Today is Tammi's birthday. We're out at Stonehome, a long time favorite, enjoying ourselves. More later.
Happy Friday!
::c::
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For the uninitiated, please excuse the subway geekery, for the subway geeks, please excuse the lack of precision. I'm into subways enough to notice when the MTA changes hardware, but not enough to memorize model numbers.
In the last few weeks, I've been seeing this relic circulating around the A line, my local train. The first time ,I thought it was a part of a movie shoot at Hoyt & Schermerhorn, where I believe they have been shooting parts of the Taking of Pelham 123. But then I started seeing it again and again to the point that I'm seeing them almost everyday now.
i mei on Flickr posted some shots of one and we've discussed this sudden mystery, but neither of us has any clue to it's reappearance.
It's an odd thing, because I haven't really seen this model around in years, yet suddenly it's back in rotation. I have to wonder if this is a money-saving attempt on the MTA's part. I'm all for it if it means more trains in the schedule, but somehow I expect the answer to be less in the interest of the riders than that.
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A minute or two after I took this picture, the kid came up to me and showed me a picture of myself that he took while I was shooting. Street Photography starts early. Nurture it.
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I've been going to Chez Oskar for years. The service is lacking more often than not, but I keep going back for 2 reasons: the fact that they don't care if you linger for hours and the Spicy Lamb Burger.
It's always great. juicy, picant and perfectly complemented by a thick pat of goat cheese.
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Yesterday, after buying my new bike out in Red Hook, Tammi and I rode around Brooklyn and then back home. Tammi was my 'wingman,' following behind me on her rollerblades. I was really nervous at first, but managed to get home without incident. I wasn't sure that I'd be riding much when I first decided to get the bike, now I'm planning my next ride for later this week.
I'm heavily resisting joining the bike cult. I will be locking up my bike outside occasionally, I won't be going to any critical mass rallies any time soon.
::c::
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Habana Outpost, Fort Greene, Brooklyn. 2008. Yeh, it's been a while... ::c::
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Stonehome Wine Bar, Fort Greene, Brooklyn. 2007.
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Moe's, Fort Greene, Brooklyn. 2007.
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Habana Outpost Reopening, Fort Greene, Brooklyn. 2007.
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Habana Outpost, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
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Habana Outpost, Fort Greene, Brooklyn
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Last week I went to Brooklyn Uncorked, a wine tasting at the BAM Cafe. The event brought in more than 20 different wineries from Long Island to show off their products. It was sponsored by Edible Brooklyn, the free food magazine. I heard about it a month or so ago from my editor at the Brooklyn Record, they had given us press passes. I was pretty psyched to check it out.
I'm still getting a handle on the wine thing. I know a decent amount about what I like, but there are huge swaths of grapes and styles and regions that I'm entirely unfamiliar with. The idea of exploring a region so close to home really appealed to me.
When I got there and saw so many people pouring Merlot, I was also pleasantly surprised. I don't know much about Merlot either. It would be a good way to kill two birds with one stone. Or so I thought.
Unfortunately, it seems that Merlot is nearly the only thing they grow out in Long Island. Pretty much every table I visited had the same selection. I had the same conversation about a dozen times:
Me: What are you pouring?
Them: Well, we've got our Merlot, here. And this is our blend with X% Merlot, X% Cab Franc and X% Cabernet Sauvignon. We've also got this, which is Y% Merlot, Y% Cab Franc and Y% Cab Sauv.
I like variety and I didn't find any there. I'm probably somewhat biased because I'm just not fond of Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, with few exceptions, I can't stand it. So, most of the blends were ruined for me, because even with 30%, it overpowers the other grapes. A few of them mixed some other grapes into their blends, which was interesting. But 5% Syrah or 10% Malbec was barely noticeable to me.
In the end, I was just bored. When I asked about the fact that everyone brought essentially the same selection, I was told that they all made many more, but chose to bring the most popular. That sort of depresses me. I'd think that an event like this would have been a perfect opportunity to show off wine that's different from everyone else's. Instead they went with the same old same old.
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(Originally Posted on The Brooklyn Record):
The fine folks at Habana Outpost pulled out all the stops this weekend. Their re-opening party spilled out onto South Portland Street, the festivities took over the block as local artisans sold their wares, clowns and other performers wandered about and bands played on for the crowd. Hundreds came out for the first cuban sandwiches and mexican corn of the year to be served out of the big red truck at the heart of it all.
