Recently in Cobble Hill Category

There are two things you need to know about Char No. 4, Smith Street's newest restaurant (196 Smith Street between Warren and Baltic streets). The first is that the restaurant makes its own bacon--an authenticity that can't be doubted thanks to the decidedly bacon smell eminating from the wood-toned, modern interior. The second important bit of Char data is evidenced on the wall of bourbons that regally line the bar from counter to ceiling. Char is serious about bourbon. There's more than 150 of them, and they can be had for $4 a taste or $200 a glass. No bourbon stone is left unturned, and that means Wild Turkey is just as available as a 20-year reserve. So, bacon and bourbon, not a bad combo. What about the food?

I have yet to taste, but I am rather excited to try the gussied up southern food menu, especially brunch. The brunch menu is chockfull of comfort foods--bacon cheddar grits, shrimp and grits, a BLT made from fried pork bely, a chopped pork sandwich. Yum, a definite tasting and review to come.

Yep, the Trader Joe's has its signage up, window washers were out working on the windows and stock was piling up in side room. I say the opening is imminent.

I've kept silent thus far on the "Is 'The Real World' coming to Carroll Gardens or not issue?" simply because it's been so back-and-forth. Today (again), Curbed supposedly has the word, which is that the show will be located in Red Hook and not Carroll Gardens or downtown Brooklyn. Red Hook certainly makes more logistical sense for the show, and it's also certain to make many in this neighborhood very, very happy.

On a related note, what's with all the filming in the neighborhood? In the past week, there's been a film shooting in front of the movie theater, a commercial on Smith Street and then today a whole crew was set up in front of the old Little Red Deli by the Cobble Hill Park.

Seems like every time I walk down Smith Street something changes. Flirt is no more on Smith Street, which is sad because it was one of my favorite neighborhood boutiques. The location in Park Slope is still active, however, so now I'll just have to schlep myself over to 5th Avenue. In better news, Refinery (a long-time neighborhood stalwart for great purses) is looking quite spiffy in its new space just a few doors down.

Lunchtime in the neighborhood is generally a perfuntory affair for me: falafel at Zaytoons, a slice at Vinny's, the occasional banh mi at Nicky's when I'm up that way. But my craving for sushi had to be satisfied on Monday, and that took me and my dining companion to Cube 63 on Court Street in Cobble Hill. Due to my pregnancy, I hadn't consumed sushi for a long, long time, and the restaurant's lunch menu was a nice way to ease back into the world of raw fish. Of particular interest is the tea menu, their version of the bento box, which ranges (if memory serves) from $6.50 to $8.50. Above is my tea lunch, which in addition to all the lovely little delicacies you see here, came with a whole pot of green tea. Below is what my dining companion chose.

As seen on Henry Street. Note to self: If I had a car and that car had an alarm, I'd definitely refrain from parking said car on Henry. (Don't miss the "friendly" notes tucked under the car's windshields, just in case the owner was unsure of how a dog with that much backup got on top of his/her car.)

Get your Os on Friday 6/6 as Bethany, Adam, Dennis and Kenny spin all your favorite techno, electro, disco, italo and house.

Suspiria is our bi-weekly DJ night at Club Deity on Atlantic Ave. Don't leave Brooklyn to get your kicks, stay in the 'hood!

Come on out this Friday (5/09) to Club Deity at 368 Atlantic Ave (between Hoyt & Bond). The Only Thing More Awesome Than The Last 12 Minutes Of This Night Are The First 288.

Kill your television this Saturday, April 26th, and head over to Camp on Smith St. Eric Shans will be DJing all the best britpop and indie tunes for you.

Not convinced? Go check out his mix he did for us a little while back, "A Snow Flake Falls In Brooklyn".