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RIP KPD. :(

RIP KPD. :( published on 3 Comments on RIP KPD. :(

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The NY Post reports that Brooklyn’s Kings Plaza Diner will close it’s doors after 35 years. There have been rumors going around, but it seems that this is for real as the land has already been sold to a developer.

KPD has been a beloved spot to many Brooklynites, not just those in southern Brooklyn. It took me 2 buses to get to Mill Basin when I was growing up, yet I found myself in that diner many times.

My high school BFF lived in the neighborhood. KPD stayed open late night (maybe 24 hours?) and there quite a few after club meals consumed there. Each booth had a personal jukebox, so we just hung out for hours. Who needed Starbucks back then?

My fondest memory is the night BFF crashed into the parking lot fence. No, we weren’t drunk. There was a snow storm and she had just gotten her permit but still was unsure of her driving skills. We were in another friend’s car and couldn’t get out of the spot because of the ice, so he got out and pushed while she steered. Well, we went screeching down the street and while we were swerving around, my life actually flashed before my eyes. (It really did!) When we were stopped by the fence after missing the telephone pole by about an inch, I was so happy to be alive that I wanted to do it again.

So, I’ll always remember Kings Plaza Diner for surviving my first brush with death.

I had since lost touch with HS BFF. She resurfaced about a month ago and we went to pop in on her in the old neighborhood. Guess where we had lunch before stalking her? We were so excited to be at KPD that I snapped the above photo of L at the booth. Who knew it would be our last time at the diner?

What Bed Stuy Needs

What Bed Stuy Needs published on 4 Comments on What Bed Stuy Needs

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Bed Stuy is home to some of the most beautiful historic architecture in the city. Countless people (including myself) have called it the “friendliest place” they’ve ever lived. The express A train takes less than 15 minutes to downtown Manhattan.

So what’s it lacking? Well, nearly every newbie and lots of old timers agree that the neighborhood could use more amenities.

Before I share my own wish list, please know that Bed Stuy is HUGE and I’m referring to my specific area which is near the intersection of Fulton/Nostrand.

Ok, so here we go:

1. Wine Shop. You can see what my priorities are. Well, it turns out that my prayers have been answered! Brownstoner reported that Breukelen Cellars will be opening on Nostrand and Halsey. They call themselves a “wine and art boutique”. I don’t care how pretentious that sounds, it beats pointing to a bottle through bullet proof glass, which is what we have now. Yesterday I walked into the local wine store (liquor store) and told them to give me their most expensive bottle of red. They handed me a $10 bottle of Merlot. Ok, I’m kidding. But seriously, the most expensive bottle was ten bucks. Hey, not that I have anything against inexpensive wine! I’ve been known to drink Three Buck Chuck. I just want a choice, man. I just want a choice.

2. Organic Grocery/Farmer’s Market. Ooh, the organic grocery is coming, but I’m sooo impatient! Organic Bed Stuy promises to be everything I’ve dreamed of, but I don’t think they have the funds to open yet looking at their Kickstarter campaign. For now, they are selling at the Malcolm X Farmer’s Market. Yes, Bed Stuy has a farmer’s market. So, why am I listing it? Because I am one lazy beeatch and I want it closer to my house! Here’s the deal…On Saturday mornings, I bring my dogs to Prospect Park in the car. The huge market is right there, so it’s more convenient for me to stop at Grand Army Plaza than to head farther east passed my house. I told you I was lazy. And while I’m at it, a Sunday market would be nice too!

3. More food delivery options. Yeah, I’m all about the food. I covered the Bed Stuy delivery options in the past. More please?

4. Bagel shop! Not just any bagel shop. They have to be REAL bagels. And they have to open early. Which brings me to…

5. A place to get a good cup of coffee really early in the morning. Am I the only one who wakes up before 7am? There are a couple of places that say they open at 7, but it usually takes them awhile to get their acts together. One thing lacking in the entire city is a place to get a decent cup of coffee AND a good bagel. I hate having to go to two different places for my breakfast, but I refuse to have a bad bagel and I refuse to have a bad cup of coffee.

6. Old school diner. I promise this will be the last food item on the list. I just want a diner. Oooh, a 24 hour diner! One with a 30 page menu and jukeboxes at the table and a waitress who calls me “Hon”. Is that too much to ask?

7. Um, non-food, non-food…Oh! Pet supplies. Yeah, it’s food, but it’s food for pets. Yeah, I know there are a couple of places on Myrtle. I want to walk from my house, remember?

