Halcyon is promoting the upcoming DUMBO Block Party on Saturday, September 8 from 1-7 pm @ Pearl Street Triangle right in front of their store.
So what's a block party you ask? It's a FREE family friendly event loaded with activities for kids of all ages - but don't be fooled - this is also a party with DJs and Live bands presented by halcyon and dubspot, and, erm... sanctioned mid-afternoon boozing and dancing on the streets of the city. And all in the cozy confines of the brand new quasi-park that used to be the local illegal dumping area!
BOUNCY CASTLE, ARTS & CRAFTS BY THE BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM AND NYC PARKS DEPT., DINOSAUR EXHIBIT FROM THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, FACE PAINTING, BIKE SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKS, AND A MURAL PAINTING BY JIM AVIGNON.
OUTDOOR BEER LOUNGE BY RE-BAR, BBQ, PIZZA, TACOS & BURRITOS, COFFEE & TREATS.
PLUS A BAZAAR OF BOOTHS SHOWING OFF THE BEST OF DUMBO'S LOCAL OFFERINGS.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Mural vs. Condo - New BK Blog
Thanks to Gowanus Lounge for flagging this new Brooklyn blog Mural vs. Condo, a "personal account of development and gentrification issues in Sunset Park, Brooklyn."
Welcome, Amina!
Welcome, Amina!
Brooklyn Waterfront "Endangered"
A new report issued by nonprofit organization National Trust for Historic Preservation highlights 11 endangered places in the U.S. that are "being disturbed or damaged."
"The 2007 list includes historic motels on Route 66 that are losing out to chain hotels and travelers who rarely slow down along the newer interstates. They are listed alongside the industrial waterfront of Brooklyn that is increasingly being bulldozed to make way for multimillion-dollar condos, and a World War II-era internment camp that once held Japanese-Americans that is slipping into decrepitude ...From the Salt Lake Tribune.
... The historic dockyards and factories are being replaced by acres of condominiums in suddenly hip areas with new acronyms like DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). The trust wants to preserve at least a portion of the borough's 19th-century industrial heart."
Monday, August 27, 2007
Monday Recipe: Za'atar Chicken
One of my favorite recipes of all time is from Nigella Lawson, the lovely British cook that has finally joined the Food Network with her own show. At my house, we call it "dirty finger chicken" and after making it you'll know why!
It's very simple and comes from her cookbook, Forever Summer, which is all around a great cookbook. I got it several years ago when I was still living in Boston and it was challenging to find Za'atar (thyme, sumac & sesame seeds), the key ingredient. You can find this spice in most Middle Eastern grocery stores, or in the spice section of Fairway, right before the coffee area.
It's so easy to make and is very cost effective. You buy a chicken, cut up into pieces, and then marinate them in ziploc bags overnight with olive oil, a generous amount of Za'atar, salt and pepper. Basically you put the chicken pieces in first (you probably need two large freezer Ziploc bags), add the oil to coat, and then the Za'atar to coat. You can also marinate for a few hours, but the longer the better!
Afterwards, dump the bags of chicken out into a baking dish and make sure to squeeze out the seeds and oil on top. You can add some more seasoning if some sides of the chicken pieces are bare. Pop the dish into pre-heated oven and roast at 425 degrees for 40 minutes or so, and the outside will be crispy delicious while the meat tender and tasty.
As a side, Nigella serves up fattoush salad, which I highly recommend. It's a blend of chopped ripe tomato, cucumber, scallion and toasted pita that has been broken up to absorb a basic dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar and a squeeze or two of lemon.
Enjoy!
It's very simple and comes from her cookbook, Forever Summer, which is all around a great cookbook. I got it several years ago when I was still living in Boston and it was challenging to find Za'atar (thyme, sumac & sesame seeds), the key ingredient. You can find this spice in most Middle Eastern grocery stores, or in the spice section of Fairway, right before the coffee area.
It's so easy to make and is very cost effective. You buy a chicken, cut up into pieces, and then marinate them in ziploc bags overnight with olive oil, a generous amount of Za'atar, salt and pepper. Basically you put the chicken pieces in first (you probably need two large freezer Ziploc bags), add the oil to coat, and then the Za'atar to coat. You can also marinate for a few hours, but the longer the better!
Afterwards, dump the bags of chicken out into a baking dish and make sure to squeeze out the seeds and oil on top. You can add some more seasoning if some sides of the chicken pieces are bare. Pop the dish into pre-heated oven and roast at 425 degrees for 40 minutes or so, and the outside will be crispy delicious while the meat tender and tasty.
