Film DirectorIconic director Sidney Lumet passed away this week. He left behind some great ones so if you’re planning a Lumet marathon, be sure to include my two favorites: Network and Dog Day Afternoon as well as 12 Angry Men, When the Devil Knows You’re Dead and The Fugitive Kind. Serpico is one of his most hailed but not my personal top pick.
27 North 6th St., Williamsburg, Sunday 10-5Brooklyn Flea Market week two and Jim’s plan to “eat everything” was not too far off from what happened. We skipped stuff we’d already had either at the market or elsewhere which still left plenty to get full on. Good thing we had at least some restraint and split everything…
Beginning with one amazing donut (you know, breakfast first!). It came from Dough, a Cobble Hill shop that features unique flavors like Hibiscus and Blood Orange. I decided to try a simple glazed yeast however, to get a general feel for their goods. I hate to say it, but it rivals Peter Pan. I can’t wait to have another next week.
But the deliciousness didn’t stop there, no! Next we were on to Mile End‘s smoked cured brisket sandwich. A marvelous and simple sandwich that is juicy, smokey, and meaty. Do not skip the mustard, it adds a great kick. One of the best savory dishes at the market.
Asia Dog offers a large menu of unique Asian inspired toppings, we had a temporary lapse in restraint and went for the pork belly cucumber. It was intense. Maybe too intense. Next time I’d opt for the bahn mi hot dog or another less fat pork topped choice.
After all this we still were hungry (the key is not to eat before hand) and I was on the fence about making our last sandwich the Red Hook Lobster Roll, just because of the comparatively high 15.00 price tag.. but with Shaun’s urging that it was totally worth it, we relented and ordered Maine style. It was incredible, over flowing with big lobster chunks that tasted fresh and with just a hint of mayonnaise – the key to a good roll. Too many are just loads of mayo with tiny bits of lobster hiding among the celery. Here they do it right. Another best bite contender, especially with the summer months coming.
To wash everything down we tried Brooklyn Soda Works Root Beer, a spicy, none too sweet beverage that will quench the thirst even if you dislike soda.
I couldn’t help but get another jar of marmalade (this time grapefruit hibiscus) since my lemon vanilla is almost used up and we bit the bullet on the insane price tag ($7) for some Ragged Butte Bison Jerky to take home. It’s pretty awesome, but I don’t think I can rationizle speniding that kind of money on dried meat again.
Thank goodness this thing is only once a week.
383 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, BrooklynI epically failed to get an appetizing photo of my Chip Shop fish and chips, apologies. But even if it wasn’t photogenic, the battered cod and thick fries were very tasty.
We ordered in at a friend’s house and made a night of it, so I do think everything would have been slightly less soggy in the restaurant itself, but it properly scratch the itch we were both feeling for the British classic dish.
Between the cod, haddock, and plaice, our group ordered some of each and really, there’s not too much of a difference. All are white fish, but my cod was firm and mild.
Chip Shop boasts more English delicacies like mushy peas, fried candy bars and haggis, but it’s hard to add anything to the meal when it’s already all things fried. We did share a great comforting side of baked beans though.
Aside from the Park Slope location we ordered from, Chip Shop has a location on Atlantic Avenue.
Don’t forget the vinegar and go ahead and ask for extra tartar sauce – it’s excellent.
by Beethoven (1801)Not that I’m not grateful for all the hand drawn cards and flowers in the past but in the game of giving gifts to woo a woman, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata takes top prize. Giulietta Guicciardi didn’t quite agree, marrying some ballet composer.
directed by Francois Truffaut (1976)Friends, Small Change is so utterly charming, you must take time to watch it! A loving ode to childhood, Truffaut, a frequent chronicler of youth (see 400 Blows) gives us a glimpse into the lives of young children in the town of Thiers. The script was largely improvised and the children (who are adorable, every one) are non actors, lending a documentary quality to the film.
Described perfectly by the Times as “a major work in minor keys”, Change is made up of small moments, often mundane which add up to a touching, heart warming whole but never feels cloying nor hits a false note.
