7.19.12 Basil in Crown Heights

Tonight, my friend Leah and I went to Basil Pizza & Wine Bar in Crown Heights. I had been there once before for a work function and I couldn't wait to return. The pizza is amazing! And, bonus, it's certified kosher!

This time, I opted for the seasonal special with no regrets. I had pan seared hake with tempura battered zucchini blossoms stuffed with brandade atop fava beans and sauteed morel mushrooms (hells yes!).

My friend Leah got the Daurade-Roman style which appears on the dinner menu regularly.


Once again, I can't wait to go back! Delish!

Chewie, my yorkie, also got a haircut today. Looking smart, Chewie, looking smart ...

7.14.12 Coney Island!

I grew up in New Jersey and my parents have a house at the Jersey shore, so I never saw any reason to make it out to Coney Island. But ... seeing as how this is my month of new adventures ... and my friends were playing a show in Coney ... I made the trip. I should say that I've been to Coney Island before; I've been to Garguilo's both in this life and a past life. I seem to find myself around South Brooklyn Italian-and-Greek-Americans (some might say guidos and/or meatheads) a lot.

My verdict ... Coney Island was much like I imagined it would be; a dirtier version of the Jersey shore. I'll stick with the Jersey shore. I decided to splurge and order pizza on the boardwalk - worst pizza I've ever had ... inexcusable NYC! I gave up and didn't waste the calories.

Ground zero ...

45 Adapters play Coney Island! Check them out! NYC Oi punk band ... Good tunes. Good times. Certainly, their show was the highlight of my trip to Coney Island.

7.13.12 Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO

On Friday, I met up with my friend Marc and we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to DUMBO, Brooklyn. The bridge entrance in Manhattan is right across from the 4/5/6 City Hall stop. Once we got to DUMBO we chilled in Brooklyn Bridge Park for a while and then got ice cream from Jacques Torres. I went with the pistachio marzipan ice cream; it's very rare that I have dairy, full fat ice cream. This was a worthy exception. Delish!

There's a carousel! I didn't go on it, but I think I'll go back to DUMBO for a ride on the carousel
and a trip to Grimaldi's pizza. :)

7.6.12 Brunch at Tom's and Keith Haring Exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum

The first order of business was a visit to Tom's Diner to sample their famous pancakes and a trip to the Brooklyn Museum to see the Keith Haring exhibit before it was over on July 8, 2012.

Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes (aka The Danish) at Tom's Diner in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.


So, my first visit to Tom's ... I have to say that these were good, but no better than the standard diner pancake. Sorry ... But they did inspire me to create my own version chez moi in the near future. It was a delicious greasy spoon breakfast in any event which I welcome any day I can sneak it in.

Keith Haring Exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum
I love Keith Haring! This exhibit was small, but fun. Who doesn't love some angel on dog action and pics from Danceteria circa 1980? I mean, I'm still in the Madonna camp ... make that the Debi Mazar-meets-Madonna and hangs with inspiring people camp. (Debi Mazar is my style icon. I will track her down and kneel at her vintage-sporting feet one day.) OK. I got side tracked, but this exhibit brings up a lot of fabulous thoughts for me. Enjoy ...

Basquiat snuck in!


I ended the day in my 'hood with crab tostadas from Tacos Nuevo Mexico complemented by one of the best margaritas you'll find in Brooklyn. Delicious!