Tag Archives: Fort Greene

Dekalb Market Hall: A New Concept Exploring Brooklyn’s Best Food

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall

The Dekalb Market Hall, based in the upcoming neighborhood of Downtown Brooklyn, is the new must-go-to spot for Brooklyn’s best food and all local vendors! Their new concept is enchanting all the foodies out there!

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall

We all know that New York City is the perfect place for all the professional foodies out there, as well as the enthusiasts, right?

You can literally find any type of cuisine and restaurant you are craving for and have a fantastic gastronomical experience that will blow your mind.

We are a company extremely focused on working with and promoting sustainable traveling experiences, showing people that even in huge urban cities, you can travel, enjoy and leave a positive impact.

In short, sustainable tourism is made up of 3 main pillars.

Big part of our mission is to promote the values of tourism to the economic growth, cultural and environmental protection, in addition to mutual understanding and peace.

That said – and as you probably already know – our platform is also focused writing about independently owned businesses that have outstanding products and services, and works with other local partners.

So, talking about the new Dekalb Market Hall is a must! Located in Downtown Brooklyn, this area is expanding rapidly and must be in your radar.

The Dekalb Market Hall is not a food-court, as many would imagine or name it. It’s a new concept of a culinary center, with 40 Brooklyn-based vendors. They showcase the best of the local culture and ethnic diversity, offering dining experiences and innovative cooking.

The interesting part of the story is that many of these vendors have opened their very first brick-and-mortar location there and are now able to show the world their craft and expertise!

The space is amazing and the atmosphere very welcoming with a neighborhood vibe. They attract not only the market’s neighbors, but a Brooklyn-based crowd, as well as other curious and community-engaged folks from all over the city.


See below which vendors are part of the amazing Dekalb Market Hall:

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall Ample Hill Ice CreamAmple Hills: Founded in the spring of 2011 by a Brooklynite couple, Ample Hill offers hand-made ice creams. They were named after Walt Whitman’s poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry”, which speaks of the connectedness of people across time and space. The ingredients? Some of the best hormone free milk and cream from grass fed cows and organic cane sugar. Plus, their mix-ins are made in house from scratch, like the peppermint patties, honeycomb candy, pistachio brittle, munchie mix and brownies.

Andrew’s Classic Roadside Hamburgers: Known as “New York City’s Best Burger Truck, the Founder Andrew Zurica has over 25 years of relevant experience in the food service industry being with family owned restaurants in the 80’s. They offer countless burgers, a few hot dog options as well as yummy sides!

Arepa Lady: They are famous for serving Latin American food in Jackson Heights. What is an Arepa? It’s a food made of ground maize dough or cooked flour, super popular in a few Latin American countries like Venezuela and Colombia. Besides the arepas, their menu is filled with patacones, chuzos and a few appetizers!

Belle Cheese: Let’s start with their mission – “To transport your taste buds all over this big, beautiful world through cheese”. Sounds exciting, right? If you love cheese, but don’t really know that much about it, they are happy to offer samples! Within your picks, try their best upstate New York’s artisan options!

BK Jani: Are you looking for an authentic Pakistani picnic? With lunch, dinner, delivery and take-out options, you’ll be able to fulfill all your barbeque desires at BK Jani, founded by Sibté Hassan!

And still:

Bread & Spread: Offering a variety of gourmet sandwiches made to order, Bread & Spread has also super fresh veggies to order on the side. They newest special? The Italiano Cubano – house brined and roasted pork, kurobuta ham, Swiss cheese, whiskey sour spicy pickle, house-made apple mustard on a ciabatta roll! Go hungry!

Brooklyn Juicer: If you are part of the healthy-lifestyle group of people, this is the place to go for some of the freshest juices and smoothies.

Bunker: The mission at this spot is to share the home-style Vietnamese street food the owners grew up eating. They source some of the best ingredients using vegetables and heritage meet from local farms. In addition, they have the finest quality condiments and no MSG shortcuts. They have a few great vegan options too!

Bunsmith: Founded in 2015 with the objective of spreading the love for delicious buns, Bunsmith now makes bomb-tasting food! They use some quite authentic ingredients and are vegan-friendly too! They have a delicious mouth-watering Jack-Fruit BBQ bun that will make you come back for more. Oh! Pair your order with a drink of their beer, wine, sake, Korean spirits or cocktail menus.

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall Arepas

Café D’Avignon: This spot is amazing! They “bake, serve and eat everything fresh on the same day”. So, you can expect super fresh pastries and breads baked daily and served warm, directly from their oven. They still have a few selections of quiches, sandwiches, scones, tarts, cakes, afternoon snacks and coffee.

Also, try these:

Craft + Carry: Ah! These guys are the one that have great beer! They are known as “da beer guys” in the market. Options are great, varying from the Austin Eastciders Blood Orange Cider and Erdinger Weissbier to the Greenport Harbor Tidal Lager and Industrial Arts Wrench IPA.

Daigo Hand Roll Bar: Oh yum! Japanese food! Daigo Hand Roll Bar has it all. Try the spicy tuna, toro, salmon with avocado, snow crab with avocado, braised octopus, hokkaido scallops, uni and the vegetable rolls. Or better, try them all!

Dekalb Taco: Who doesn’t love splurging on calories, right? The Dekalb Tacos come from Macondo Taperia Latina, in the West Village. They guys know with craft pretty well, and bring to life a ‘culinary journey into the streets of Latin America and stops to pay homage to the crudo scene that defines most of Latin America.”

Dulcienea: Churros, churros and more churros! We love them! They explain that: “Dulcinea does not settle for what “is” a Churro, we are here to bring you a Churro unlike what you have seen, tasted or imaged. Our story begins with “what was” the Churro: we proclaim a revolution and will take the Churro to new heights. Our Churros are stuffed, dipped and coated with ingredients that will delight your senses. We are here to push the culinary envelope we dare you to join the revolution.” What more can we say?

