Brooklyn Oenology

An article from a site called Lenndevours focuses on Brooklyn Oenology (BOE), a relatively new winery located in a converted Greenpoint warehouse. Apparently BOE wines are available at several NYC locations, including DUMBO's Blanc et Rouge and Rebar.

Here is a link to the Q&A with Alie Shaper, who is described as an "engineer-turned-winemaker." I should note that the grapes don't actually come from Brooklyn, they come from Long Island, but the production is all local.

Knitting Rocks

Learning to knit has been a line item on my to-do list for many years. I still have knitting supplies and failed projects that I purchased in Boston when I lived there more than three years ago. I learned to knit from my grandma when I was very young, but the intricacies of casting on and off have left my memory banks and I would love to move beyond the basic stitch.

I finally decided it was time to learn how to knit properly so that I could actually finish a project and cross that item off my list. So yesterday I took a "Knitting 101" class at a fantastic place called Knit New York on 14th street right off Second Avenue.

The class is small (4 people, 2 teachers) so you get 1:1 instruction and the fee includes everything you need -- supplies and instruction -- to knit a hat. It's the kind of place you want to hang out at after work and on lazy rainy days (well at least I do!). Everyone was knowledgeable, friendly and nice -- all-in-all a great vibe.

They have an expresso bar and a nice selection of beverages and penny candy for sale, with several seating areas. The walls are lined with yarn in all colors and textures, while impressive finished projects sit folded on shelves and hanging on racks -- all very inspirational.

I would love a place like this in DUMBO (and I think it would do really well), but I found that there are some great places in Brooklyn that offer knitting supplies, some with classes. But I would highly recommend Knit New York as it's a casual environment so there's no pressure!

Here's a link to a Web site that offers a round-up of NYC Knitting shops and resources.

Bedstuy & Breakfast

Brooklyn entrepreneur-ess Diana Hussey (a.k.a. Miss Pets) recently opened the doors to her latest venture called Bedstuy & Breakfast. It turns out, B&Bs are very hard work even for celebrities with endless resources like Tori Spelling.

I haven't been down to check it out in person, but Diana and her brother are excellent pet sitters if you ever need someone. Located near Myrtle Avenue and Spencer Street, rooms are available for as short as three days, or up to three weeks.

The list of amenities includes: use of a full kitchen and large shared bathroom, air conditioning, washer/dryer, free WiFi, Wii & video games, ping pong, rooftop access and bicycles available to borrow.

Suites are cleverly named, for example the Sky Room:
Features a full-size bed in the sky, overlooking Bedford Avenue with a skyline stretching clear to downtown Brooklyn. A translucent wall permits all the light from outside in, but distorts shapes beyond recognition, protecting your privacy.






































As it turns out, there are actually quite a few B&Bs in Brooklyn, although I haven't stayed at any of them. Seems like a nice option and one that would allow people to discover other neighborhoods.