277 President Street

I definitely love Brooklyn otherwise I wouldn’t have moved here or bought my first home here.  All it took was one initial visit and I knew this was where I was meant to live.  Since moving I wanted to share my love for Brooklyn and have my top ten listed below (in no particular order).

1)      I love the people!  There is such a sense of community that I actually look forward to walking down my block to see what neighbors or friends will pass by.

2)      The Food!!  Everywhere I turn there is deliciousness surrounding me, from Italian to Cuban, to American to French.  I love to cook but it can be hard with so much goodness all around.

3)      Biking has become a renewed favorite past-time.  If I could bike to work I would but until then biking in and around Brooklyn is a wonderful way to get around and easy on the environment.  More and more neighborhoods in Brooklyn are adding in bike lanes, making this borough bike friendly for all.  Check out the Brooklyn bike map to pick your next or maybe first route.

4)      Free concerts in Prospect Park make for such fun and special nights.  With the New York Philharmonic along with musicians such as Brooklyn’s own Sharon Jones, there is no better way to spend a night out then with a blanket, some wine, cheese and your favorite people.  Check out the parks calendar to find out what events are coming up here.

5)      The Smith Street Fair occurs once in a year in my neighborhood and is not an event to be missed. In addition to local vendors, which includes our very own boutique shops and restaurants there is also an annual cheese eating contest.  Watch as contestants have 2 minutes to eat as much cheese as they can and the champion be crowned.  Live music is played all along Smith Street for this wonderful fair that is held the last Sunday in June.

6)      Environmentally friendly people all seem to live in Brooklyn, and I love it.  Recycling bins can be found in front of everyone’s home, and re-usable totes replace trendy handbags.  I personally keep re-usable bags accessible, so whenever I hit the markets or grocery stores I avoid using plastic bags.

7)      Six Point Craft Ales is Brooklyn’s own brewery with delicious beer selections that can be found in many local restaurants and pubs.  With seasonal flavors in addition to their regular line-up, this is one beer you don’t want to miss – or maybe two!

8)      Free movies in Red Hook on the water and under the watch of Lady Liberty are unlike any other.  These summer movie nights occur on Tuesday evenings at the Valentino pier and are the perfect way to enjoy the summer evenings when temperatures are at their best.

9)      Stoop sitting!  Yep, there is nothing more Brooklyn then sitting on the stoop of a brownstone, watching people as they pass by.  This love ties into what I love about Brooklyn listed for #1. Sitting on my stoop lets me catch all the friendly faces of friends and strangers as they walk by.

10)   Shopping in local markets is one of my favorite activities.  I make individual stops at the fruit and vegetable market, fish market, meat store, and bakery.  This allows me to support my local economy while getting super fresh groceries from specialty shops, and don’t worry the prices are usually cheaper.

Whether you are visiting New York City for the first time, a frequent visitor or even live nearby, chances are you have not spent much time exploring Brooklyn, let alone eating there!  With over 2.5 million people, Brooklyn is the most populous borough and with so many people to feed you can be sure the food options are not too be missed.  Below you will find the top five choices that all originated in this generous and edible borough.

1) Peter Lugers Steakhouse: Named the best steakhouse in New York City 24 years in a row by the Zagat survey, a visit here is a must.  Located in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, the restaurant most commonly referred to as “Lugers” is known for weathered beer-hall tables, near impossible reservations (so plan ahead) and of course the best porterhouse steak you will ever try.   (78 Broadway (at Driggs), in Williamsburg.)

2) Red Hook Ball Fields: In 1974, a few Latino food vendors began serving snacks out of their food carts while soccer matches were played on the ball fields.  While soccer continues to grow in popularity, it is the food that has drawn the attention of those outside the neighborhood to chow down. On Saturdays and Sundays during soccer season (mid-April to October) you will find a vast selection of food choices ranging from Mexican to Honduran as well Columbian. (Ball Fields – Court St. at Bay St., Red Hook)

3) Coney Island/Nathan’s Famous: Coney Island is the classic American amusement park with the famous Cyclone rollercoaster still in operation since being built in 1927.  In addition to the amusement park, Coney Island also houses the original Nathans, known as Nathan’s Famous.  The two menu items that must be on your list when ordering is the Coney Island Hot Dog, which is what competitors race to eat as many as possible in the annual 4^th of July hot dog eating contest  and the second crowd favorite being the corn dog on a stick.  Nine Presidents and even Queen Elizabeth have made it to Nathan’s Famous, so you certainly are in good company. (1310 Surf Avenue, Coney Island)

4) Lucali’s Pizza: This pizza restaurant originated 30 years ago by Carroll Gardens resident Mark Lacono looking to save a local candy store from being turned into a chain (think Dunkin Donuts or Subway).  Through his labor of love with food and specifically pizza, Lucali’s has become one of the best slices to be had in Brooklyn, Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted there not too long ago.  You will likely encounter a wait, although can call ahead to get your name on the list and make sure  to bring your cash and drink as the restaurant is BYOB. (575 Henry street, Carroll Gardens)

5) Juniors: A landmark restaurant in Brooklyn since 1950, Juniors is known as the home for New York’s cheesecake and can certainly satisfy any sweet tooth. There are dozens of options to choose from including a sampler cheesecake, which will have you savoring their Original, Raspberry Swirl, Chocolate Ganache, and Cherry Crumb flavors.  (386 Flatbush Avenue, Downtown Brooklyn)