But wait…!

Eight Turn Crepe: If you’re a crepe lover, this is a place to certainly try! Eight Turn Crepe “takes rice flour, whips it into a silky mix, turns that on the griddle, and poof!”…you get a delicious crepe with an exquisite presentation. They have a great savory and sweet selections that will teleport you directly to Tokyo! Enjoy your journey!

Fletcher’s BBQ: Founded in Gowanus, in Brooklyn, Fletcher’s ‘honors the uniquely American tradition of crafting pit smoked barbecue’. They have everything from ribs, pork, sausages, brisket and even tacos! They explain that: “we create our own style of ‘cue that melds the tradition of wood fire cooking with responsible farming and flavor profiles inspired from the many ethnicities experienced while walking the streets of the largest borough of New York City.”

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall Wilma Jean Chicken Sandwich

Foragers Butcher, Market & Rotisserie: Founded back in 2005, in DUMBO, their mission has been to always offer fresh and high quality grocery options sourced from local farms and producers. We’ve also written about Foragers City Grocer before!

Forcella: “Picture a pizza made on a cloud — that’s the best way to describe their pizza, a fried pizza all the way from Naples, Italy. Fluffy, airy, saucy and crisp are some of the words that can best describe fried pizza. Surprisingly, considering it’s fried, by no means is this fried pizza greasy. And for those of you who love crust, you’re in luck. There’s lots of it, and it’s one of a kind.”

Fulton Landing Seafood Market: This is the place for super fresh seafood. Their principals are based on sustainable concepts, making it all even better. The menu has rolls, grilled seafood options, few fried ones and even steamed. The crab and lobster selection is also great!

Yummm….

Guss’ Pickles: Yes, we l-o-v-e pickles! Izzy Guss was an immigrate over 100 years ago and lived in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. There, he started his craft and never stopped (lucky us!). What to expect? Sour pickles, half-sour pickles, hot & spicy chips, kosher dills, whole, spears, chips, deli mustard, sweet peppers, hot cherry peppers, giardiniera, marinated mushrooms, pickled tomatoes, sauerkraut, large assortment of olives, horseradish, sweet relish, and much more!

Hana Noodles: Yum, noodles. We could eat noodles every single day of our lives! Hana Noodles has great options with chicken, pork, beef and some veggie options. Their noodles are literally hand-made right in front of your eyes!

Home Frites: Tell us one person you know that does not like French fries. Impossible, right? Home Frites has a small, but tempting menu with options of truffle fries, cheese fries, chorizo fries and a few other variations! Pair it with a beer or a glass of wine!

Jianbing Company: The Jianbing breakfast is an iconic, traditional, and downright delicious option, loved by all Chinese folks. “Starting with the ‘Original’, you can choose your own adventure. Add applewood-smoked bacon for a hearty breakfast. Revolutionize lunch with thin-sliced lemon-garlic chicken or hoisin-lime beef. Keep it veg with honey-ginger tofu.”

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall Katz Deep Fried Veggies

Katz Deli: This is the only place that is not Brooklyn-based, but is certainly one of their great additions. The famous Katz Delicatessen was founded back in 1888 in the Lower East Side. The place is family owned and run for over 100 years, is known by celebrities, chefs and foodies all over the world. If you’re a meat eater, this is the place for you!

Oh! Don’t miss these:

Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab: “Kotti caters to a growing health-conscious consumer base seeking healthy, sustainable, and satisfying food that’s good for them and the planet. Using antibiotic-free meats, local produce, and a rainbow of nutritious vegetables, Kotti is for the discerning customer who wants to make responsible choices about food without sacrificing taste.” They have options for vegetarians too!

Likkle More: Do you enjoy Caribbean food? If you’re not sure, this is the right place to try it. If you do, you know what we’re talking about! Chef Kemis’ food is “best described as a fusion of Caribbean flavors with classical cooking techniques”. This journey started back in Montego Bay, Jamaica and luckily is now spreading around Brooklyn!

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall Kotti Doner Pretzel Bun

Lioni Heroes: With over 150 different sandwich options, this Italian spot is known for serving the creamiest mozzarella in town! After trying one, we’re sure you’ll be back for more!

Nobletree Coffee: This is for the coffee lovers, like us! “Nobletree Coffee is the culmination of passion and precision. Through their dedicated work as farmers, roasters, and baristas, they offer specialty coffees meticulously produced on their own farms and sourced from around the world”, from countries famous for their coffee, like Brazil.

Paella Shack: Everything here is made by Barraca NYC, a Spanish restaurant well-known for its tapas, paellas and sangrias. Well, who’s in the mood for some Spanish goodies?!

Pierogi Boys: Not sure what a pierogi is? Well, let us explain: they are a type of filled dumpling, famous in Central European origins, in countries like Poland and Hungary. Be sure to order your preferred option, with a great glass of wine.

And, don’t skip these either:

P.O.P. Cake Shop: They are a Brooklyn Cake Shop known for their PushPops! Founded by Shana Lawson, the spot if the place to go if you have a sweet tooth!

Steve’s Key Lime: Ahhh! Key lime pie! But wait, these guys use freshly squeezed key lime juice! They explain their simple, yet unique craft: “We use 5 simple ingredients. First, we make a hand formed crust using specially formulated premium graham cracker crumbs – no trans-fats, no high fructose corn syrup – blended with 100% pure butter. Our filling uses Wisconsin dairy fresh sweetened and condensed milk, cage-free egg yolks and our fresh squeezed key lime juice. Like we always say, this isn’t rocket science.”

