For The HolidaysIt just doesn’t feel like the holidays without one!!
In the neighborhood, Jim prefers the tree spot on McGuinness and Greenpoint Ave where there are Germans and hippies to help you as opposed to the “vagabonds” on Manhattan and Calyer. We went all out at the Big D (one of the largest local dime stores) for decorations on the cheap.
77 Norman Ave, GreenpointWhen Jim and I were faced with the new Brooklyn Mac sign, he hoped it stood for mac and cheese as opposed to daddy mac – a store that, I supposed would sell Chess King suits, condoms and bongs maybe?
Well, fortunately for him – he was in luck. Just as the hardly-ever-open catering and take out nook moved out, a tiny mac and cheese shop moved in. Unfortunately, they haven’t quite gotten the comfort food dish down pat, at least to my liking.
Don’t get me wrong, the cheese was good and gooey in the Kings County and the smoked gouda and bacon melded perfectly on the second one we tried (can’t recall the name). However, the dense meal – we could collectively only make a dent in half of each size small in one sitting – is kind of like eating a plate of yummy but health destroying cheese.
The mac to cheese ratio needs to be sorted out a bit to make it less intense and easier to go down. But they are brand new and offer so many menu options, I could probably even customize with more pasta and less cheese next time.
I will definitely not loose anymore baby weight if I make it part of my weekly routine, but it is tempting with it opening so close by and offering one of life’s best cold weather remedies.
1110 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint BrooklynGreenpoint boasts plenty of good places to grab some coffee (with Grumpy and Five Leaves, one might even say it’s the best neighborhood to grab some coffee), but another spot that’s as relaxed and lovely as Milk and Roses is always welcome. Located in the upper Acapulco regions of the neighborhood, it stands apart with it’s impressive and unique food menu that includes my obvious pick – an anchovy and cheese sandwich. Breakfast staples and desserts are also available. Coming from the manager of the yummy Cacio e Pepe, I shouldn’t be surprised that the food is great (coffee’s very nice too).
A wall of colorful hardbound books, a piano, and dark aged wood floors make for an elegant atmosphere supported by an easy sound track of jazz which makes lounging with a book quite pleasant. There’s a nice backyard while the good weather lasts. For all you winos, most importantly, it will soon also be a wine bar (license pending).
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108 Franklin St, Greenpoint, BrooklynWe used to love Le Gamin in Soho, it was perfectly situated between our jobs and when we could, we’d meet there for delicious ratatouille crepes in a Parisienne setting. It was very sad when it closed so when it reopened just around the corner it was a delightful day. Our first visit was iffy – the crepe was a bit dry and not the perfected dish I had come to enjoy in their old location. I’ve been back several times since though, and have become enamored of the new location for new reasons.
The cold soups (carrot and celery, potatoes and leeks) have been the best summer treat and paired with their baguette and homemade jam – smack! Bon Apetit! Their dinner specials have also proven to be well worth the few extra dollars – a lobster fettuccine and a garlicky chicken pasta a few weeks back were noteworthy. Recently, Jim devoured a dish of fried meatballs which were very good. The quiche is always excellent with a puffy pastry crust that is deliriously buttery. Wash it all down with their fresh squeezed lemonade.
Aside from the excellent food, Le Gamin, in a very short amount of time has made itself feel right at home, feeling as though it’s been a local favorite for years and years. It’s comfortably chic in a effortless way with fresh picked flowers, mixed farmhouse tables and an airy simple atmosphere.
We’re so happy to have it as our neighbor!
Only at 7-11The addition of a 7-11 to Greenpoint meant only one delicious thing to me – coke slurpees!! These frozen indulgences bring me back to my adolescence when mom would drive my sister and I to the 7-11 on 8th street in Colorado after school. It was a pleasure to be able to walk up the street for this long lost treat and it’s a yummy as I remembered.
Hibiscus Tea Juice, can be found at Vamos al Tequila at 162 Franklin StreetLet me introduce you to the most refreshing summertime beverage you’ve never heard of (and if you have, I envy you – wish I had known about it sooner): Jamaica Agua Fresca. It was introduced to me at the new, quite good Greenpoint Mexican restaurant Vamos al Tequila (picture below from New York Shitty). Our sweetheart of a waitress described it as a hibiscus made juice that is similar to cranberry without the tartness, and that’s pretty accurate. I am not sure how available this drink is, but it’s worth seeking out while we endure these heatwaves.
592 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint, BrooklynI am not a regular manicure pedicure customer. I treat it as an indulgence so am always open to other’s opinions and reviews for the service. Honey Spa received glowing reviews compared to the many slightly cheaper nail spots that dot my neighborhood, so I gave them a call. Cleanliness was a particular concern (especially while pregnant) and Honey is spotless, pleasant and relaxing. It fits someplace between a super high end (and high priced experience – I spent as much on just a pedicure in the city) and those hole in the wall cheap spots, which makes it just right for so many local girls, myself included. The staff is friendly and very professional. Natalia, an expert with the polish, was even kind enough to fix a toe smear before I left. They also offer other spa services like facials, messages, and waxing. Be sure to book ahead of time. They were getting phone calls all day and booked until closing.
from Cookie Road, 94 Franklin St, Greenpoint, BrooklynI enjoyed the pretty, sugary delights of French Macroons in Paris but am happy to learn that I don’t have to wait for another trip there to enjoy them again. Greenpoint’s own Cookie Road now features a variety of enticing flavors like Blueberry, French Chocolate and Tangerine.
193 Meserole AvenueCafe Grumpy (or as my friend and subsequently i pronounce it “caf-ay grum-pay”) has become a nice part of my new life as a freelancer. Morning iced decaf americanos have been a welcome start to many days, and recently a rare treat of caffeinated coffee made me pretty much bonkers all day (not in a necessarily bad way – I got tons done) even die hard coffee drinkers I know have agreed that the iced coffee is beyond the normal dinky caffeine injection. I also recently discovered another spectacular treat that Grumpy does like virtually no one else: a gourmet mocha that is to mochas what those fancy ten dollar organic handmade chocolate bars are to a Hershey’s kiss.
Once a local Greenpoint special spot, the Grumpy empire has expanded to Park Slope and Chelsea and was one of the forerunners of high end espresso spots invading the city.
124 Meserole Ave. Greenpoint, BrooklynI feel bad – Our neighbors, Greenpoint’s Eat Cafe, deserves a much better representation than this grainy, dim iphone images, but my camera batteries were dead and Shaun came to my rescue with his phone, so please forgive me. It’s a particular shame considering how lovely a picture the dishes would make. Fresh vegetables, flowering greens, and other delights adorn the plates of Jordan Colon, owner chef and part time farmer.
Rustic and laid back, the one time record shop has an informal feel. The space is unfettered with a soundtrack, warmly dim, and sparse. There is no wait staff, just an order window with the ever changing locavore menu posted on chalkboard next to it. We opted for the suggestion of splitting the entire menu: a yogurt beet soup that was my favorite of the night – I wish I had a bucket in my freezer, a homemade wheat focaccia with a strong melted cheese and garlicky greens, a green spelt salad, potato gnocchi with asparagus and a wonderfully maple slathered apple tart with a bunch of cute and sweet fresh garden strawberries atop. It fed the two of us well. I also recommend an iced tea to wash it all down, or take advantage of the byob policy.
The menu will definitely quench the taste of the healthier crowd and even with a small list of items, has plenty (actually all during this visit) of options for veggies.
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