As a side, Nigella serves up fattoush salad, which I highly recommend. It's a blend of chopped ripe tomato, cucumber, scallion and toasted pita that has been broken up to absorb a basic dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar and a squeeze or two of lemon.
Enjoy!
Can You O.D. on Vitamins?
I finally picked up some Diet Coke Plus this weekend and just sat down to have my first sip. As a Vitamin Water fan, I was excited to try a new take on my daily diet coke habit that offered an added bonus -- without the sugar.
The lovely rainbow and aqua blue branding on the outside of the can is so much nicer that the original can decor. Of course, it tastes the same but it's nice to know I am getting my vitamins and minerals.
According to Wikipedia, each "8-ounce serving of Diet Coke Plus provides 15 percent of the daily value for niacin and vitamins B6 and B12, and 10 percent for zinc and magnesium. In fact the second main ingredient in diet coke plus is magnesium sulfate."
The question I have is with all these new vitamin and mineral enriched foods/drinks, do I need to rethink my daily vitamin? I mean, I know too much Iron is not a good thing, and I think I remember reading that too much Vitamin A isn't good for you.
So, the question is: Can you overdose on the good stuff?
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Flickr: Car Fire Brooklyn Bridge
Talk about being in the right place at the right time to get this kind of photo.
Reality Check: Brooklyn Apt Rental Round-up
Yesterday on the F Train, I overheard a man complaining about real estate prices in New York. He was also commenting on the planned conversion of the Peter Cooper Villages/Stuy Town buildings to condos. He said, "You know, the ones that look like projects?" I would have to agree with him on that one, at least from the outside.
Downtown Brooklyn: 1 Bdrm in 110 Livingston ($3,490/month)
Vinegar Hill: 1 Bdrm/Conv 2Bdrm, Duplex Loft on Gold Street (1 month free rent $3,208/month)
Carroll Gardens: 2 Bdrm 1 bath, elevator building, v. close to BQE ($2,800/month)
DUMBO: 2 Bdrm, 1 bath @ York & Adams ($4,700/month)
Downtown Brooklyn: 1 Bdrm in 110 Livingston ($3,490/month)
Vinegar Hill: 1 Bdrm/Conv 2Bdrm, Duplex Loft on Gold Street (1 month free rent $3,208/month)
Carroll Gardens: 2 Bdrm 1 bath, elevator building, v. close to BQE ($2,800/month)
DUMBO: 2 Bdrm, 1 bath @ York & Adams ($4,700/month)
DUMBO Fights Back
The Brooklyn Paper reports on the opposition to the proposed Walentas building near the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO.
But Walentas’s Two Trees Management plan still doesn’t cut it: “We do need a middle school, but this need … should not be used to leverage an out-of-scale development,” Karen Johnson, president of the DUMBO group told The Brooklyn Paper.I fully agree ... but ...
"Walentas told reporters this week that the reappearance of his old foes wouldn’t stop him from continuing to seek support from the city on his plan."
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Brooklyn Enthusiast's Sushi Picks Map
This is a work in progress, but I am creating a map with Google Maps that offers a short review on all my favorite sushi places in Manhattan and Brooklyn. I will try to post when new places are added. See the map to the right.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Monday Recipe: Perfect Pancakes From Scratch
I am going to start a new thing where I offer a recipe every Monday. When we woke up the other morning, my husband was craving pancakes so I decided to make some. I usually make South Beach pancakes because they are healthier, but we opted for the real stuff this time around and it was totally worth the calories.
I found a great recipe for "instant pancake mix" that allows you to make up a supply of the dry in advance and store to which you can add the wet ingredients. I love Alton Brown on the Food Network, although I can understand why some people may not. He mixes science and food, and his recipes offer the way to approach the basics.
If you don't feel like making a batch of the dry to keep on hand, use this recipe but only use 1/3 of the dry ingredients and combine with the wet ingredients as stated. This will give you enough pancakes for 4-6 people, depending on how big or little your appetite is.
Also, you can add some blueberries or bananas or sliced strawberries to each cake once you have spooned them out onto the griddle. And please, no Aunt Jemima!
"Instant" Pancake Mix
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (check expiration date first)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Combine all of the ingredients in a lidded container. Shake to mix.
Use the mix within 3 months.