Oh! Can’t wait to try:

Two Tablespoons: This is a NYC-based vegetarian pop-up restaurant, with some delicioussss food! Founded in 2012 by a few friends, their goal was to show the world that healthy vegetarian and vegan food is far from boring. They use many organic and local ingredients and no meat and cheese imitations!

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall Pierogi Boys by Empirestateofdine

Wiki Wiki: This popular Hawaiian food place has some great poke bowls that will make you come back for more! If you like seafood, pass by this spot!

Wilma Jean: This local joint is specialized in fried chicken, burgers, and comfort food classics. The name behind these creations is: Chef/Owner Rob Newton and the name is an homage to Rob’s grandma! Cute!


Lastly, beside all this fantastically curated list of local vendors at the Dekalb Market Hall, the space will open, in the summer of this year, an event area!

The space will not only be available for rent, but will also host shows and events curated by Dekalb Market Hall. So, you can expect lots of fun, besides the delicious food!

So, if you haven’t been much to Brooklyn, but would love to start exploring this gorgeous and unique Borough, you can start here! The market is super well located and close to countless subway stations, so commuting is pretty easy.

Since you’ll be in our hood (Yup! We’re neighbors to the Dekalb Market Hall!), be sure to walk a bit around the area and explore Fort Greene, just on the other side of Flatbush Avenue! The famous Digital Influencer, Tamara Peterson, shared with us some of her tops spots, if you’re not sure where to go.

COOL TIP: Finally, if you’re planning in visiting the Dekalb Market Hall soon, but is just craving to try some of these local vendors N-O-W, you can start by ordering a few options online! And, you can still order delivery through Caviar and Seamless!

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7am – 10pm

Location: 445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn

http://dekalbmarkethall.com

Shop Specialties Dekalb Market Hall Neon Lights
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gary He

Photo Credits: Courtesy of all the vendors, Gary He and Empirestateofdine.
*Last Update on March/2020.*

André Leon Talley: A Name You MUST Know Coming to BAM Brooklyn

Events Up Coming André Leon Talley Credit Urban Socialites Magazine

If you’re into Fashion, this is a name you’ve certainly heard millions of times: André Leon Talley. How about having the opportunity to witness him speak at the BAM, in Brooklyn?

Events Up Coming André Leon Talley with Anna Wintour
André Leon Talley and the powerful, Anna Wintour. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vogue Magazine.

Many crave the opportunity of talking to André and picking his remarkable brain when the subject is Fashion and Art, while other crave his audacious-chic style.

Well, BAM is giving us all this opportunity! We are thrilled and decided to share it with everyone!

What is BAM? ‘The home for adventurous artists, audiences & ideas.’

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) is a multi-arts center located in Brooklyn, New York.  For more than 150 years, BAM has been the home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas—engaging both global and local communities. With world-renowned programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film, and much more, BAM showcases the work of emerging artists and innovative modern masters.

The event is called: “André Leon Talley in conversation with Tamron Hall”.


More detail on this incredible night:

“Style icon, cultural commentator, and Vogue contributing editor André Leon Talley comes to BAM to discuss his extraordinary life and unique position as observer, critic, and participant in the spheres of art and culture.

Talley was born in the segregated South. At the age of 16, he announced that he wanted to be a magazine editor. The odds were against a young black man from North Carolina in the 1960s, but he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree in French at Brown.

In New York, he interned for Diana Vreeland, who introduced him to Andy Warhol. He worked as an editor for Warhol’s Interview magazine, then as a fashion editor for Women’s Wear Daily and, eventually, as the Paris Bureau Chief for both WWD and W.

In 1983, Talley became a writer for Vogue, and five years later was named Creative Director of the magazine, penning monthly columns, frequent features, and interviews—including the celebrated cover story on First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009.”


So, if you’re into fashion, you might want to explore the stores in the West Village, like the Brazilian Uma Store. Also, explore where the Brazilian fashionistas like Chris Pintanguy go to’s in New York City.

Date: April 12th
Time: 7:30pm
Location: BAM Harvey Theater – 651 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
Tickets: Start at $35


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Vogue and UrbanSocialites Magazine

A Latin American Inspired Cuisine: Colonia Verde

Dining Colonia Verde Restaurant Full Table

We love the neighborhood called Fort Greene in Brooklyn, and everything that is part of it! Colonia Verde offers a great Latin American inspired cuisine, specifically Brazilian and Mexican!

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Colonia Verde in Fort Greene, Brooklyn is a neighborhood gem we love sharing about! It’s a delicious restaurant to go with friends and family to enjoy a Latin American inspired menu with inspiration from Brazil and Mexico!

The décor is extremely welcoming and rustic – just like we adore, with great natural light and a refreshing secret under-the-radar outdoor area in the back. Perfect for the beautiful New York days!

They use fresh locally sourced ingredients and definitely work in teaching the social aspects of eating…like every good, typical, Latin restaurant does, for sure!

We were there yesterday and had the most amazing time and experience.

What we ordered?

  • Quesadillas de rajas with roasted poblano peppers, caramelized onions, chihuahua cheese in flour tortillas
  • Steak salad with mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, onions, balsamic dressing and an 8oz hangar steak
  • Grilled veggie sandwich with grilled veggies with melted mozzarella and a smokey paprika and jerez dressing, served with french fries or salad

It is surely a delicious and extremely tasty Latin American inspired cuisine.

For dessert, we die for their Churro Doughnuts, so we do recommend them!

We’ve eaten there several times and one of the typical Brazilian appetizers that we recommend it their Brazilian cheese bread, called pão-de-queijo! It’s impossible to describe it, so we ask you to try it! It’s an absolute must-have!

