Featured Photo
-
Lucali, Red Hook Ball Fields top Yelp neighborhood listings
Josh Guttman | March 15, 2008
3 Comments
I just fired up Yelp to check something and noticed that Lucali and Red Hook Ballfields are ranked one and two respectively for all of Brooklyn. That’s impressive. I’ve been to both and consistently enjoy my experiences. While the Red Hook Ballfields isn’t technically a restaurant, it has plenty of food offerings and certainly provides a unique experience. Lucali is a newcomer to the neighborhood, but ran away with “best pizza in the ‘hood” last year.
Bergen Carroll needs writers!!
Josh Guttman | February 7, 2008
Leave a Comment
You might have noticed the recent slow-down in articles on Bergen Carroll. It’s because nearly all our writers parlayed the exposure they received from Bergen Carroll and were lured away by bigger NYC publishers. If you live in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Red Hook or Boerum Hill, have a pulse on what’s happening in the ‘hood and like to put pen to paper (or words to website), please get in touch about joining the sexiest local blog in New York City. We’re at josh [at] bergencarroll [dot] com.
New Poll: You, the customers, create the Red Deli’s new menu
Josh Guttman | December 18, 2007
7 Comments
Renovations of the Red Deli on Cobble Hill Park are nearly complete and the new owners are putting together the menu now. This is your chance to speak up and let them know what you liked most about the previous deli - your favorite dishes and treats - and perhaps, what you didn’t like so much. Personally, I was a big fan of the salmon, seaweed and cole slaw sandwich on ciabatta roll, but that’s just me. I was also a big fan of the homemade hot chocolate in the winter. From what I understand, new management is still undecided on whether to serve espresso drinks or just plain coffee? Let them know what you think by casting a vote in the new poll. You can select two.
** I forgot something? Tell me in the comment area and I’ll add the most popular items to the possible answers.
Book Court to expand adding sun-drenched coffee lounge
Josh Guttman | December 13, 2007
1 Comment
Brownstoner got a sneak peak at Book Court’s coming expansion. Apparently, they’re going deeper behind the existing store, and adding a coffee lounge beneath a large skylight. As we’ve learned from recent activity on Bergen Carroll, our readers care deeply about our neighborhood coffee joints. I can only believe this will be enthusiastically received by the neighborhood. And I wholeheartedly agree with Brownstoner’s sentiments….it’s nice to see independent book stores and coffee houses enjoying prosperity. Book Court is a gem of the neighborhood.
Red Deli Gets a Fresh Coat of Paint and New Owner
Josh Guttman | December 12, 2007
5 Comments
The Red Deli on Verandah and Clinton is nearing the final touches of a massive makeover. Inside the previously run-down space, they’ve installed new terra cotta floors, a sparkling white tin ceiling and a new tile kitchen. The exterior has been patched up and painted and a new coat of glistening red paint invites would-be customers. “What is it going to be?” seems to be the most frequent question posed by passers by. Well the answer is (drum roll please) a new deli!! Charlie Statelman, who runs Cafe on Clinton two doors away, is taking over the space in a few weeks and putting together a Provence style deli with sandwiches, fruits and ready-to-go food and lunch options. At last check, no decision had been made on coffee/cappuccino.
Coffee BrewHaHa in the blogosphere - what’s your opinion?
