This Valentines Day, I received a gift that trumps any heart-shaped jewelry or Whitman’s sampler– this wall art from Dream Digital Download on Etsy. It’s printed on vintage paper and shows a little map of BK within the heart shape. Didn’t get one from your Valentine? Don’t fret– you can find one here.
Who knew a sewer could be so pretty? Etsy shop Urban Street Prints by Julie brings design from the everyday urban built environment into the spotlight. Julie creates screenprints from rubbings of sewer grates, then prints them by hand in a community studio near the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. This print is from a rubbing in Fort Greene Park and goes for $42. Get yours here.
There’s nothing like the crisp taste of an apple picked straight from the tree of an Upstate orchard. And while most of us Brooklyn-ites don’t have land for replicating that orchard, many of us do have rooftops, so Brooklyn Brainery is here to teach us how to make it happen. On February 25th from 2pm to 4pm Mike Biltonen, VP of Farm Operations at Red Jacket Orchards, will tell you everything you need to know about the status of rooftop farming in NYC, how to get started, where to find a rooftop, how to plan your orchard, costs, and planting it.
BONUS: As you learn, you’ll get to sip on samples of Red Jacket’s juice. The class is just $20. Visit Brooklyn Brainery’s website to sign up.
I was thrilled to discover a new Brooklyn-based coffee roaster this week, but was even more excited when I learned more about Craft Coffee’s unique concept: coffee you can subscribe to. Their mission is to bring new, exciting coffee experiences to their subscribers, and being the local coffee fiend that I am, I had to give it a try.
So it works like this. You pick your subscription (starting at $19.99 per month) and then Craft Coffee brings 12 ounces of premium coffees from small artisan roasters to your door. I received 4 ounces each of Klatch Coffee, OQ Coffee Co., and Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., and so far, I’m impressed. Each blend has a rich flavor, but are distinctly different taste, so I can mix it up all month long.
I photo-documented my first Craft Coffee Journey; check it out below. Visit their website to get in a subscription, or get a one for a friend– it makes a great gift.
Finally! A good ramen spot in Brooklyn. I happened to be searching for a dinner spot in the neighb when I stumbled upon Chuko– a Prospect Heights spot I’ve been dying to try. First decision: do I want spicy pickles or brussel sprouts to start? Tough choice. I went for the pickles and followed them up with vegetarian ramen. I was excited that the waiter gave me the option to add a poached egg to my ramen bowl. I slurped down the light and flavorful broth, with bits of sweet potato, kale, runny egg and the never-ending noodles.
The simple decor and casual atmosphere make for a good dinner location to bring a group of friends. I’m already planning my next trip there, and this time I’m not leaving without the brussel sprouts and kale salad. Check out Chuko’s Facebook page for more information and photos, and let me know what you think when you give it a try.
In honor of National Bagels and Lox Day, here’s a photo from my favorite bagel spot in Brooklyn, Mile End Delicatessen. I like to order The Beauty, or a bagel with lox, cream cheese, tomato, onion, and capers.
Still looking for a unique gift for your Brooklyn sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? I’ve picked out three of my favorite sweet treats that I think your valentine will love just as much as I do.
1. Hot and Bothered set from With Love From Brooklyn
Spice things up with this set from one of my favorite curated gift sites, With Love From Brooklyn. The four-pack includes Jacques Torres Wicked Hot Chocolate and Wicked Chocolate Bar, Nunu Chocolates Mezcal Chili Truffles, and Spoonable Chili Caramel. It’s sweet. It’s spicy; and it’s the perfect artisinal gift for the one you love. Use the code HOTSTUFF to get 20 percent off.
2. Knipschildt Strawberry Hazelnut Bark from The Chocolate Room
I have a deep connection with The Chocolate Room and any of their chocolates and baked goods. I’m loving this Knipschildt Strawberry Hazelnut Bark for Valentine’s Day. I like it’s festive and unique look– milk and pink colored white chocolate bark with hazelnuts and strawberry powder. Pair it with these pretty rosewater truffles for an extra sweet surprise.
3. Red Hook Red Hot Cupcakes from Baked
Who wouldn’t like red velvet cake with a hint of valrhona cocoa, layered and topped with your choice of vanilla cinnamon buttercream or classic cream cheese frosting? One of my favorite bakeries, Baked in Red Hook offers the Red Hook Red Hot cake in cupcake form, which I think is a little bit cuter than the whole cake. Contact the bakery soon to place your order.
I’m a sucker for anything made locally. I probably didn’t have to tell you that either. My latest find? Phin & Phebe’s Ice Cream made right here in Brooklyn. It’s the creamiest ice cream I’ve ever eaten– and I’m from New England originally so that’s saying something. The flavors they offer started out as recipes in their home kitchen, but now they produce them on a larger scale. The ice cream duo is serving up unique combinations like Coconut Key Lime, Ginger Cookie Snap, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, and my favorite Banana Whama (banana pudding ice cream with vanilla wafers).
I bought mine at Brooklyn Fare, but you can also get it at Brooklyn Victory Garden, Brucie, Foragers, The Greene Grape, or any of these places listed here.
It’s National Pancake Month, and I have no problem celebrating as much as possible. I’ve picked my top three favorite places to load up on flapjacks. But please, do tell where you will be celebrating.
1. Buttermilk Channel
With “buttermilk” in the name, you can’t have a pancake-less menu. They serve theirs in classic fashion, with plenty of butter and syrup, and both a short stack and a tall stack. I suggest going all out with the tall stack.
2. Seersucker
You’ve all heard me rave about Seersucker a million times, but I don’t think I’ve talked about their pancakes. The Southern-inspired eatery serves up their buttermilk pancakes with salt molasses butter and bacon. It’s salty. It’s sweet. It’s super rich and celebration-worthy.
3. Rose Water Restaurant
I’m a fan of anything with apple in it. That’s why I’m drooling over Rose Water’s honeycrisp apple pancakes with cinnamon butter and toasted pecans. Their ingredients are always as seasonal and local as possible, and you can taste it in their fantastic brunch selection.
Have a friend that finally decided to make the move over the bridge? Show her your support (and excitement) with this Brooklyn Wine Bottle Stopper from DaisyMaeDesignsShop on Etsy. It features a colorful map of Brooklyn and the surrounding area from a vintage atlas. Get your here for $28.
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