Our Founder, Fernanda, is originally from Brazil and loves passing there to grab a couple cheese breads when she feels home sick!

They are opened for lunch, dinner and weekend bunch. Plus, it’s a great place to stop by for drinks, since they offer a full bar service!

Perfect spot to go with friends, family and even a super romantic, low-key date night.

Oh! You can see a few more pictures in the Insider Interviews with the beautiful lifestyle, food and travel Instagrammer, Tamara Peterson. She talks about her Top Picks in Fort Greene!

Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 12pm – 4pm | 5pm – 10pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 3pm | 5pm – 11pm (with drinks going strong ’till midnight)

Location: 219 Dekalb Avenue

http://coloniaverdenyc.com


Photo Credits: ©Behind the Scenes NYC and Courtesy of Colonia Verde
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Jenna Rice: 10 Great NYC Tips From A NYC Blogger

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice

The NYC Blogger, Jenna Rice, from the Blond Well Traveled, shared with us a mix’n’match of 10 great NYC tips! From restaurants, hotels and bagel spots, to upstate trips, art galleries and beauty salons.

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice

Jenna Rice was born and raised in Florida, and currently lives in New York City.

She told us: “I followed my heart around the globe and landed in New York City.” Definitely a great place to land, right?!

She launched her passion project: a travel and lifestyle blog called Blonde Well Traveled, in 2015. Plus, she’s visited over 15 countries and doesn’t stop counting.

Since she moved to the “City that Never Sleeps”, she’s been sharing a glimpse into her experiences both within the city and beyond. All this, in addition to working full time in Public Relations.

Such a busy bee!

Take a look at her 10 favorite NYC spots and in nearby towns:


Brooklyn Flea

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Brooklyn Flea

“Brooklyn Flea is basically the cooler younger sister to Chelsea Market. There’s something for everyone, from vintage rings and designer bags to viney plants and eclectic home decor. Not to mention, they have some of the most popular food vendors from Smorgasburg minus the lines.”

We love Brooklyn! We’re Brooklyn-based and even though the Brooklyn Flea can get a bit touristy, we still love it!

In addition, you’ll find 75 vendors with everything from clothes and accessories, to furniture and jewelry, plus 25 food vendors with the most delicious dishes.

During the winter they have only one location and it happens during the weekends: Saturday + Sunday from 10am – 6pm – called Winter Flea + Smorgasburg.

Location: 1 Hanson Place, Fort Greene

http://brooklynflea.com


Mile High Run Club

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Mil High Run Club

“Mile High Run Club is probably my favorite place to break a sweat in the City. It’s essentially a treadmill class with dimmed lighting, bumpin’ music and strobe lights…with a coach cheering you on through a series of intervals and hills. I recommend Dash 28 because it finishes with strength training utilizing kettle bells and core exercises.”

Do you like “the burn”? I mean, REALLY like it? Well, if your immediate answer was “YES!”, then this is the place for you!

Mile High Run Club’s running program is uniquely designed to challenge your body and get the best results you’d ever imagine. Go to one of their 2 locations to try it out.

Plus, they offer indoor and outdoor classes, with amazing coaches! We’re sure it’ll become your newest addiction!

Locations:
28 East 4th Street, NoHo
24 West 25th Street, NoMad

www.milehighrunclub.com


Heyday

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Heyday

“Heyday is easily one of my best NYC finds. My skin went nuts when I moved to the City in the heart of winter from Florida, and this place introduced me to several natural products that I now swear by.”

The weather in NYC can be pretty crazy and will test your skin to the limit!

And, summer can be burning hot, hot, hot, while the winter can be pretty damn harsh where we feel our skin will rip with the cold.

Yeah, we know, it sounds terrible, right?

Well, we are IN NEW YORK CITY of obviously that helps make it easier to accept, LOL.

HeyDay is a great place to go if you’re looking for the perfect facial, with a good price, at the time that’ll suit you best. Carly Heitlinger also loves it!

Locations:
1130 Broadway, NoMad
92 Reade Street, Tribeca

www.heydayskincare.com


Harriman State Park

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Harriman State Park Kanawauke by Mwanner

“For those who need a breather from the City, Harriman State Park is your sanctuary. It’s just a quick train ride from the city and much less crowded than some of the other hiking spots like Breakneck and Bear Mountain.”

Harriman State Park is located in Rockland and Orange Counties, Upstate NY – a little over 1h drive from Manhattan. The drive is actually a very quick and surely a gorgeous car ride up there.

They have almost 52,000 acres of mostly forested landscape and over 23miles of hiking trails.

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab (or rent here) a car, and have fun!

And, more about them:

At 47,527 acres (192.33 km2), Harriman State Park is the second largest state park in New York. Located in Rockland and Orange counties 30 miles (48 km) north of New York City, it is a haven for hikers with over 200 miles (320 km) of hiking trails. The park is also known for its 31 lakes, multiple streams, public camping area, and great vistas.”

“The Jane is easily my favorite spot to go out in the City. It basically feels like you’re at a mansion party where your favorite songs are always playing and dancing on the furniture is encouraged. Every time I have a friend visiting, I take them there and they’re never disappointed.”

Yup! It’s one of our favorite spots too!

The Jane Hotel, is located in the West Village and is certainly a destination for the cool NYC crowd.

In addition, the hotel was launched in 1908 and has rooms that replicate luxury ship and train cabins. On the other hand, rooms are pretty small, but come on, “Who” comes to NYC to stay in the room, right!?

Location: 113 Jane Street, West Village

www.thejanenyc.com


Rockwood Music Hall

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Rockwood Music Hall

“For an intimate live music experience, hit up Rockwood Music Hall. A friend introduced me to this venue and it was everything I could’ve hoped for. While there are shows that require cover, there is a smaller room to the left of the main entrance that is free of charge.”

