Excitement is guaranteed as scores of urban pilgrims make their way to the borough as part of this weekend's Brooklyn Hajj event. And with all the deals and specials offered to those who purchase the Brooklyn Hajj Passport, the area's many charms are sure to captivate. On August 22nd & 23rd along Washington Avenue, participating restaurants Ginger Root Café and Udom Thai are offering the following specials:

Ginger Root Café

• Assorted wings special (sweet & spicy, jerk): Stop by Ginger Root Café and ask for the wings special. Wings come with their rice of the day (rice & peas or spinach rice) and a side of vegetables for only $6!

Udom Thai Restaurant & Bar

• Get 5% off Dine-In only (does not include lunch special).

• Free Thai Iced Tea or Thai Iced Coffee (Value $2.72), no purchase necessary, limit 1 per BK Hajj Passport. While supplies last.

Be sure to make Washington Avenue, with its deals and excellent cultural institutions, a central stop as you wind your way through Brooklyn!

In an article published on July 24th, The Brooklyn Paper focuses the spotlight on local favorite Tom's Restaurant, which has already been the source of much excitement so far this summer. Last week, the venerable business was recognized in the Greenest Block in Brooklyn awards for their verdant storefront, and the Paper has the scoop on some other exciting changes coming to Tom's that are sure to satisfy everyone!

The article focuses on the passing-down of ownership from longtime owner Gus Vlahavas to his nephew, Jim Kokotas. The transition, in addition to representing the enduring nature of this family business, brings with it some other welcome news: starting this fall, Tom's will be open on Sundays!

Read the full article here.

 
Later this month, local boutique Diva Desires invites you to join in the celebration of its anniversary with a special sale beginning Saturday, August 15 and continuing through the end of that week.

This Saturday, the store will be offering discounts of 25% on all handbags. Throughout the rest of the week, enjoy 15% off all merchandise.

Stop by, and take advantage of this unique opportunity to update your wardrobe for autumn and beyond!

Renowned local institution Brooklyn Botanic Garden announced the winners of their 2009 Greenest Block in Brooklyn awards on Wednesday, August 5, with two neighborhood sites securing themselves high rankings in two of the seven categories.

The famed neighborhood establishment Tom's Restaurant won 3rd place in the Greenest Storefront category, for its shrubbery-lined eating space that both intrigues and invites residents and visitors to sample the delicious goods offered inside.   ...map it!

In the category of Best Community Garden Streetscape, our own Prospect Heights Community Farm won 2nd place, in recognition of their contributions to not only the aesthetic appeal but also the sustainability of our community.   ...map it!

To see a full list of award-winners, click here.

Read more about these and other local improvements on our blog!