MUHAMMIDA EL MUHAJIR ON THE MOVE

New Upscale Frank White Cafe/Lounge Takes Chance On ‘Gritty’ Part of Atlantic
by Linda Collins (linda@brooklyneagle.net), published online 10-24-2007





Co-owner Muhammida El Muhajir hopes that Frank White, a new upscale cafe/lounge, will single-handedly transform an industrial “gritty” stretch of Atlantic Avenue in Clinton Hill into “a social destination for progressive and global Brooklynites.”
Council Member Letitia James and State Senator Kevin Parker joined El Muhajir in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 5, celebrating the venue’s official opening at 936 Atlantic Ave. at St. James Place.

“I had a vision for this venture and the courage to try it in area that’s not yet hip and trendy,” said El Muhajir, who is described as a pioneer for choosing a site on the commercial/industrial strip that is home to auto shops and warehouses.

Serving gourmet coffee and a menu featuring vegetarian, organic and fair trade selections, fresh juices, smoothies and teas, Frank White serves up “a healthy alternative for this Clinton Hill neighborhood.”

It will also double as a news/reading/screening room plus gallery space, exhibiting works of local, national and international emerging and established artists.

The indoor space is designed to resemble an old world formal dining room, with Damask print wallpaper, dark hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers and antique and brocade furniture. The outdoor space is a 1,200-square-foot garden/patio with a wood deck for outdoor entertaining.

For those in the know, says El Muhajir, Frank White was a character in the cult film “The King of New York,” played by Christopher Walken, as well as an alias of the late rapper Notorious BIG, who grew up a block away from the cafe. In fact, photographer Barron Claiborne’s famed image of a crowned Notorious BIG will be on permanent exhibition at Frank White’s.

— Linda Collins


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