8. Speaking of pets, we could use more petsitters. I like my Bed Stuy pet sitter just fine, but it was kind of a hassle finding her. There are maybe two dog walkers servicing Bed Stuy. Think about that, entrepreneurs!

That’s good enough for now. I really just wanted to get the food thing out of my system.

Crown Heights North House Tour

Crown Heights North House Tour published on

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The 4th annual Crown Heights North house tour is this Saturday, October 2nd. There are 8 houses and two churches this year. A St. Marks Avenue mansion that most people thought was unsalvageable will be included. It’s still a work in progress and the committee promises it is spectacular.  Other fab homes include the double duplex Kinko house, an American classic Colonial Revival, a new house that rose in an old shell, plus more.

Meet at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, at 991 St. Johns Place, on the corner of Brooklyn Avenue. Representatives of various city agencies and local non-profit groups will be on hand to answer questions. There will also be local vendors selling crafts, art, books, and other products.

The Tour kicks off at 10:00 am with a welcoming ceremony. The self guided tour commences from 11-4pm, rain or shine.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets will be on sale at Barbara’s Flowers, 615 Nostrand Avenue, Brownstone Books, 409 Lewis Avenue and online.

Toto, I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Brooklyn Anymore

Toto, I’ve a Feeling We’re Not in Brooklyn Anymore published on

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WTF is it with all of these Brooklyn tornadoes lately? So, I come out of my house last night, lock the door, turn around and “Oh shit!” A tree is down. Look up the block….”Oh shit!!!” Another tree. That sonbitch hit hard.

People are just waking up to the damage this morning. I’m hearing lots of shrieks on the block. That woman in the photo above was all like “Well, how do we know nobody ain’t in the car?! We can’t see!” She could have a point, but nobody checked because this is Bed Stuy where “do or die” may still hold true under these circumstance.

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This gentleman ran over to the tree with his cane last night screaming “Take my picture! Take my picture! Put me on the internet!” So I did.

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Our little tree in front of the house survived! Guess those shorties are pretty strong (and bendable).

Remember when Bay Ridge got hit in 2007? Well, now it was all (most of?) brownstone Brooklyn’s turn.

And to think Allstate dumped us because of flooding.

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A House Full of History in Bay Ridge

A House Full of History in Bay Ridge published on

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I managed to check out the Stowe house estate sale during the final hours of the final day. Apparently I missed quite a bit.

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The house was filled with antiquities. Everything from the furniture to the dishes to that crazy Victorian bicycle. I scored some vintage jewelry and kitchen wares. Went for the tschotkes, but I really wanted to check out this historic home.

The Connecticut Stows purchased the home in 1906 for $8500. Harriet Beecher Stowe (the “e” was added in the early 1900’s) of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” fame wasn’t the only notable member of the family. There was also an American Revolution Captain and some dude who recast the Liberty Bell.

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The house looks as if it hasn’t been touched since it was built. The woodwork is to die for! There are built in cabinets, a friggin’ gorgeous antique cast iron stove hidden in the corner of the servant’s kitchen and a few beautiful mantels. Untouched is a good thing, but the new owner (yes, it has been sold) will have lots of plastering to do as it looks like the wallpaper is the only thing holding up the walls. No bother, it will all be worth it!

So, take that other Brooklyn brownstone neighborhoods! Bay Ridge can have a seat at your table too. Who knew? (I didn’t.)

Resale Kiddy Coming to Park Slope

Resale Kiddy Coming to Park Slope published on

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Lulu’s on 5th is breeding again. Brigitte, the owner of the two shops on 5th Avenue in Park Slope teamed up with my pal Ann Marie to open up a used clothing store for the kiddies.

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Lulu’s Then and Now is set to open around Labor Day and they are currently accepting gently used clothing and toys. Ann Marie will be watching the new store at 75A 5th. She was the woman behind the now closed City Cricket in the W. Village. Ann Marie is lovin’ the Brooklyn thing!

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The shop will include less expensive items from places like Old Navy to higher end designer clothing. Pretty much what folks donate. When I first walked in, I didn’t realize it was a used clothing store. The stuff is VERY gently used.

The best thing about the location is that it’s right across the street from Beacon’s Closet. So when your done shopping for the kid, pick up something nice for yourself.

Capture Brooklyn

Capture Brooklyn published on 2 Comments on Capture Brooklyn

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Hey Brooklyn Photographers, think you can capture the essence of Brooklyn? If so, there’s a juried exhibit called Capture Brooklyn accepting submissions through August 29th. Eighty photographs will be exhibited at the Power House Arena during the Dumbo Arts Festival.