Rockwood Music Hall is known for having hosted performances of great artists like Lady Gaga, Gary Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Mumford & Sons.

It’s one our favorite spots to have a cool night out and listen to some of the best emerging NYC bands and musicians.

Plus, musicians from other nationalities are a big hit too, like Aline Muniz and André Vasconcellos.

They have 3 stages, full bars for all tastes, drinks aren’t so pricey, like expected in Manhattan. We love it, and we are there quite a lot!

Location: 196 Allen Street, Lower East Side

www.rockwoodmusichall.com


Black Seed Bagels

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Bagels Daniel Krieger
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Krieger

“After a night out, nothing compares to Black Seed Bagels. Option #11 always satisfies! Another favorite is Tompkins Square Bagels if you’re in the mood for trying out a new cream cheese flavor like birthday cake or one of their French toast bagels.”

Bagels! We just love Bagels!

And, New York’s bagels are said to be one of the best on this planet, since our water is so fantastically clean and tasty!

Black Seed Bagels is certainly one of the most famous in town. In addition, Tompkins Square Bagels’ are hand rolled, kettle boiled and baked over wood planks….yum!!!

Locations:

Black Seed Bagels:
170 Elizabeth Street, Nolita
200 Vesey Street, Battery Park City
176 First Street, East Village

www.blackseedbagels.com

Tompkins Square Bagels: 164 Avenue A.

www.tompkinssquarebagels.com


Original Buddha Bodai

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Buddha Bodai Kosher
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Original Buddha Bodai is an incredible vegetarian spot in Chinatown. The food is delicious (you can’t even tell there’s no meat) and the atmosphere is so authentic. I highly recommend the sesame “chicken”.”

OMG! When our Founder, Fê Paronetto, went with a very good friend to Buddha Bodai, she became c-o-m-p-l-e-t-e-l-y addicted to it!

She’s vegetarian, but loves Vegan food too, and she couldn’t believe how amazingly tasty everything was!

The dumplings are to-die-for, but everything is remarkably good! But, it’s actually hard to know what exactly to order, so you might just have to go there multiple times to try it all.

Location: 5 Mott Street, Chinatown

www.buddha-bodai.com


Dia: Beacon

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Dia Beacon

Dia:Beacon is the perfect day trip for anyone craving a little artistic adventure, especially if you love installations! Be sure to purchase a round trip ticket with museum entrance included at Grand Central Station.”

Dia:Beacon is surely a highlight if you’re into Art.

Located only 1.5h from Manhattan, it’s a beautiful place to visit and the trip there, is pretty easy too. And, if you’re not sure how to get there, and would like help, contact our concierge experts.

In addition, if you need assistance for any corporate activity with your team or clients, let our experts cater to all your needs and make the experience memorable.

Location: 3 Beekman Street, Beacon

www.diaart.org/dia-beacon


“One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is pop into galleries in the LES and Chelsea. It’s a great alternative to hitting up a crowded museum, plus they’re completely free to enjoy: David Zwirner, Paul Kasmin, and Richard Taittinger are a few of my go-tos.”

David Zwirner

David Zwirner is one of the top contemporary art galleries, with another location overseas, in Mayfair, London. They currently have 2 great exhibitions: “Yun Hyong-keun” up through February 18th and “Drawn Together”, up through February 18th.

“The David Zwirner gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of large-scale paintings by Yun Hyong-keun (1928-2007) from the mid-1970s through the 1980s. The exhibition includes an unprecedented selection of paintings in the artist’s unique style of monochromatic abstraction, several of which are shown here for the first time. The exhibition marks the largest solo presentation of Yun’s work in North America to date.” ~ Read more here.

David Zwirner is pleased to present the gallery’s first exhibition of the collaborative work of Aline Kominsky-Crumb and R. Crumb. Both pioneers of underground and alternative comics, Kominsky-Crumb and Crumb have created a groundbreaking portrait of their shared lives and creative collaborations over the past four decades. In their ongoing “Aline & Bob” comics, the two artists have rendered their innermost thoughts, fears, and fantasies alongside the day-to-day realities of family life in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, each in their own distinctive style.” ~ Read more here.

Paul Kasmin Gallery

Paul Kasmin Gallery works and supports influential Modern and Contemporary artists. They are showcasing two exhibitions: NATURALIA” up through March 4th and “WILLIAM N. COPLEY: WOMEN”, up through March 25th.

Paul Kasmin Gallery and Sotheby’s Old Masters Department will present their first collaborative exhibition, Naturalia, curated by Danny Moynihan. The show will be comprised of works spanning six centuries which share a fundamental focus on the examination of natural science and its myriad presentations in art.” ~ Read more here.

COPLEY: WOMEN unites a selection of paintings that highlight the late artist’s preoccupation with the opposite sex, which he employed as an endless source for inventive figurative and narrative paintings that explored eroticism, sexual politics and the pursuit of pleasure. Originally defying painterly trends of the 1950s by making personal and narrative works, the self-taught artist developed a radical fusion of European Surrealist vernacular and a rogue, humorous American sensibility. Sex, eroticism and cultural critique were mainstays in Copley’s oeuvre of paintings that embraced idiosyncratic figuration, candy-colored palettes and Matisse-like decorative patterning.” ~ Read more here.

Richard Taittinger Gallery

Richard Taittinger Gallery works in Presenting works by contemporary artists with significant global recognition. Stop by their gallery, in the Lower East Side, to see their current exhibition: “The Wsanderers: Contemporary Painting From CLUJ”. It will be on through February 19th.