In its simplicity and subtlety, the movie is profound – almost life changing even – in that it’s opened up my eyes to the way a film maker can so clearly capture the feelings of childhood. The only other film comparable would be the equally lovely Spirit of the Beehive.
With yuppies of the opinion that children are little more than nuisances that might dare to invade one’s dining space, and all the crummy stories of abuse and neglect in the news, it’s particularly gratifying to see a movie that is so pure in its vision and message – essentially that children are wonderful and need to be loved; this is a sentiment that very few of today’s navel gazing artists seem to share.
While the film is brimming with humanity and includes one of cinema’s kindest portrayals of good teachers, it doesn’t shy away from the dangers of childhood, particularly neglect in the case of the rascally and charming Julien.
It’s worth noting that Small Change, as it is mostly known as in the US, is listed as Pocket Change on netflix, where you can enjoy this gem instantly. (Moms, there’s tons of great kid style too!)
Click here for the rest of Small Change aka Pocket Change
Prima BallerinaI was introduced to the unearthly beauty of Ludmilla Tchérina in the films of Powell and Pressberger (The Red Shoes and Tales of Hoffmann). Born an aristocrat, she lived a charmed life, but never took it for granted and made the most of her talents, luck and beauty.
She was ballet’s youngest prima ballerina, a choreographer, a respected artist whose sculptures can be seen in the French Euro-tunnel and European Parliament.
Pursued by movie stars (Orson Welles and Robert Taylor) Tchérina was exceptionally elegant and continued to exude artistic style well into her 60’s and 70’s.
While her name is not as well remembered now, young glamour girls would do well to look her up and take some cues from this uncommonly gorgeous woman.
Click here for the rest of Ludmilla Tchérina
1008 Manhattan Ave. Greenpoint, BrooklynHair is truly a neighborhood gem. Kim has earned a great reputation and devoted clients based on word of mouth. I, myself made an appointment after seeing her handiwork with a friend’s mane.
I only got a trim (so now my hair goes to my waist rather than past my butt) and it looks much healthier. I beat her record for longest hair she’s cut – but honestly I don’t even remember when it grew so much.
She was reminded of her own business card (pictured) which features an old photo she uncovered in an old apartment. At the time, she didn’t see hairdressing in her future but it must have been a pretty strong portent.
While my trim was a relatively simple task, it was done with care and precision. Plus, I’ve seen her work wonders with more complex layered cuts and color.
Unlike many salons that treat you like you’re butting in on their hanging out looking cool time, Hair is intimate, friendly and inviting.
She only takes customers over the phone via voice mail, which may sound old school, but adds to that local charm.
She does men’s and women’s and is more affordable than many places I have tried in the past.
from Serious EatsI love crab, I love fried rice, so this Crab Fried Rice recipe was a guaranteed hit in my house.
from Mitsuwa MarketplaceOne of our funnest purchases during a recent Mitsuwa Market trip was the One Cup Ozeki Sake. Created in 1964 so that Japanese spectators could enjoy sake in the stands of the Summer Olympics, this is somewhat of a cultural icon but totally new to Jim and I.
It comes in a five pack and is pretty cheap at about $3 per can but unlike lots of cheap sake I have tried, it’s surprisingly good. A little harsher than the oh so smooth Wakatake, but considering that comes in at about $45 a bottle, the comparison is unfair.
Not sure how available these are closer to home, though it’s worth checking Sunrise Markets in the city. Fresh Direct also has a similar one cup type available called Chiyomusubi Kitaro but it’s 9.99 per one cup serving, which seems high to me (but doesn’t mean one of these days I won’t cave and try it out).
from AllrecipesWe had lots of bananas in the house after learning they gave our little one gas (one night between was spent gently rubbing his tummy for about an hour). Now, we could do banana bread (and did with a few using that excellent Simply Recipes recipe I recommended) but once our friend Shaun mentioned Banana Cream Pies my mind wandered to less usual treats.
This easy no cook Banana Pudding recipe is classic Americana with it’s Jello pudding mix, Kool Whip, condensed milk and Nilla wafers – and, I imagine, not terribly good for us. But it tastes like the sweetness of carefree youth. I’m just glad we were able to share with friends because the recipe makes a small tub full!