From One Indian Restaurant To Another: "Raga" On Smith Street Turns Into "Brick Lane"

Raga, the Indian restaurant at 142 Smith Street, seems to have been replaced by Brick Lane, another Indian eatery.  Though a banner announces the 'grand opening', perhaps this is just a new name for the same business. After all, the telephone number remains the same and the menu seems to be almost identical The prices, however, have gone up.

To follow up, I recently got an email from Nitin Kaushik, Attorney-at-Law, stating:
"I am an intellectual property attorney, and I represent my client Brick Lane Curry House.I am writing to you about the June 27, 2012 post of yours available at http://pardonmeforasking.blogspot.com/2012/06/from-one-indian-restaurant-to-another.html. In your post you have included information regarding a Brick Lane restaurant in Brooklyn. I wish to bring to your attention that this restaurant in no way related to my client Brick Lane Curry House. It is an imposter trying to dilute my client’s reputation."

Read More

And Now For Something Completely Different

Sidewalk Umbrella

Oh, what an adventure it is to walk down the streets of Carroll Gardens. One never quite knows what one may encounter. Take this odd little obstacle. It most probably was placed there to warn passers-by of a failing cellar hatch.

Read More

A Moment In Time: Catching the Sun's Rays On Smith Street

She was sitting on a bench
On Smith Street,
Soaking up the sun
While watching people go by.

Read More

Holiday Silent Auction At Starting Artists On Smith

SILENT AUCTION You're invited to a Holiday Silent Auction! Auction items include original paintings & photographs as well as unique experiences such as your very own DNA portrait and an 8-week creative writing workshop. * Bid on the work of local artists and students * Enjoy food & drinks from local businesses * Get to know the Starting Artists Family * And enter the raffle for your chance to win items including a Trader Joe's Gift Basket & a Gift Certificate to Fresh Fish! WHEN: Thursday, December 11; 6:30 - 8:30pm WHERE: 211 Smith St. @Baltic WHY: Proceeds benefit SA's free media arts & entrepreneurship Afterschool Program for teens See bios and sample work by participating artists: www.startingartists.org/Auction.html Starting Artists, Inc. 211 Smith St. Brooklyn, New York 11201

For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking

Read More

Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row: Part 2

A look back to 1929, to a quieter time at the corner of Sackett and Smith Street. It is remarkable how many things remain unchanged. The row of brownstones has survived mostly intact, but majestic trees have gown and formed a beautiful canopy over Sackett. And of course those parked cars change everything.
Check out Butler's, the grocery store at the corner. Can you believe the prices?
Once again, I have to thank Carroll Gardens resident Alexandrea for sharing her treasure trove of old photos with us.


More Carroll Gardens history:

A Look Back In History: Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row

Before Smith Street Was Restaurant Row: Part 2

View Of Smith Street Circa 1938

Read More

Space Saving Bike Parking In Carroll Gardens

Spotted On Smith Street at the corner of Union, this bike is proof that there is more than one way of parking a bike on the sidewalk. This is the Carroll Gardens special space-saving parking job.

Read More

Obama "Stop And Go" On Smith Street

photo credit: Carolina Castillo

How could I have missed this!
Just shows that I don't really pay attention to the traffic light when I cross the street.
This is the light at the corner of President Street and Smith Street, across from the park. My friend and fellow blogger Carolina shared these photos with me. Isn't this really cool?
Does anyone know who did this?



For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking

Read More

Another Ticky Tacky House Plopped Onto Smith Street Row House

142 Smith Street with addition

One ticky tacky house added to an old brick townhouse on Smith is an oddity. But what if a second one makes an appearance just two doors down? Does it constitute a trend? 146 Smith Street at the corner of Bergen Street was bastardized by the addition of a one story brick "maisonette" a few years ago. But in the last few weeks, # 142 Smith Street succumbed to an even worse fate. Someone thought it appropriate to plunk a blue vinyl clad "bungalow" right on top of the existing townhouse.
On the NYC D.o.B. site, this little horror is called a penthouse. Oh, excuse me.
How long do you suppose, dear reader, it will be till number 144 follows suite?



For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking

Read More