16 The Courier sun • APRIL 28, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com Sweet Jane’s, Ridgewood’s newest bar, brings boozy root beer floats to the neighborhood By Anthony Giudice agiudice@qns.com/@A_GiudiceReport Ridgewood’s newest bar is bringing a little rock ‘n’ roll to the neighborhood. Sweet Jane’s, located at 64-02 68th Ave., officially opened on April 13 and held a rocking grand opening party the following night. The walls of the bar are lined with old vinyl records and photos of rock ‘n’ roll stars, and there is a vintage jukebox filled with music from country music legends and classic rock bands. “We loved the feel of the place, and the proximity to the Fresh Pond M train stop,” said Nikki Koch, co-owner of Sweet Jane’s. “We wanted to open a bar that was homey with a southern country feeling, with nods to the music that inspires us: Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Sun Records artists, as well as the classic rock that followed and drew influence from them — Lou Reed, David Bowie and T Rex.” Sweet Jane’s is owned and operated by Koch and Julia Kingrea, the same people who run the fun and diverse bar/event space/yoga studio/coffee shop, The Cobra Club in Bushwick, as well as Keith Satnik who is the managing partner of Sweet Jane’s. This caused some concern within Community Board 5 (CB 5), who were worried that they would bring that same atmosphere into a residential area of Ridgewood. “Of course Ridgewood has a very different vibe from Bushwick, which attracts a very different crowd, and the location of Sweet Jane’s would never be suitable to become a venue like The Cobra Club, so that was never part of the plan,” Koch said. “There was also some concern about noise, hours and the number of proposed outdoor seats — all of which concerns were simply and quickly cleared up once we met with CB 5 and explained our vision for Sweet Jane’s.” Sweet Jane’s offers 10 beers on tap, including draft rosé, seasonal and local beers, and an assortment of canned and bottled beers and ciders. Their Sweet Jane’s in Ridgewood celebrated its grand opening last week. signature drinks include frozen margaritas, whiskey milkshakes, Guinness floats, alcoholic root beer floats, and a refreshing boozy sweet tea. Happy Hour is available every day from 4 to 9 p.m., with $4 drafts and well drinks, $3 High Life pints and an all-day beer & shot special. “We have patio seating out front that is great for THE COURIER/Photo by Anthony Giudice people-watching and enjoying a quiet drink in the neighborhood,” Koch said. “Our friendly staff and cozy decor will make everyone feel welcome.” The bar also serves up some tasty snacks including corn dogs (meat or veggie), meat pies from Brooklyn’s Dub pies, chips and onion dip, fresh pretzels from Sigmund’s, hot pockets, Frito pie and Zapps chips. Celebrate America’s independence early with a Revolution re-enactment in Kew Gardens By Robert Pozarycki rpozarycki@qns.com @robbpoz If the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” has piqued your interest in the American Revolution, then head out to Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens next month for a day of free events marking one of the war’s biggest battles. On Saturday, May 14, the cemetery will hold a living history program complete with a recreation of a Revolutionary War encampment, a parade of war reenactors and a patriotic concert. It marks the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Long Island, which was fought between the British and Continental armies across much of northern Brooklyn nearly two months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The living history program aims to depict the diverse group of individuals who fought in the Continental Army, under the direction of General George Washington, as the original Thirteen Colonies sought to win its independence from Great Britain. As such, the actors participating in the program are members of the Assembly of Historical Interpreters representing Irish, Scotch-Irish, German, African, Native American and Hispanic soldiers who served. Some of the actors will set up a Revolutionary War encampment on a grassy knoll near the cemetery’s entrance at the corner of Kew Gardens Road and Lefferts Boulevard. Guests will be allowed to examine the site and interact with the interpreters. The encampment will be open beginning at 10 a.m.; there will also be cooking and military demonstrations. At 12:30 p.m., the Pines Bridge Monument Committee will perform a skit based on the war and inform residents about efforts to erect a monument to the First Rhode Island Regiment of Foot. The regiment is considered to be the first African-American regiment to serve in defense of the United States of America. The troops will then go on parade through the cemetery beginning at 2:30 p.m. with the general public. They will head over to the Old Red Oak, a large tree believed to be more than 225 years old, where a ceremony and musket salute will be held. Near the oak, one of the actors will portray a soldier buried nearby who lived through the American Revolution and fought in the War of 1812, which is considered as the nation’s second war of independence. The Revolutionary War camp will close at 4 p.m., and the public is invited to head over to the Center at Maple Grove Cemetery at 4:30 p.m. for a free concert featuring Colonial music. For more info on the festivities, click here or call the Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery at 347-878-6614. In the event of rain, the festivities will be held the following day, May 15.
SC04282016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above