Blog
Rickshaw and Van Leeuwen Truck
Thursday, June 4, 2009
7th Avenue has become a hot-spot for high quality food trucks. The Waffles and Dinges truck is the first I can remember, and has since become a staple on Saturday afternoons in front of the Key Foods at 1st St. In the past few months, two new trucks have been popping up that caught my eye.
Starting in March, the dumpling restaurant Rickshaw started selling their fare on weekends at the intersection of 1st street, across from the PS 321 flea market. I visited their Flatiron location after seeing a documentary on MTV about the owner trying to launch the business, and have been back many times prior to sample their variety of delicious dumplings. Although I have yet to sample the ones from the truck, if they are anything like their brick and mortar counterparts I imagine I will be stopping by often. That stretch of 7th suffers from a lack of grab-and-go lunch food, making Rickshaw a great option for people out and about on summer weekends.
Within the last few weeks Van Leeuwen, an artisan ice cream company, has been parking their truck at the intersection of Carroll, across the street from Key Foods. Park Slope already has plenty of great ice cream options, but judging from their menu this is something different altogether. Flavors like Ginger, Pistachio, and Espresso set them apart, and their all-natural, hormone-free, locally-available ingredients are perfectly tuned to the needs of many residents. It turns out that Van Leeuwen already has a strong footprint in Park Slope, selling their brand in locations such as Get Fresh, Blue Apron Foods, Back to the Land, and the Park Slope Food Coop.
Labels: businesses, truck
6/04/2009 11:49:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Galaxy Comics Opens New Store
Thursday, June 4, 2009
As I walked to Key Foods yesterday I noticed that Galaxy Comics opened a new location at 7th Ave and Carroll St. They took over the space above the Park Slope Copy Center, formerly occupied by a shipping store. They had strategically placed a sign down at street level which caught my eye and led me upstairs. I think the space is perfect for a comic book store, which has limited window appeal but a dedicated customer base that will search it out.
The store has been open for about two weeks, and is the owner's third location. The store is small by neat, and includes a large selection of comics, collectibles, t-shirts, and trading cards.
I was aware of their 5th Ave shop, although I have never been inside, and I was surprised to see them open a new location such a short distance away. A search on Google Maps for reveals that comic book stores are few and far between in Brooklyn, but I guess they figure there is a demand from North Sloper's that they can tap in to.
View Larger Map
Labels: businesses, opening
6/04/2009 11:02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filming at La Bagel Delight
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I passed by the La Bagel Delight (7th Ave and Carroll) tonight and was surprised to see the lights on and the people mulling around inside and outside. Closer inspection revealed a film shoot taking place inside. It wasn't clear who they were or what they were filming, but from what I could tell it seemed to be a small, independent production.
Labels: businesses, television
4/22/2009 09:43:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Correction: Trade Winds Moved
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I recently posted that the 7th Ave furniture store Trade Winds had closed. If it weren't for the pouring rain the day I saw the "For Rent" signs in their windows I probably would have walked across the street to get a better photo. There I would have clearly seen the signs that said that the store was just moving and not closing. Their new location is 47 Fifth Ave. at the corner of 5th and Bergen. Sorry for the mistake, and best wishes Trade Winds!
Trade Winds Imports
47 5th Ave (at Bergen St)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Labels: businesses, correction
4/22/2009 08:56:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Trade Winds Closes
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Edit: It turns out that Trade Winds has only moved. Read more here.
I use to live just a few doors down from the 7th Ave furniture store Trade Winds. I always wondered how such a small place could stay in business, and the constant neon sale signs in the window indicated that it wasn't easy. The only place that looked more desperate for business was the former Park Slope Shoes across the street.
When it came time for my girlfriend to get a new dresser though, the proximity and convenience of the store was too much to resist. She ended up getting a pretty good deal from Trade Winds on an unfinished dresser that we stained and sealed ourselves. While it may not be as trendy looking as an Ikea model, it's made out of real wood and fits our simple decor.
Yesterday as I was walking down 7th in the pouring rain I noticed the "For Rent" signs on the window. I wasn't surprised, as it was only a matter of time before Park Slope rents, the failing economy, and tight margins caught up to them.
