Best Thai in Brooklyn? - Ghang Thai competes favorably
Josh Guttman | February 24, 2007
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Ghang Thai moved in on Smith St a few months ago in a space that is perpetually a Thai restaurant, previously Tuk-Tuk. They’ve drastically improved operations, from the menu and quality of food to the comfortable and shic interior aesthetic. Until recently, the restaurant was BYO, which makes for fun evenings. The large menu has many great choices. You can’t go wrong with Ghang’s Money Bag as an appetizer. The Pad See Ew is excellent, particularly with the vegetarian duck. And I’ve yet to be disappointed by any of the curries, though watch out for the “Jungle” and “Emerald”…both very spicy. Delivery is practically instantaneous. The Brooklyn Record recently claimed that Sripraphai is the best Thai in the Brooklyn-Queens corridor, with Em Thai (further down Smith) also in contention, but I beg to differ. Ghang Thai is Bergen Carroll’s best Thai offering and they rarely let me down.
Smith Vine moves one block south, beefs up Scotch and Bourbon selection
Josh Guttman | February 24, 2007
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Smith Vine has moved to a larger (and nicer) space at 268 Smith Street, between DeGraw and Sackett. The store remains very similar, though the new space apparently affords them room for a wider selection of scotches and bourbons, which is worth walking the extra block. Their website says “Now we know this sounds crazy, but in the end, it’s gonna rock! We will have a private tasting room and much more space for you to browse and take your time while you shop.” They still hold happy hour every Monday night from 6pm until closing and offer a 10% discount on all purchases during those hours.
Hookah Bar coming to Smith Street!!
Josh Guttman | February 24, 2007
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It looks like we are getting a hookah bar around the corner from Zaytoons. A place called Sheesha, the windows still covered in paper, appears to be getting ready to open on Sackett Street. This would be a nice addition to the social scene in the neighborhood and a nice change of pace from the bars, restaurants and coffee shops that currently provide evening entertainment. Apparently, the place will be managed by the same family who run Zaytoons. As the Brooklyn Record pointed out earlier this month, it might also provide a refuge for smokers out of cold, though I hope this is not the primary use of the space.
What will replace Blockbuster on Court Street - got $24K?
Josh Guttman | February 24, 2007
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The vacant Blockbuster on Court Street has already been the subject of several Brooklyn blog posts, but there doesn’t seem to be much movement in the large space. Rumor has it that the landlord is asking $24,000/month in rent which includes two levels, one below ground. With such a large space and rent, there is a strong possibility that a chain will move in, but I have some other ideas for ways the neighborhood could benefit from a local establishment:
- A mixed-use cafe, book store, evening arts/performance space with a killer sound system, ie: the SouthPaw of Carroll Gardens
- A high end sports club like Equinox or Sports Club LA to supplement NYSC and YMCA
- A Kidville - country club for NYC/Brooklyn children
Tea Lounge gets it right on Court Street
Josh Guttman | February 24, 2007
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The Tea Lounge opened their third Brooklyn location on Court Street a few months ago, and seats have been hard to come by ever since. The other two locations are in Park Slope, one on Union St. across from the Co-op and another on 7th Ave and 10th St. The Court Street location has the right blend of comfy couches, good food/drink, free internet and a homey vibe that keeps it packed day and night. It’s also an intimate size which makes it social. Not to mention, we Brooklyners appreciate local merchants. On a recent weekend afternoon, kids played board games with parents in the back; patrons enjoyed snacks and warm drinks, all while no fewer than eight laptops were opened at any time.
Sphere: Related ContentStarbucks opens on Smith Street amid growls from latte-purchasing neighbors
Josh Guttman | February 24, 2007
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Starbucks opened on Smith Street at the corner of Wyckoff last week. The reception to the evil empire’s neighborhood expansion seems mixed. Most BergenCarrollites I spoke to voiced regret at the replacement of independent community merchants on Smith Street by national chains like American Apparel, and viewed Starbucks as a further extension of this trend. Of course, these same people were spotted sipping frappucinos and americano lattes on the plush couches inside. A battle between local restauranteurs and national chains seems to be brewing and we’ll see where it goes next.