Josh Guttman | November 28, 2007
15 Comments
There’s been some chatter on local blogs about the new coffee houses opening in the Boerum Hill area. Gowanus Lounge posted about the new Brooklyn Bean that is opening at Fourth Avenue and Carroll Street. Brownstoner also posted about it, saying it’s an offshoot of Cuppa Cuppa in the East Village. Gowanus poses the question “is Brooklyn big enough to have two Brooklyn Beans or is an Espresso War brewing?” The real question, in my mind, is how many coffee houses can the neighborhood sustain? By my estimation, there is nearly a coffee house on every other block through Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill and into Park Slope. It seems that I’m alerted to someone’s new fav weekly. I enjoyed The Tea House on Court for a while, before it became over-run with mommies and strollers. Sweet Melissa’s a block away is a nice spot for dessert after a movie. Some of my friends make up part of the cult following of Victory over on State and Hoyt. The Flying Saucer on Atlantic has a certain ethos that I enjoy from time to time, and it’s a nice place to work with free wi-fi. Mule is another one on Fourth Ave that provides a nice atmosphere. D’Amicos is a perennial local favorite. And there are several others I’m not mentioning. Which of the bunch is your favorite and how many more do you think the neighborhood can support?
2007 Pizza Poll: The results are in!
Josh Guttman | November 24, 2007
3 Comments
The votes have been tabulated and your voices heard. From the start, this was a race for second and third place. Lucali ran away with best pizza in the ‘hood this year, snagging a whopping 50% of the vote (54 nods). In a move that made this blogger proud, the oldest standing of the bunch, Sam’s, grabbed second. Finally, My Little Pizzeria on Court/Atlantic snubbed The Famous House and Savoia to snag third place. Well done voters!
One week to go in Pizza poll
Josh Guttman | November 14, 2007
Leave a Comment
Lucali seems to be running away with neighborhood’s best, but there is a real contest brewing for 2nd and 3rd place. Sam’s, My Little Pizzeria and The Famous House have been neck and neck for the duration while Savoia is making a late charge from bottom of the pack. Final results will be tallied Wednesday, November 21 before Thanksgiving. If you haven’t voted, get ‘em in!!
Gravy’s Gone Fishin’, Trout Takes Over
Josh Guttman | October 30, 2007
4 Comments
This news is a tad dated by now, but Trout has expanded into the space next-door where diner cum swanky homestyle dig, Gravy, once lived. My sources tell me the owner (of both) was making more money at Trout so he turned the entire corner into a kitchy crab shack. The new menu is comprehensive with a heavy emphasis on seafood. Early reports indicate the food is “Okay, but a little pricey for what you get.” Though, this isn’t surprising from the expansion of an operation whose previous culinary endeavors consisted of hamburgers and hot dogs on paper plates. I think the expansion is a smart move. Gravy was a restaurant without a soul and a larger Trout adds more character to the neighborhood. And now, with a complete menu, it’s an even better place to drink.
Blue Marble brings eco-friendly ice cream to Boerum Hill
Jessica Clegg | October 24, 2007
1 Comment
It seems slightly strange to decide to open an ice cream parlor open at the end of September, though stranger still that eating ice cream outside in the middle of October would seem like a refreshing way to beat the heat. Blue Marble, the eco-friendly ice cream and coffee shop, first offered previews of its locally-sourced ice cream at the Atlantic Antic festival a month ago. Now fully open, there’s a much larger selection and comfortable seating to enjoy it in, even a back-room area for the kids to play in (brilliant!). Examining the menu board, I was surprised to see “balsamic vinegar” on the topping list. This inclusion, the very well-informed scooper informed me, is not leftover from a previous incarnation as a salad bar; balsamic vinegar is actually a great counterpoint to vanilla or strawberry. I had to try it with strawberry and, I can’t insist enough, you do too! Another more adult-themed choice is “culture”, the shop’s answer to the Pinkberry frozen yogurt craze, which is subtly sweet with a Greek yogurt richness.
One quibble is that the prices seem pretty steep, assumedly for the high-quality ingredients. Expect $4 for a scoop in a cup or cone, anything else is extra. I was happy enough to part with my $6 for the novelty alone, but then I’m someone who will travel 5 bodegas at 2am in search of a particular flavor; in other words, someone willing to put in overtime for their ice cream. Others may not be so keen, especially when supporting, say, a whole little league’s team worth of ice cream eaters.
Blue Marble is located on 420 Atlantic Avenue between Hoyt and Bond Streets.