Labels: businesses, closing
4/21/2009 11:18:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
KidsRx Open
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Although the glowing sign reads "Pure Essentials", according to their website the real name of the new pharmacy that opened on 7th Ave is indeed KidsRx. The 7th Ave location is their second, with the original in Manhattan's West Village.
I was in the store this weekend, and while I was there I ran into the owner William Brownstein, who gave me a quick pitch, a business card, and a magnet. The store specializes in children's medicine but promises to be able to obtain any adult drug within 24 hours (or they'll pay your month's rent).
At first I wondered what it meant to specialize in children's medicine. Smaller pills? Many varieties of Flinstone's Chewable Vitamins? Then I saw this Youtube video on their site and found out just how many creative services they provide. They can flavor the medication, mix it into pudding, or turn it into a lollipop.
I didn't see a traditional pharmacy counter when I was in the store, so I'm not sure if they are currently filling prescriptions. The back of the store still seems to be under construction, so perhaps the pharmacist will be back there eventually.
Currently the store just seems to have the standard health and beauty supplies, leaning towards the high end and the expensive. While at first I was perplexed that someone would open another pharmacy in Park Slope, the unique approach to children's medicine plus a kid saturated neighborhood may work out to be a recipe for success.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Labels: businesses, opening
11/11/2008 08:16:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Shinju II Review
Saturday, November 8, 2008
As the Gowanus Lounge reported in October, the new sushi place Shinju II has opened in the space formerly occupied by Inaka sushi. Inaka was never my favorite place, but there all-you-can-eat sushi deal was a fun way to sample different types of sushi.
Shinju has completely renovated the interior, choosing a design style very similar to the new Oshima. The service was polite and speedy, although almost devoid of personality. My favorite feature was the non-disposable chopsticks included in the table setting, which I really enjoyed using.
Despite those positive features, the food was quite a let down. Each normal sushi roll consisted of only 6 pieces, which is a bit skimpy in my opinion. My Philadelphia roll contained only the slightest sliver of smoked salmon, and the fish covering the top of my rainbow roll was paper thin. The edamame was slightly overdone and the miso soup was a little bland.
As I was sitting down at the table, the couple next to us was finishing their meal. When asked if everything was ok by the waitress they commented that the tuna "didn't taste right," which is why they left some pieces behind. This was disconcerting, and although I didn't realize it right away the Spicy Tuna roll I had ordered came to my plate as a Spicy Salmon roll. Freshness of the fish is paramount for a sushi restaurant, so I hope this was a misunderstanding or a freak occurrence.
While probably an improvement over Inaka, I was not impressed by Shinju II. With so many other great sushi restaurants in the neighborhood I don't think they will get my business again.
Labels: businesses, opening, photos, restarant review
11/08/2008 11:31:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
A&S Pork Store Now M&S Prime Meats
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Brooklyn Paper reported in September that the A&S Pork Store, Park Slope's last butcher, wasn't closing but was instead moving to a new location on 5th between 2nd and 3rd St. Construction is under way there, and the new sign indicates a name change to M&S Prime Meats.
New sign, new name
Labels: businesses, construction, photos
11/04/2008 08:34:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Commerce Bank Now TD Bank
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I think it's been like this for a few weeks now, but the Commerce Bank on 5th between Garfield and 1st St has been fully re-branded as a TD Bank. Reuters published an article about how the Toronto-Dominion Bank purchased Commerce Bank's parent company in March, and all branches will be renamed as TD Bank. The Park Slope branch is ahead of the curve I guess. Â The article says that TD plans to retain some of the features of Commerce, including coin counting and being open seven days a week.
How are former Commerce customers handling the switch over? Â Is the takeover from a Canadian bank evidence of the tough economic times in the US?Â
Labels: businesses, news, photos
11/04/2008 07:10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Photos of Playa and Cabana Bar
Monday, November 3, 2008
In my last post I wrote about the Cabana Bar that opened in the space previously occupied by the Lookout Hill Smokehouse, and today I got a chance to check out the changes myself. My observations:
- The Cabana Bar may be open, but there is no signage outside that indicates it.
- The Cabana Bar occupies a small building behind the location of the Lookout Hill Smokehouse, facing President St.
- The related restaurant Playa has a sign up, but that's about it.
- Playa means "beach" in spanish.