For this exhibition, the curator has endeavored to make visible that, beyond the ascribed label of the Cluj School by way of international media, there is much more to be explored when considering this group of artists. Therefore, this multigenerational exhibition tracks a shared dialogue between masters and students in order to define certain Romanian traditions. Traditions, that has within the last decade, projected the painters of Cluj-Napoca, into the limelight, astounding the international art world.” ~ Read more here.

If you are an art lover, you’ll most certainly be fascinated by our art tours and experiences, so contact us. In addition, see how our corporate experiences related to art works.

Locations:
David Zwirner: 525 West 19th Street, Chelsea
www.davidzwirner.com

Paul Kasmin Gallery: 293 10th Avenue, Chelsea
www.paulkasmingallery.com

Richard Taittinger Gallery: 154 Ludlow Street, Lower East Side
http://richardtaittinger.com


Lastly, to wrap up this great interview and a beautiful selection of hot spots in New York, we asked Jenna:

What does NYC mean to you?

“I could honestly answer this question so many ways, but I think NYC means being able to wake up each morning with every possibility in the world at your feet.

There is always something to do, someone to meet, something to see. To me, personally, it means perseverance. The people who live here are tough. For the most part, we all struggled in some way to get here, and continue to struggle now that we’re here. But somehow, it’s all worth it.

There’s no place in the world that can offer up this kind of experience to a person.”


Thank you Jenna for being part of our Insider Interviews and sharing these 10 great NYC tips.

Plus, don’t forget to check out her blog named the Blond Well Traveled.


Credits (Text and Photos): Courtesy of Wikipedia (Harriman State Park), Mwanner, Daniel Krieger, Jenna Rice and all the venues
*Last Update on March/2020.*

Samui Brooklyn: A Modern Thai Heaven in Fort Greene

Dining Samui Brooklyn Restaurant Façade

We absolutely love a low key neighborhood called Fort Greene, in Brooklyn and last Friday we went to dinner at a surprising place called Samui Brooklyn – a Thai restaurant.

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UNFORTUNATELY THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

This newly opened restaurant (fresh from August) boasts an amazing ambience – from the decor, to the menu – everything is first class.

The façade is impossible to miss and was created by the talented and renowned graffiti artist Andrea von Bujdoss (a.k.a. Queen Andrea One). The three huge geometric chandeliers were designed by Joel Voisard and the unique projections at the bar wall, created by Aryn John Freysteinson, are paired with custom glass sculptures by Michael Skura, that replicate water bubbles.

It’s all extremely delightful and curious to the eyes!

Cleary inspired by the ocean, the bar (as it should be) is the centerpiece of this restaurant. We highly recommend you ask the talented Taja to make you the best ginger caipirinha – you will not regret it!

We enjoyed both a carnivorous and vegetarian modern Thai menu. To die for!

Here is what we ate:

  • As starters: steamy edamame, blue potato fritters with cucumber relish, vegetable somosas, turmeric garlic chicken wings with sweet chili peanut dip and a chicken and shrimp crepe with coconut
  • As mains: short rib massaman curry and the drunken noodles
  • For drinks: ginger mojito, ginger caipirinha and red wine

Unfortunately, there was no space left for dessert, but we’re surely going back for it. They have options like: poached pear with vanilla ice cream & pandan sauce, warm banana coconut milk and the mango & sticky rice coconut cream.

Must try dishes? We would say all, but it was a lot of food, so try the potato fritters, crepe with chicken and shrimp, the short rib massaman curry – it literally melts in your mouth and has a generous serving of beef that can easily be shared. As for the drunken noodles too, but be warned they are pretty spicy.

It’s a place to sit and enjoy the conversation and your company. Different from most NYC restaurants, Samui does not rush you out of the restaurant!

A. Napadol – the owner and Chef – is clearly passionate about the restaurant and her partner will spin meanbeatz – a fusion of funk and house music, so just sit, eat and enjoy the sound!”

I wanted to create a restaurant where people can afford to come more than once a month,” Napadol said. “Bring the luscious island and culture of Thailand to Brooklyn.

I purchased the space with my husband, music producer Hani Albader, and vow to turn it into a modern sanctuary for guests to relax under soft and sexy lighting with great ambiance and design”.

It’s also a great place for private events we can help you organize and they do already offer catering service too.

We’ll surely be back!

Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Sunday: 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – 4pm

Location: 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Fort Greene


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ashley Adele

Tamara Peterson: Brooklyn-based Influencer Top Tips In Her “Hood”

Curiosities Insider Interviews Tamara Peterson by SweatEngine

The Brooklyn-based influencer, Tamara Peterson, shares with our Founder, Fê Paronetto, her best off-the-beaten path tips in her “hood”, in Brooklyn! The area is filled with great restaurants, hip coffee shops and charming stores.

Curiosities Insider Interviews Tamara Peterson by SweatEngine
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sweat Engine

This week, our Founder talked to the beautiful lifestyle, food and travel Instagrammer, Tamara Peterson (@_TamaraPeterson).

Tamara is a native New Yorker, born and raised in NY. For the past 10 years, she’s been living in the charming Brooklyn neighborhood called Clinton Hill and she did confess her deepest love for it.

Her friends and followers are always asking her “why” they haven’t seen these gorgeous townhouses with amazing façades she always posts. Her answer? “You haven’t been to Fort Greene and Clinton Hill in Brooklyn!”

Tamara started her Instagram page, that has now over 187k, around 3.5 years ago as a hobby and it eventually started growing and becoming her second business. Her main work was as a professional organizer for 15 years, but now she works equal time between both businesses, definitely making her days pretty busy!

Her exciting professional life doesn’t stop there! In addition, she also has a background in Fashion working for Glamour Magazine!

