Everything's Green on Smith: Sapodilla, Stinky Brooklyn, Provence en Boite, Porchetta, Bird

New businesses are popping up on Smith Street like weeds in our backyard garden after the rain. One that's yet to flower is Sapodilla, in the old Village 247 space. All the information we have is taped up to the window (above), but good to hear that the garden will still be accessible.

Of course, the new cheese store Stinky Brooklyn, right next to the yet-to-open Provence en Boite, has been making a splash. My first foray revealed much more than cheese in the tiny space. Bread from Mazzola, sweets from One Girl Cookies, duck fat from Applewood and a nice case of chorizo and cured meats, plus pickled green tomatoes in the cold case. YUM!

Not to be left out is the newly opened French bistro Porchetta at Smith and Douglass, where the old Banania used to be. If you have a chance, grab a business card, which features a pig in a colorful wig and a high-necked shirt. A peek at the brunch menu revealed hangover offerings that are par for the neighborhood (several kinds of eggs, pancakes, etc). I do like what they've done with the front planters (click to enlarge at left).

And to show that I'm not totally partial to food, I stopped in Bird at Smith and Butler. Wasn't super-hot on the jeans selection, but the store was stocking some great summer dresses and tops. If you don't have a high-paying Manhattan job, however, these may be out of your price range (most items I liked were $150 and up).