Labels: businesses, construction, photos
11/03/2008 04:26:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Lookout Hill Smokehouse is Dead, Long Live Cabana Bar
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I was combing through my RSS reader tonight when I read about an interesting new restaurant that just opened called the Cabana Bar.  A Google search brought me to this New York Magazine article with a bit more information, most importantly that the owner is Spencer Rothschild who recently brought Barrio to Park Slope.  But what really sent me for whirl was this line on Chow.com: "Formerly Lookout Hill Smokehouse."
Labels: businesses, closing, news, opening
10/30/2008 10:49:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
RIP High Stakes Cheese Steaks
Saturday, August 30, 2008
I was surprised yesterday to find that High Stakes Cheese Steaks had closed. I had never eaten there, but I was always interested in trying it. I found a Brooklyn Paper article on the closing, and apparently this is old news. What's interesting is that the owners place some of the blame for the failure of the restaurant on the slow progress on the Net's Stadium. I can see a place like that becoming a hit with the sports crowd, but I guess not with the Park Slope and Prospect Heights residents.
Labels: businesses
8/30/2008 06:03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
New York Chess and Game Shop
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Walking back from the Atlantic Terminal yesterday I noticed an interesting new addition to the storefronts on Flatbush Ave. At the intersection of Flatbush and Dean is a new place called the New York Chess and Game Shop. From what I can tell, their primary focus is on chess sets and lessons, but they also carry other classic games (backgammon, checkers, and scrabble). I was impressed with their eye-catching display outside, including a chess challenge for a prize.
A Google search turned up a website that is most likely theirs, although it's tough to tell because no contact information is listed. The site is missing a lot of content, and the online store doesn't quite function correctly, but I can tell the owner has some big plans in mind.
While I love the idea of the place, I'm not so optimistic on its ability to survive. Does Park Slope and Prospect Heights have enough of a chess community to keep this place afloat? How often does an avid chess player purchase new equipment?
Personally, I'd love to see them expand their stock to include a wider array of games, such as trading card games, role playing games, etc. I think that appealing to a wider market may allow them to stay afloat.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
View Larger Map
Labels: businesses
8/30/2008 11:19:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
New Flavors at Yogo Monster
Saturday, April 5, 2008
While back at Yogo Monster yesterday I was pleased to find they are offering new flavors. They open with only two: regular and blueberry. Now they have added strawberry and green apple to the mix. I tried the strawberry yogurt with frozen strawberries on top, which is a winning combo for strawberry lovers like myself. I don't know if these new flavors are here to stay or if they are just testing them out. Perhaps they will rotate the flavors seasonally? Here's to living on the edge!
Labels: businesses
4/05/2008 10:04:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Missing MaggieMoo's
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Walking down 7th a few weeks back I noticed that the storefront where MaggieMoo's was located was empty and the sign had been taken down. I hadn't been inside for many months, and it turns out the store had closed many months earlier and was merely vacant but intact since then.
I'm not a fan of Cold Stone style ice cream, so this closing is of little consequence to me, but I found it strange that MaggieMoo's was being torn down as Yogo Monster was being built. Is there a cosmic order that is maintaining a balance of frozen desserts on 7th avenue?
Labels: businesses
3/18/2008 11:15:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Frozen Yogurt Clones?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
I randomly stumbled across the website for Oko Yogurt tonight, a frozen yogurt store on 5th avenue. I haven't been there, but I was surprised at how similar the store is to the newly opened Yogo Monster. Here I was thinking this natural frozen yogurt fruit toppings was a novel idea, and it turns out it's already been done, and only a few blocks away! Can both of these stores survive?
Labels: businesses
3/18/2008 10:45:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Yogo Monster
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I had been keeping and eye on Yogo Monster, a new frozen yogurt store, as it developed over the past few weeks. After reading about it on OTBKB, I decided it was time to put it to the test.
My girlfriend and I stopped by tonight after dinner, and the glow from inside was very inviting. The interior has a clean, fresh design and the workers were welcoming and eagerly handed us a free sample. I thought it tasted good, but my girlfriend begged to differ.
The important distinction: they serve frozen yogurt. While other frozen yogurts taste like a slight variation on soft-serve ice cream, Yogo Monster serves yogurt that's been frozen. If you don't like that yougurt-y taste, you might have some difficulties with this dessert.
While the frozen yogurt itself is ok, the real treat were the toppings. At a price of only one dollar for up to four toppings, it's too good a deal to pass up. I went for the strawberries and magos, and both were fresh and delicious. The tastes came together very well and created a clean, refreshing eating experience.
If you like yogurt with fruit, give this a try as an ice cream alternative with a lighter, healthier taste.
Labels: businesses
3/16/2008 12:48:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Waffles and Dinges
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Waffles and Dinges truck was parked outside of the Key Foods today (I thought it was a once-a-month schedule?), which reminded me that I forgot to post about my experience with them. Two weeks ago I was out for a walk when they were in the neighborhood, and I decided not to let the chance pass me by.
The first few scans of the menu left me a little confused. "There are different types of waffles?" "What are dinges?" Luckily they were already explaining the answers to these questions to the customer in front of me.
In in the end I went for the liege waffle with strawberry dinges and powdered sugar. The five dollar price tag felt a little steep, but at this point I was in it for the experience.
Overall I found the food very enjoyable. The strawberry dinges were fresh and sweet, and cooked down a little to give them that syrupy coating.
The real surprise however was the waffle. I had expected it to be nothing more than a vessel for the dinges; an excuse to eat sweet toppings. But to my enjoyment I discovered that the waffle had a rich flavor all of its own. It was so delicious that I think I might have my next waffle dinges-free.
My recommendation: give it a shot. It might not wow you, but it will be a unique experience and a change of pace.
Labels: businesses
3/15/2008 11:55:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Photofaction Perfection
Sunday, December 30, 2007
This past Spring I purchased a new digital camera, and since then I have been snapping photos pretty much wherever I go. A few weeks back, in a fit of artistic expression, I decided that I wanted to frame some of these and hang them around the apartment.
Being the web-savvy person that I am, my first move was to check out photo printing services online. I wanted to finish the project over the weekend though, so I limited my search to services where I could pick up the prints at a local store. There were a couple of options in the neighborhood, and I was leaning towards using the CVS Photo Center which charges $3.99 for an 8x10. Although its not terribly close to my apartment their 9th street location is within a reasonable range.
Before submitting the order though I decided to check out the photo store just around the corner. I've walked by their giant "KODAK" sign many times, and decided it was worth investigating (the name I later discovered was Photofaction). I loaded my photos into one of their digital consoles, which was very powerful and yet easy to use, and selected the prints I wanted. When I saw that the cost of an 8x10 was almost twice as much as CVS I decided to stick with my original plan.
In retrospect I realize what a mistake that was. It turns out that 8x10 photos aren't printed at the CVS, but rather shipped there from a large scale printing place. My photos weren't going to arrive at least for a 5 days, ruining my timeline. When I got back from traveling a week and half later, I called up the store to find that the photos still hadn't arrived. CVS customer support was also unable to locate my photos and I canceled my order over the phone.
I went back to Photofaction, loaded my photos, configured them to print exactly how I wanted, and picked up the prints just 1 hour later. CVS took a week and a half to screw up my order, and Photofaction took 1 hour to deliver perfect prints. I can't stress how satisfying it was to see business work so well, and the extra cost was worth every penny and more.
Photofaction saved my day, and I won't get pictures printed anywhere else.
Photofaction Official Website
Labels: businesses
12/30/2007 05:50:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Key Food Rehab
Monday, October 1, 2007
Frequenters of the Key Food at 7th and Carroll will notice a dramatic change in decor recently. Widened entrance, new floors, a new customer service desk, and an updated layout really help to freshen up the place. The sign outside has even been painted a vibrant shade of green.
The most dramatic change though has been the addition of four automatic checkout lines. While many may welcome a way to get through the checkout without having to deal with cashiers, I find that more often than not these registers slow down the process. They are very particular and stubborn, often requiring an employee to make corrections. And worst of all these machines encourage the store to keep less lines open, which leaves us in the end with the same capacity and bagging our own groceries.
Overall I am glad to see the store get some much needed TLC. It still doesn't compare to the Key Food on 5th, but I'll take it.
Labels: businesses
10/01/2007 10:03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)