The Instagram hobby brought her several new, amazing work possibilities related to travel. In May, she was invited by Viking Cruises to go on a breathtaking 15 day trip that passed through fascinating places like: Norway, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden and during her last week, before coming back to NY, she added a quick visit through London and Paris. Can’t complain, right?!

Now, in August, she’ll be exploring the Hudson Valley, in upstate New York. So, keep your eyes opened and check her Instagram feed to find out more about this stunning region in the State of NY.

Tamara shared with us her Top 7 Tips of place in her “hood”, so get your Metro Passes out and come explore them!


Colonia Verde

Curiosities Insider Interviews Tamara Peterson Colonia Verde

“Colonia Verde is a small restaurant in Fort Greene which I love. I’m always there and love sitting outside – they have a lovely garden in the back that you’d never expect to find. It’s the type of place that transforms you when you leave the city and go into Brooklyn.”

As they say in Spanish “La comida compartida sabe major!”…which means “Shared food tastes much better!” The restaurant has a clear Latin American inspiration and offers a menu with the most delicious locally sourced fresh ingredients. They have great brunches, but are opened mostly for dinner.

Oh! And they offer Full Catering Services and Event Services too, so do take a look online and contact them for further information.

For more pictures and information, see our post on Colonia Verde.

Location: 219 Dekalb Avenue, Fort Greene

http://coloniaverdenyc.com


Maison May

Curiosities Insider Interviews Tamara Peterson Maison May Dekalb Vanderbilt Bites
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“Maison-May is a new place, and it’s adorable. They have a restaurant and a more casual café. It’s incredible. They have home items, pastry, coffee, amazing wooden tables I love. Definitely a hidden gem.”

Maison-May is explained as: “physically, two distinct places: Maison-May Dekalb & Maison-May Vanderbilt. They were founded and are led by Catherine May. They’re retelling the story of what the restaurant business is all about. Maison-May is an ethos, a way of operating rooted in replenishing, feeding & empowering. More than a business model, Maison-May is a way of living.”

So, Maison-May Vanderbilt has breakfast and lunch, a café, a patisserie, plus they offer private dinners, a drop-off menu and sell some beautiful home objects.

Maison-May Dekalb offers dinners, brunches on the weekends, they rent the space for private events and is a beautiful spot for a small, intimate ‘brownstone wedding’.

Hours:
Vanderbilt: 8am – 5pm, daily
Dekalb: Dinners, daily | Saturday & Sunday: Brunch from 10am – 3pm

Locations: 246 Dekalb Avenue and 270 Vanderbilt Avenue, Fort Greene

http://maison-may.com


Stonefruit Espresso + Kitchen

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“This is one of my favorite places too. Stonefruit Espresso + Kitchen is a coffee shop, with pastries, little foods, the best chia seed pudding ever and, have you heard of “the original dough”? Well, you’ll find it here! They recently opened, next door to the coffee shop, a home store where they sell plants. It’s incredible and beautiful. I buy my plants and flowers there.”

Founded by Laura Sorensen, Stonefruit Espresso + Kitchen works with a great variety of fresh products by New York City’s best farmers markets. Hence, making it one of the “conscious cafe” in the neighborhood.

Plus, they explain that “we brew Counter Culture coffee and Bellocq tea— exceptional and sustainable beverages.”

Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 7:30am – 6pm
Wednesday – Friday: 7:30am – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am – 8pm

Location: 1058 Bedford Avenue, Clinton Hill

http://stonefruitespresso.com


Eugene & Co.

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“I’ve only been to Eugene & Co. for breakfast, but they have a great bar, the decor is really pretty with flowers and green plants growing inside. I love their old and eclectic ambience.”

Located in the neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant, commonly called Bed-Stuy, Eugene & Co. call themselves an “honest and organic restaurant and bar”.

A few steps from their, they have a great general store called Chicky’s General Store. They sell “organic ingredients and their extensive menu was designed by Eugene & Co.’s Tara Oxley and chef Jeff Shields.”

The restaurant offers Brunch, Lunch and Dinner, plus amazing Drinks, and are closed only on Mondays.

Location: 397 Tompkins Avenue and Chicky’s – 406 Tompkins Avenue, Bedford Stuyvesant

www.eugeneandcompany.com


Thistle & Clover

Curiosities Insider Interviews Tamara Peterson Thistle and Clover Fashion
UNFORTUNATELY THIS STORE PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

“I love to shop at this little local boutique store called Thistle & Clover. They have beautiful and unique pieces, plus the store is very cozy with a nice neighborhood vibe.”

The store was founded by Camilla Gale and Rand Niederhoffer in 2008. They feature a great collection of pieces from up-and-coming designers, plus a couple of bigger, more renowned brands. You can also find a line of New York made jewelry to complete your look, a few beauty and perfume products, paper goods, candles, and more.

Plus, “the store hosts a quarterly Open Call to support new and emerging local designer talent.” You can take a look online for further information on this.

Location: 221 Dekalb Avenue, Fort Greene


Fort Greene Farmers Market

Curiosities Insider Interviews Tamara Peterson Fort Greene Farmers by Phoebe Cheong
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Phoebe Cheong

“I’m always at the Fort Greene Farmers Market. I love going there to shop for my delicious berries and looking around for new products I can find. It’s all very fresh and it turns into a great weekend program, since you have the park right beside it.”

We also love going to this Farmers Market, since is also just a few blocks from us. The market has everything from fresh fruits, vegetables and greens to freshly-based bread.

You can also find a plants to enlighten your home, as well as countless herbs for you to cultivate at home and then, add them to your dishes!

The Fort Greene Farmers Market happens only Saturday from 8am through 4pm.

Be sure to pass by as early as you can, to guarantee you’ll find the best things still available.