We were there for much of the afternoon listening to the DJ alternate with Conjunto Guantanamo, a Cuban band based in DUMBO. The stilt-walkers danced above us as we sat out in the sun. We missed it, but the circus atmosphere took a more mature turn in the evening with a fashion show followed later by a burlesque performance.
Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton Street (at So. Portland); (718) 858-9500.
Photo by ultraclay!
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Wow, yesterday was great.
When I got out to Habana Outpost, they were still setting up, so I wandered over to The Brazen Head. Lo and behold, they were having another Cask Ale Festival! I had a few rounds there before it started to fill up.
When I got back to Fort Greene, Habana Outpost was packed. Their opening party spilled out on the street, filling the whole block of South Portland. Local artisans and vendors sold their wares, clowns and stilt-walkers wandered about, there was even a fire-eater. Tammi, Laura and Guy met up and we split a couple sandwiches and some corn while we watched bands perform on the stage set up in the middle of the outdoor space. After the crowd overtook us, we went to Stonehome and had a bottle of sparkling rosé.
Then, Tammi and I headed to Boerum Hill for a barbecue. Dale, who I haven't seen in close to 2 years was in town. It was great to see him.
After all that, a bunch of us headed out to Wonder-Full, the Stevie Wonder tribute party out in Williamsburg. I still don;t know enough Stevie Wonder music, so a litle of it was lost on me. I still enjoyed it. I took off a little early though.
I was wiped out.
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If you're looking for me, tomorrow, look no further than Habana Outpost. I plan to spend as much of the afternoon as I can there. I can't wait to sit out and relax over several beers, a cubano and mexican corn.
::c::
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I don't go to Moe's anymore. It's not that it's changed at all - at least not that I know of. In part it's just that I lost my patience for crowded bars a couple years ago. And Moe's can get pretty crowded.
On the weekends they have DJs spinning some great tunes. Jon DJed there from time to time. I don't remember how many times I've sat there just getting amped over the music. Even the jukebox is great. It's got old school hip-hop, soul and funk with an eclectic mix of everything else swirled in.
Unfortunately, the vibe at Moe's changes on the weekends too. It almost becomes more of a club than a bar and it has all the hazards that includes: Way too many over-dressed people crammed into a tight place. Maybe I've just gotten old, but that doesn't appeal to me so much these days.
During the week it's more of a neighborhood bar. Relaxed regulars hang out with the bartender or lounge on the couches in the back. Writing about it, I'm starting to miss it. I'll have to swing by for a round soon. Maybe this weekend before it gets too crowded.
Moe's is definitely a cool place to relax, but you have to hit it at the right time.
::c::
80 Lafayette Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 797-9536
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Fort Greene's "eco-eatery," artisan marketplace, and summer hangout spot, Habana Outpost has announced that it will open for its third season on Saturday, May 12th. Since the spacious restaurant first launched two years ago, summer in Brooklyn has come to mean lounging with friends over grilled corn, Cuban sandwiches, and smoothies from a bike-powered blender, all while listening to the DJ spin jams all afternoon.
The Outpost is an extension of the popular Cafe Habana in NoLita. It sets itself apart from the original by embracing the virtues of Brooklyn: Unlike the tight quarters of the cafe, Habana Outpost sprawls across an open outdoor space. Even the kitchen is outside, housed in a big red truck in the corner. Throughout the summer they use the space for movies, parties and even fashion shows. Expect more of the same this summer, starting with an opening day blowout.
Habana Outpost 757 Fulton St. at So. Portland. 718-858-9500.
Photo by ultraclay!
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OOOOH! Habana Outpost announced it's re-opening for the season. I love this place. It is my defacto hangout spot for summer weekends. I love the music, the food, the vibe, the people. It's just about perfect. I can't wait.
Look out for a write up about Habana Outpost on The Brooklyn Record
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(Originally posted on The Brooklyn Record):
Seasonal temperatures are (finally) in the forecast, which may mean that Spring is finally here. To celebrate, Stonehome Wine Bar in Fort Greene is hosting a wine tasting dinner on Wednesday, April 18th. The four-course feast will run you $70 but is a relative bargain when you consider what you get: Built around a set of primarily french wines, the menu includes wild salmon, lamb chops and Maine crab ravioli. Each item is paired with a particular wine from Burgundy, Bourdeax or the Loire Valley. Bring it on!