"INSTANT" PANCAKES:
2 eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups "Instant" Pancake Mix, recipe above
1 stick butter, for greasing the pan
2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired
Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F. Heat oven to 200 degrees F.
Whisk together the egg whites and the buttermilk in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter.
Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don't try to work all the lumps out.
Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.
Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)
OR just use PAM cooking spray (I prefer this).
Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.
Serve immediately or remove to a towel-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.
Yield: 12 pancakes
Enjoy!
I found a great recipe for "instant pancake mix" that allows you to make up a supply of the dry in advance and store to which you can add the wet ingredients. I love Alton Brown on the Food Network, although I can understand why some people may not. He mixes science and food, and his recipes offer the way to approach the basics.
If you don't feel like making a batch of the dry to keep on hand, use this recipe but only use 1/3 of the dry ingredients and combine with the wet ingredients as stated. This will give you enough pancakes for 4-6 people, depending on how big or little your appetite is.
Also, you can add some blueberries or bananas or sliced strawberries to each cake once you have spooned them out onto the griddle. And please, no Aunt Jemima!
"Instant" Pancake Mix
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (check expiration date first)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Combine all of the ingredients in a lidded container. Shake to mix.
Use the mix within 3 months.
"INSTANT" PANCAKES:
2 eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups "Instant" Pancake Mix, recipe above
1 stick butter, for greasing the pan
2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired
Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F. Heat oven to 200 degrees F.
Whisk together the egg whites and the buttermilk in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter.
Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don't try to work all the lumps out.
Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.
Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)
OR just use PAM cooking spray (I prefer this).
Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.
Serve immediately or remove to a towel-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.
Yield: 12 pancakes
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Mmmm is for Mercadito, and Mexican
Sorry folks, this gem is in Alphabet City, but the reason we went tonight is because I am still on strike about Alma changing its menu.
I actually called and asked if they had the shrimp tacos on their menu and they said no, just the coconut shrimp, which is fried and gross, IMO. You can get that stuff frozen at Trader Joe's, but the shrimp tacos are delicious. I told the guy on the phone that he should get them put back on and that I wasn't coming back until they were back on the menu. I don't know how much that will actually do, but it was worth a shot.
Anyway, Mercadito ("little market") is a very small Mexican restaurant on Avenue B and 11th. It's a great place to go and share a bunch of dishes - if you do that sort of thing. We don't really like to share but we did tonight. They have amazing guacamole, but with twists like mango and chile, or other great combinations. Their house margarita has pineapple juice, lime and just enough chile to give it the right kick in the back of your throat. Amazing!
For dinner, they have like 10+ kinds of tacos, which come as four bite-sized tacos to an order. We had the baja ones, which are classic fish tacos - delicious. They had a comment card with the bill so I put a suggestion to open in Brooklyn, DUMBO preferably.
They do specials on Monday-Thursday from 4-7 pm with a $5 menu (margaritas, quesadillas, flautas, mexican wings) and then they have all you can eat tacos for $20 on Friday and Saturday night after 10 pm.
This place kicks Alma's butt, but I would say the best Mexican is still El Parador on 34th Street between First and Second.
I actually called and asked if they had the shrimp tacos on their menu and they said no, just the coconut shrimp, which is fried and gross, IMO. You can get that stuff frozen at Trader Joe's, but the shrimp tacos are delicious. I told the guy on the phone that he should get them put back on and that I wasn't coming back until they were back on the menu. I don't know how much that will actually do, but it was worth a shot.
Anyway, Mercadito ("little market") is a very small Mexican restaurant on Avenue B and 11th. It's a great place to go and share a bunch of dishes - if you do that sort of thing. We don't really like to share but we did tonight. They have amazing guacamole, but with twists like mango and chile, or other great combinations. Their house margarita has pineapple juice, lime and just enough chile to give it the right kick in the back of your throat. Amazing!
For dinner, they have like 10+ kinds of tacos, which come as four bite-sized tacos to an order. We had the baja ones, which are classic fish tacos - delicious. They had a comment card with the bill so I put a suggestion to open in Brooklyn, DUMBO preferably.
They do specials on Monday-Thursday from 4-7 pm with a $5 menu (margaritas, quesadillas, flautas, mexican wings) and then they have all you can eat tacos for $20 on Friday and Saturday night after 10 pm.
This place kicks Alma's butt, but I would say the best Mexican is still El Parador on 34th Street between First and Second.