Yours truly just signed up. It’s been a looonnnggg looonnnggg time since I shot anything for art’s sake. Gotta light that fire under my butt!

Yo, Brooklyn Has The Oldest Subway!

Yo, Brooklyn Has The Oldest Subway! published on

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The Atlantic Avenue tunnel tour has been going on for a few years now and I never even noticed people climbing down a manhole in the middle of the Atlantic/Court intersection. Well, I finally figured it out and had a look for myself yesterday.

The Brooklyn Historic Railway Association runs the tours. Just go to their website and call to reserve. It’s well worth the 15 bucks and the next tour is August 8th. Bob Diamond, who rediscovered the hidden tunnel in the early 80’s, is the guy giving the tour. He’s a hoot! As if the history isn’t interesting enough, he’s quite the character himself.

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You’ll have to wait on line for a bit as it takes awhile for each individual to get down the ladder. Wear comfortable shoes because Bob likes to talk and you’ll be standing for a couple of hours on uneven ground. There’s more standing and listening than walking.

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So, about this tunnel.

It was built in 1844, making it older than the London Tube. The “oldest subway” thing is a bit of a stretch since this was not part of the NY subway system, but rather the Long Island Railroad. It’s still an underground rail system even if it’s only 1/2 mile long.

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Diamond shares the folklore surrounding the tunnel. There are tales of heads buried in the wall, bootleggers, greedy politicians, pirates and even a John Wilkes Booth connection. His own story is as interesting as any of these. He first learned of the existence of the hidden tunnel when he was a Pratt student. For years, experts were denying it was there, claiming it would be too dangerous to explore anyway because of gases, water and 5 foot man eating rats.

There’s a deal in the works with National Geographic. Supposedly there’s still a steam engine buried behind a wall! They’re looking to unearth it later this year.

I could share more, but you know what? You should go yourself. Trust me. Just do it.

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Flickr photos

The Fake Meat Store in Sunset Park

The Fake Meat Store in Sunset Park published on 6 Comments on The Fake Meat Store in Sunset Park

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I don’t care what anybody says. I like that soy fake meat stuff. Yeah, I try to eat whole foods as much as possible, but beans all the time? You know what they say….good for your heart, but….

Anyway, if you’re a vegetarian New Yorker, chances are you’ve tried all the mock meat dishes at House of Vegetarian, Vegetarian Dim Sum House , Vegetarian Paradise and Zen Palate. Well, this is the place that sells to those restaurants. Ok, maybe. I just made that up.

Tian Yuan Veg is located at 6016 7th Avenue in Brooklyn’s Chinatown, Sunset Park. Can you get this stuff in Manhattan’s Chinatown? Yes. Can I buy it around the corner from my Bed Stuy house at Tony’s Country Life? Yes. But I felt the need to schlepp to Sunset Park to check it out.

So, was it worth the trip? Well, my freezer is fully stocked now. Plus, here’s the thing I love about Chinatown….the groceries are so inexpensive! I bought 2 FULL bags of vegetables for $7. Do you know what that would cost at Fairway? (I love you anyway, Fairway.)

Problem is, now I have to (get my husband to) cook all this shit.

City Gurl Sez

City Gurl Sez published on

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It’s so nice to walk the trails in Prospect Park and not have to worry about ticks and scary wildlife. So what the trail is like 2 feet long and there may be a rapist or murderer around the bend? It’s the best of both worlds!

Speaking of the park, did you hear that they gassed the geese?? What a fuckin’ outrage! It’s the talk of the doggy circles and people are NOT happy.

Salvage Fix: Awesome Chandelier

Salvage Fix: Awesome Chandelier published on 3 Comments on Salvage Fix: Awesome Chandelier

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See, this is why I shouldn’t leave the house. I go out looking for some restoration materials and I come back with a light fixture that I don’t need.

Roy Vaccaro has lots of iron work and other goodies at his outdoor spot near Gowanus Lowe’s. I went looking for some marble for my window sills (Eddie Hibbert, if you’re reading this, you never called me back!) and ended up falling in love.

Check out that baby below! It’s big and heavy and has griffins and lions. How could I not buy it? The husband says it may be too heavy for our ceiling and I said “You make it work.” Cue whip sound.

Roy had many cute lights, but I had to close my eyes and keep moving.

So, what do you think I paid for it? Huh? Huh? It’s about 2 feet tall and is missing one dangly piece. Of course it needs rewiring.

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