If you can't make it next week, another tasting dinner with a different menu is scheduled for early May, or come by another night and sample in-house chef John Gibson's new spring repertoire. The new menu replaces heavier winter faves like venison and brisket with skate wings, hanger steaks and lamb shanks. Rezzies are required for the tasting dinner but walk-ins are welcomed any other time.
Stonehome Wine Bar is located at 87 Lafayette Avenue, 718-624-9443.
Stonehome's Autumn Wine Picks [Brooklyn Record]
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A Bistro lies stealthily just off Myrtle Avenue's strip of discount furniture and 99 cent stores. On a recent visit, I almost walked right by it. If not for the small chalkboard offering Crispy Frog's Leg, I would have missed it entirely.
The small restaurant, whose hard-to-google name is short for Abdoul's Bistro, is the domain of Senegalese chef Abdoul Gueye. His food is the inevitable fusion of West African flavors with colonial European influences, and dishes like plantain gnocchi balance out both sides very well: The texture is unmistakably gnocchi, but with the sweet flavor of ripe plantain.
After the jump: frogs' legs and wine pairings
Continue reading "Restaurant Review: A Bistro" »
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(Originally posted on The Brooklyn Record):
No more standing in line to sit in a 'garden' smaller than your kitchen with 3 dozen of your closest neighbors. It's time to go in. Stonehome Winebar in Fort Greene has exactly the right vibe to recover from the bustle of summer festivities. Stonehome is relaxed but not sleepy, the perfect place for a laidback night out with friends or a romantic evening for two.
Proprietors Bill Stenehjem and Rose Hermann have lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. They opened Stonehome in 2003 and found a local following right away. Neighbors meet at the long curvy cherry wood bar and discuss the day, local issues and, of course, the wine. The staff knows regulars by name and wine preference. When new bottles come in, they’ll let you know which are up your alley...
Earlier this year Bill and Rose hired John Gibson to head up the kitchen. The menu was transformed. Stonehome offers new specials daily, using seasonal ingredients in some pretty exciting ways. This time of year, John is using walnuts, maple syrup, beets and acorn squash. The menu is full of comforting fall savories like Braised Beef Short Ribs and Glazed Pork.
Rose and Bill are matching these dishes with some new wine offerings by the glass. Here are a few of their favorite new additions:
Chateaunnuef du Pape '03, Domaine Des Senechaux — "Rich, supple, with notes of baked plums."
Coteaux du Languedoc, '00, Chateau Peuch-Haut, Saint Drezery — "Savory and spicy, with notes of black cherry and sandlewood."
Ribera del Duero, Spain, Guelbenzu, Evor '03 — "Ripe lingering flavors of black cherry, raspberry, chocolate and licorice."
Rioja, Spain, Marquez De Vargas Reserva, '00 — "Lush, smoky, rich dark fruits, blackberries with brown sugar."
Stonehome Wine Bar is located at 87 Lafayette Avenue at So. Portland. Open everyday from 5pm.
— photo and story by clay williams
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(Originally posted on The Brooklyn Record):
Cheer on Italia this weekend at Scopello in Fort Greene. The Sicilian restaurant acquired a gigantic television weeks ago for the sole purpose of showing World Cup games. It precariously straddles the bar and and makes Scopello one of the most unlikely sports bars in Brooklyn. Clearly, World Cup fever knows no bounds. In fact, Scopello has been opening early every game day just to show each match. To greet World Cup spectators, the restaurant, which doesn't usually serve lunch, offers a menu of panini and pasta specifically for game time.
The World Cup comes to a close this weekend with Germany and Portugal battling for the third place Saturday afternoon at 3pm. The grand finale is on Sunday — France vs. Italy at 2pm. Be sure to get there early, as the front bar area is small. Last week, the crowd of onlookers overflowed out onto the sidewalk as customers and passersby clustered together to watch the action.
Scopello is at 63 Lafayette Avenue, just off of Fulton Street. (718) 852-1100.
— clay williams
[Photo by ultraclay!]
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