Time Out Kids' Edition Features DUMBO, Brooklyn
Time Out Kids features places to see and things to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
I just love the subtitle of the article, "We hate gentrification, too—but you have to admit, Dumbo is pretty darn cool." So perfect, right?
The article highlights all our favorites like Bubby's, the playground at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Possum Paint Studio (new to me?), Five Front, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Modern Tots, Half Pint, P.S. Bookshop, Pomme and Grimaldi's.
I just love the subtitle of the article, "We hate gentrification, too—but you have to admit, Dumbo is pretty darn cool." So perfect, right?
The article highlights all our favorites like Bubby's, the playground at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Possum Paint Studio (new to me?), Five Front, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Modern Tots, Half Pint, P.S. Bookshop, Pomme and Grimaldi's.
The Smoke Joint Opens Sister Cafe in Ft. Greene
Fort Greene’s The Smoke Joint opens a sister cafe, serving up all things yummy like cheesy grits, artisanal hams and handmade sweets.
64 Lafayette Ave., at S. Elliott Pl., Fort Greene (718-797-1011)
(source: dailycandy)
64 Lafayette Ave., at S. Elliott Pl., Fort Greene (718-797-1011)
(source: dailycandy)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Brooklyn "Bloggiest" Neighborhood
New Data from OutsideIn.com rates top cities in terms of blogging activity. They used a super scientific mathematic formula that factored in population and number of blog posts tied to a specific locations.
According to a write up on Boston.com:
Boston is actually the "bloggiest city" in America for the two-month period of March and April, but Brooklyn, N.Y., was the bloggiest neighborhood - indeed, if Brooklyn were regarded as a separate city, it might have eclipsed the Hub as the bloggiest city ...
Brooklyn Heights Building to Grow 6 Stories
From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle:
"The addition of six stories atop the nine-story building at 75 Clinton St. (aka 168 Montague St.) in Brooklyn Heights is a strong possibility, according to a Department of Buildings (DOB) document ... Also as previously reported, the building falls outside the Brooklyn Heights Historic District and is outside the special height district’s 50-foot height limit.
The conversion to condominium plan was learned from a spokesman for the building owner, who spoke with the Eagle in February, but who did not have approval to discuss specific details."
Sushi Inspired Dog Toys, Oh My!
Don't get too hungry ... yet. As the biggest sushi fan ever (I like to think so), I was naturally intrigued by these new sushi-inspired toys from a company called Sushi Pups (www.sushipups.com) that I came across in NY Press. They are so cute!
Check these out - there are a bunch of different sushi pieces, including uni and egg, and even a spicy tuna hand roll!
But wouldn't it make more sense to have the sushi toys for cats? You know, cats like fish? I guess I am just biased.
Check these out - there are a bunch of different sushi pieces, including uni and egg, and even a spicy tuna hand roll!
But wouldn't it make more sense to have the sushi toys for cats? You know, cats like fish? I guess I am just biased.
Future of McCarren Pool Uncertain as Concert Venue
New reports indicate that McCarren Pool, the cool non-traditional concert venue for Indie and mainstream musicians may have had its last hurr-ah. The news comes as the Open Space Alliance surveyed concert goers and the space achieves landmark status. (source: Gothamist)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Growing Up: Brooklyn Enthusiast Almost One Year Old
I just realized that Brooklyn Enthusiast will turn 1 year old on August 22. I can't believe how time has flown!!!
Thank you to EVERYONE who reads my blog. Nothing makes me happier than reading all your comments and keeping up with all things Brooklyn through my fellow Brooklyn bloggers. Keep 'em coming!
Homer, maybe we can have a joint birthday party next year? I'll make the cake ;-)
Rice Crispy Treats @ Rice in DUMBO
If you haven't tried these yet, you have to. I am a huge fan of Rice in DUMBO, especially the apricot and cranberry rice crispy treats. They always taste fresh, not like the hard squares at Starbucks.
If you go to pick up your order, the usually have a nice pile on the counter for people to have a taste. The best part: no one gives you dirty looks when you take three pieces! You can also order them with delivery orders and they come in a cute little canister with three treats. Yum!
Also, if you haven't tried Rice yet, I especially like their Chicken Kabob, Edamame Hummus with pita bread, Pad Thai and the absolute best is the vegetarian meatballs with spicy sauce (on the side), which I realize may not appeal to everyone. They also have really nice Thai Coconut Curry as well and I suggest getting it with the Thai black rice (so delicious!).
You all must think I eat all day 24/7 (which is partly true).
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