YogurBerry to Open Friday on Fifth

The new storefront's been built out, temporary signage is up, and YogurBerry (not Yogurt Berry, apparently), the new fro-yo joint that's been in the works on the corner of Fifth and Prospect (in the space last occupied by Juice Masters) will be opening for business on Friday, according to their sign.

This will be a self-serve yogurt shop, part of a growing chain that's in the process of opening up locations all over the world. You can check out their website here for a better idea of what to expect.

Skyway Deli Closes, to Reopen as "Organic" Market

Skyway Deli, the little sliver of a bodega occupying the triangle-shaped corner of Flatbush Avenue and Prospect Place, has closed and will be re-opening with a new name and under new management.

The no-frills grocery was best known for the vendor out front who would sell all sorts of incense, oils, and figurines, and it was also open all hours of the night. The new sign says that the revamped space will be called "Prospect Organic Food," but "organic" has about as much meaning as "natural" these days (note that the old awning also advertises organic food, but I never saw anything even remotely organic in there).

My guess is that the new tenant will still sell much of the same bodega staples, along with the addition of a couple token products like kombucha and hummus. No word on whether that incense guy will be back.

Checking in on Die Koelner Bierhalle, Getting Close to Opening

It's been a while since we've heard anything about Die Koelner Bierhalle, a German beer hall from the owners of Fort Greene's Der Schwarze Koelner which has been under construction on St. Marks just east of Fourth Avenue since last October. Walking past it over the weekend, though, it's clear that this space is shaping up. It's also just about impossible to confuse this building with anything but a German beer hall.

The facade is complete, and a set of front doors have been installed that have windows up top that will let some fresh air in. Some temporary signage has also been posted.

When all is said and done, the massive room should seat about 200, and they'll serve a wide variety of German beers and Cologne-style food. According to their Facebook page, an official opening date hasn't been set, but they're hoping to open by the end of the month. Here's a peek inside through a window; apologies for the crummy photo quality.

South Slope Pediatrics Coming to 501 Fifth Avenue

A new pediatrics practice is in the works at 501 Fifth Avenue, between 11th and 12th Street, in the space last occupied by the ill-fated Dog's Den (and long, long ago, O'Malley's Bar).

According to their very active Facebook page, South Slope Pediatrics will be overseen by Dr. Hai Cao, who's been in practice in the neighborhood for the past ten years, is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and also is an expert on foster care and adoption.

"We believe that Family comes first and that healthy children and well rested parents are paramount to a happy family experience," the site says. "We are very proud of the close relationships Dr Cao has with his families; a smaller office like ours fosters the growth of such relationships."

It looks like they plan on opening in July.

A Look at Carlton Park's Menu, Opening Next Week

Carlton Park, which has been in the works for some time now on the corner of Flatbush, Park, and Carlton Avenues, is looking like it's just about ready to go. The exterior has gotten a very nice makeover (complete with garage-style doors that will essentially turn it into an al fresco restaurant during nice weather), and word is that they'll be opening at some point next week, most likely Thursday.

The restaurant, originally to be called M. Helen's, is playing up the "farm to table" theme, and the owner, Greg Yerman (also the brains behind Burrito Bar just up the avenue), was kind enough to post a menu by the restaurant's doorway. Here it is (click for a larger version):

It's a little, pricey, for sure, but not outrageous, and that burger sounds pretty good. The website states that they're a "farm-to-table restaurant with a sustainable philosophy and a friendly down to earth atmosphere. Handcrafted dishes are prepared from fresh seasonal fare, with local organic produce. Whenever possible, even cheese, coffee and wine come from neighborhood vendors."

And sure enough, there's also a children's menu: