Spanish Eatery 'La Vara' On Clinton Street Now Open

(photo credit: Simmi Degnemark)No doubt, LA VARA, the new Spanish restaurant that opened its doors yesterday at 268 Clinton Street, will be a great addition to Cobble Hill. Not only does the exterior renovation look great, but a glimpse at the menu reveals such great dishes Conejo En Escabeche (stuffed rabbit loin poached in sweet onion vinaigrette with prunes, olive, saffron), Cordero Al Ajo Cabañil (cumin roasted lamb breast, scallion, preserved...

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What's That Weird Think Hanging From Teddy's Gate On Court Street?

Photo Courtesy of  YelpReader Molly just wrote to me to let me know about something quite weird at Teddy's, the women's clothing and accessories boutique at 216 Court Street, near Warren in Cobble Hill.She writes:On my way home from dropping my son off at preschool this morning, I stopped in my tracks when I got to Teddy's women's boutique on Court St. that had something hanging from the pull-down metal grate. At first I thought it was a piece...

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A Few Days At The Beach

Dear Readers,You may have noticed that posting has been a bit light this week.  I am spending the week in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, enjoying the sun and the ocean.I am working on a few Carroll Gardens stories, so please make sure to check back.If I missed anything back home, drop me a quick line.Cheers, KatiaPin...

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"16 Handles", New Frozen Yogurt Store To Open In Former Joe's Restaurant

According to the construction crew that has been working on the storefront at 349 Court Street, a new yogurt place will soon be moving to that location. A quick glimpse inside revealed white plastic benches and chairs and bright green walls. It looks rather sterile.Reader Mark just wrote in to left me that the frozen yogurt is called 16 Handles, a small, local franchise chain. According to their web site, 16 Handles "is committed to changing the...

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A Moment In Time: Don't Walk!

Field trip!Pin...

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Comment Of The Day: Darwinian Economic Gospel

Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Another Long-Time Smith Street Business Forced Out Because Of Huge Rent Increase":Such a kind, genuine man. And he does good work. Sad that people have to use the occasion to preach their tedious Darwinian economic gospel of constant adaptation or death. It's a neighborhood shoe repair store, not Apple. But thanks for covering this. Pin...

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Baskets From Senegal And Spring Art Sale At Brooklyn Workshop Gallery On Hoyt

Baskets made by the Wolof Women of Mékhé Village, Senegal(photos courtesy of Brooklyn Workshop Gallery)This Saturday, stop by the Brooklyn Workshop Gallery on Hoyt Street at 3rd Street to check out the Senegalese Baskets which are featured as part of their Handmade Project.  The gallery will donate 10% of each sale to a local school. read on:The HANDMADE PROJECT returns to Carroll Gardens as Brooklyn Workshop Gallery re-opens... HANDMADE...

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Sweet News: "Sugar Shop" Candy Store Coming To Baltic Street

When the storefront at 232 Court Street, which now houses Ideal Properties, was renovated, the two carriage houses attached to the building on Baltic Street also got a makeover and were turned into a small storefront. It sat empty for quite a while, but now comes word that a candy store will be opening at this location.'Sugar Shop', as it will be called will offer "vintage, modern candy store, old world nostalgic, hard to find candy, local home...

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Mediterranean Eatery 'Palmyra' On Court Street Seems To Be Closed

One of my readers mentioned that Palmyra, the Mediterranean eatery at 316 Court Street, seems to be closed. I made a point of walking by today, and sure enough, the windows have been covered with paper.There is no note indicating a reason, but two permits from New York City"s Department of Buildings have been taped up. One is for an "interior renovation of the existing commercial space for eating and drinking establishment" and one to "install kitchen...

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Feasting On Words: A Conversation About Food, Love And Life At BookCourt

photo credit: Max Kelly at Max Kelly PhotographyFood, love and life are the theme of a literary evening at BookCourt on Wednesday, March 28th at 6:30 PM. The evening is hosted by Martin Rowe and Chiwoniso Kaitano-Price.The Salon: Feasting on WordsWednesday, March 28, 20126:30pm until 9:30pmBookCourt163 Court Streetwww.bookcourt.comThis month we'll be feeding the hungry muse. Join us for a panel discussion, audience Q&A and book signing. We'll...

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New York Lotto Filming On Smith Street On Thursday Morning

More filming on Smith Street.   Following Monday's shoot of "Kill Your Darlings" with Daniel Radcliffe, this time, it's New York Lottery's turn.Filming will start on Thursday at 6 Am and will stretch from approximately DeGraw Street to Baltic Street on Smith.***UPDATE***NY Lotto was actually filming on Court Street and in Carroll Park as well today.Here is a photo of the activity on Court this morning:Pin It...

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Picture Of The Day: Setting Sun On President Street

Sun slowly setting on one of my favorite blocks in Carroll Gardens.In the distance, Park Slope.Pin...

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Best Comment Of The Day: Just Wear Flip-Flops

Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Another Long-Time Smith Street Business Forced Out Because f Huge Rent Increase ":So here we go again. Another neighborhood service gets pushed out. Someone buys a decrepit building on Smith Street no less, for over a million, and the only way they can pay for their mortage and the gut renovaton is to double the storefront's rent. I guess as long as we can get fat eating in all the restaurants...

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Halstead Property Buys Cobble Heights Realty And Heights Berkeley Realty

Big Real Estate News in Brownstone BrooklynHalstead Property, which is already well represented in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and the Heights, has just bought both Cobble Heights Realty and Heights Berkeley Realty, two small neighborhood offices with "boutique heritage that yields big firm results", from founder and owners Jeri Griffin, Rod Murray and Matthew Miller. boutique heritage that yields big firm resultsI just spoke to...

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"Arthur" On Smith Getting Finishing Touches Before Opening

By the look of it, Chef Joe Isidori's new Smith Street eatery, ARTHUR,  is getting closer to opening time.The storefront of 276 Smith Street has received a fresh coat of paint, a new sign has been hung above the door, new benches and planters have been placed on either side of the entrance.  Even the inside looks as though it is ready for the final touches.Arthur's website indicates that the "seasonal American Restaurant with...

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Another Long-Time Smith Street Business Forced Out Because Of Huge Rent Increase

Michael Davidov has been a fixture on Smith Street between Union and President Streets here in Carroll Gardens for 19 years, ever since he took over an existing Shoe Repair store at number 309 Smith Street. Nine years ago, he moved his business to 319 Smith Street, just a few storefronts away. During nearly two decades on this one block, he has repaired countless shoes, zippers and bags for local residents. In 2007, he even made New York Magazine's...

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