Location: Washington Park b/w Dekalb & Willoughby, located along the Southeast corner of Fort Greene Park

www.grownyc.org/fort-greene


Home Stories

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“I recently found out a place in Brooklyn Heights called Home Stories. They sell home furnishing, home accessories and lighting.

The store was founded by Paul and Sophie Yanacopoulos-Gross, two renowned European interior designers.

Their products are made out of natural materials and textures with muted tones.

Their product selection rage from “fabrics, home accessories, handcrafted baskets, rugs, to crockery and ed linens with a beautifully curated selection”.

Location: 148 Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights

www.homestories.com


In addition, a few other local restaurants and stores that Tamara loves in the neighborhood are:

…and if you want to bump into her, you might as well start going not only to Fort Greene, but also Williamsburg. She’s always around these neighborhoods!

Thank you, Tamara, for sharing these gems with us!


Photo Credits: Courtesy of Tamara Peterson and of the venues, Sweat Engine (Portrait), Phoebe Cheong and Kate Sterlin
*Last Update on March/2020.*

Madiba, the South African restaurant in Brooklyn

Dining Madiba Restaurant Façade Outdoor

Located in a peaceful neighborhood called Fort Greene, this South African restaurant in Brooklyn called Madiba portrays its roots though the décor and the food.

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THIS RESTAURANT IS UNFORTUNATELY PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

The owners, Mark and Jenny Henegan, built Madiba in homage to Nelson Mandela and with hope that the country will soon have cultural harmony, economic development and a collective enjoyment of a “World in One Country”.’

As they say, and neighbors confirm, it’s “a place of love, since 1999”, when the opened their doors!

“A shebeen was originally an illicit bar or club where excisable alcoholic beverages were sold without a license. In modern South Africa, many “shebeens” are now fully legal.”

With this in mind, Madiba recreated these spaces, focused on informal dinning areas and a pleasurable environment. As you arrive to the restaurant, you’ll see tables lined up on the outside, and a very casual dining space inside, with a pretty unique décor. Do pay attention to the details! You might be surprise with what your eye will catch.

The place is definitely a place of love, with great people, amazing service and delicious, authentic African food!

They also offer a full service catering and private dining, if you’re looking for something different!

To wrap up, they are super engaged in their vision for better communities and, therefore, they donate part of their profit to charities in Africa! We find this fantastic, after all, even away from home, we help those back there.

Can’t get better than that, right?

After Madiba, be sure to explore a little bit of what the neighborhood has to offer.

We can say with certainly that this is one of the neighborhoods we love the most, specially because of it’s welcoming vibe! On Dekalb Avenue, that runs all the way from Queens, into Brooklyn, you’ll find countless places to explore.

If you’re looking for a delicious dessert, we recommend the crème brûlée at Café Paulette. Right across the café, you’ll see Fort Greene Park – a small, but beautiful and a great spot to chill. BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) is just a few blocks away, so be sure to see their schedule to see if there’s anything cool happening while you’re there.

Do you need help there? Well, we know the area quite well, so contact our experts behind our Concierge Services and our Corporate Services too!

Hours:
Sunday – Monday: 11am – 11pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am – 12am

Location: 195 Dekalb Avenue


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Madiba Restaurant and Menglin Huang

A Downtown NYC Shopping Guide For Men By Joey Zauzig

Shop Ladies and Gents Menswear Joey Zauzig NYC

If you’re looking for few great places to shop for men’s clothing and accessories, take a look at this selection by our amazing Contributor, Joey Zauzig! It’s a short downtown NYC shopping guide for men.

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Joey Zauzig shared some of his favorite stores to refresh your closet!

Downtown shopping is something that some would describe as challenging. Uptown shopping has a stigma of having the best stores for your go-to closet must-haves.

Moreover, some of the best spots to shop at downtown do exist. They just might be a bit trickier to find and filter out with all the other boutiques on every street in the downtown boroughs.

For instance, some of my favorite stores from Midtown Manhattan to Brooklyn include, Dover Street Market, Fish for the Hip and Bird.


Bird

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Bird is always a great shop not just because of the must have mens pieces it has to offer, but the comfy, downtown environment. Not many know about this retail gem, but you might feel like you’ve struck gold when you see the refined men’s section.

So, trust me, sure to find your winter to fall transition piece here.

Hours:
Williamsburg | Cobble Hill | Fort Greene: Monday – Friday: 12pm – 8pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Park Slope: Daily: 11am – 7pm

Locations:
203 Grand Street, Williamsburg
220 Smith Street, Cobble Hill
85 Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene
316 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope

https://birdbrooklyn.com


Fisch for the Hip

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THIS STORE UNFORTUNATELY PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

To be honest, when it comes to designer re-sale, I’m always a bit weary. Additionally, there are so many “popular” ones, you really never know what you are going to get.

Fisch for the Hip is key to finding your favorite designer staples.

Location: 88 1/2 7th Avenue


Dover Street Market

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Last, but certainly not least, Dover Street Market.

It not only has the dopest selection of your favorite classic and more eclectic pieces, but wins for best esthetically pleasing shopping experience.

Sometimes window shopping isn’t such a depressing thing and if you’re going to do this it would be here. Yet, you would most likely find yourself buying the latest designer piece to hit the floor or grabbing a pastry at Rose Cafe.

Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11am–7pm
Sunday: 12pm–6pm

Location: 160 Lexington Avenue

http://newyork.doverstreetmarket.com


Plus, if you are interested in consulting with a Personal Shopper for a private service, let our experts arrange it for you. They will put together a customized NYC shopping guide based on your requests, including budget!

In addition, for Corporate requests regarding Fashion Trend Tours or Study Tours, contact out experts to understand what type of projects we’ve done in the past.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Joey Zauzig and the venues
*Last Update on March/2020.*

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