) together, than surely we should be able to solve poverty together!" —1% Club

There are 234 projects happening right now through the site.
A few of those projects are:

Furnishing the 6th Children House of Lord Buddha Home for Children (East Asia)

Sustainable Ecofishing Development in Acandi (South America)

Needy Youth Production & Skills Training in Masaka (East Africa)

Playground for Change 2 (Playground for Children) (Central America)

Schoolbooks for our new school in Petauke (Southern Africa)

The site is not just about donating money, it's about donating ones time, network, or knowledge. The 1% Club believes that anyone can make a difference and can take steps to make a better world for someone that needs a little help.

Check out the amazing projects happening right now and learn more about what the 1% Club has to offer at: OnePercentClub.com

This is Brooklyn - Photo

2011-01-31T05:11:00.012-05:00

This Is Brooklyn

photography by: Michelle Giancola

*Submit your Photos of the 'Greatest Boro in the World' to: roothillcafe@gmail.com

Art Up: New Exhibit by Percy Aguayo

2011-01-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce that Root Hill's next art exhibit will be from our own Percy Aguayo. Percy has a unique style that connotes both beauty and mystery. His art has a layered quality illustrating the emotions of the subjects within his art. He has two books out featuring his work: Blur and Apartment Twenty Five(Mature Content).

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, with quality time in Northern California, Percy now resides in Brooklyn where he continues to develop his art.

*Exhibit kicks off this weekend.

The Mural

2011-01-26T11:55:00.003-05:00

Back in 2009, in a time when it wasn't snowing every other day, we asked a wonderful designer, Katherine Gressel, to create a interesting and unique mural to go on the outside of the building. What was created was an colorful design depicting some animals that once lived in (and still live in) the Gowanus Canal. It also shows images relating to Root Hill and the neighborhood we love. It is meant to add to the growing colorful art that comes from Gowanus area. The images of the animals are obvious, but you can also find an image of Helen, the original landlord for the building, as well as an image of Kiso the dog. Please swing over to Katherine Gressel site to see more photos of the mural and the wonderful other work that she has done and continues to do.

*support local artist

Your morning mocha is waiting for you...

2011-01-26T08:25:00.001-05:00

It says: "Drink me, drink me. I can help you focus since you stayed up to late watching political TV."

Neighbors: Celebrity Sighting...Film Biz...

2011-01-25T06:37:00.001-05:00

If you haven't notice we have a whole lot of celebrities moving into the area.

Hey isn't that...Oh my gosh that's...

...the Lamp and Coffee Mugs from last weeks hot TV show and/or Film...amazing!

Your favorite famous coaches, chairs, lamps, kitchenware, office supplies, toys, tables, glassware, and more famous stuff all under one roof at Film Biz Recycling Prop Shop.
Formerly of Long Island City, Film Biz Recycling is now one of our new neighbors just around the corner at 540 President St. (Textile Factory Basement). There shop/showroom is filled with items that have been donated by production companies for Film and Television. If you didn't know there are a lot of items left over after a day on the set. In the past people would simply throw away these items, but now because of the not-for-profit Film Biz Recycling these items can have a new home; and that home can be yours! Their prices are low and you are giving a home to a celebrity item that would have been tossed to the curb.

Swing over and get some cool stuff for your pad and check out more on their site: FilmBizRecycling.org

Film Biz Recycling from Coco Rocha on Vimeo.

Save the Planet, Recycle the World

Press: The New York Times

2011-01-24T08:32:00.002-05:00

New Cityscape, in Search of Green Space, WHAT TO DO On Fourth Avenue itself, destinations . . . Root Hill for coffee . . .

—Jack Mooney The New York Times: Real Estate

Read the rest via: NYTimes.com

This is Brooklyn - Photo

2011-01-24T05:04:00.006-05:00

This Is Brooklyn

View from The Navy Yard

Photography by: Nomi Lubin
Nomi Lubin is a painter whose work can be found at: NotPaintings.Blogspot.com

Submit your photos of Brooklyn to: RootHillCafe@gmail.com