Williamsburg Reinvents The Market

Williamsburg Bridge view from Brooklyn

The downfall of the condominium throughout much of NYC during the financial crisis has had its benefits for some. Multiple stalled condominium projects have run out of funding or gone completely bankrupt. However, a few developers have stayed afloat and even flourished in the condo turned rental game. Some of the newest and more popular properties in Williamsburg have been the perfect example for developers of how to play their cards right and still luck out in a down market.

34 Berry

While condo finishes and amenities are nothing new, offering them at a rental price is. 34 Berry, located near McCarren Park, includes a 1,600 sq. ft. fitness center, 24-hour computer lounge and amply spaced indoor parking garage. With a courtyard rivaling that of The Metropolitan, 34 Berry allows for social interaction amongst guests and neighbors. The difficulty with some condominium turned rental projects is restructuring the layouts to fit multiple units as condos tend to have less units at a greater size.

However, with the good comes the bad. 34 Berry's general building layout is described by some as dorm-like due to the enclosed courtyard and numerous studios per floor. What's great for students or artists is not always favorable to families. What the building does have in its favor is that it is a new construction designed by Perkins Eastman versus many area renovations.

The newly built building has at market and a few below market studios starting at $1,700 and 1-bedrooms at $2,150. However, the limited 2-bedroom rentals are priced high at $3,820 for the area. While looking for a Williamsburg steal, studios at 34 Berry provide renters with social amenities including 2 lounges and well priced units for young renters.

184 Kent 

 

The 338 unit building differs in a few categories from 34 Berry. For starters, the studios begin higher at $1,800. However, you get what you pay for since units here are also 15% larger than that of 34 Berry. 

 

With 12' to 15' foot ceilings, over-sized windows and exposed concrete beams the waterfront building is what you may think of when imagining a true loft. Prior to its luxury rental status, the building housed Wild Turkey Bourbon and is now listed as an official historic landmark.

 

Mixing the old with the new, 184 Kent has contemporary interiors by SLADE architecture, teak wood floors and natural stone counter tops. The building includes the standard amenities of luxury buildings but the fitness center and rooftop deck are made even better by the waterfront proximity. Working out might be made a little bit easier when your view is directly of the waterfront and of downtown Manhattan.

65 Ainslie

Kitchen & living space at 65 Ainslie

Ainslie has went for a different approach to set itself apart from area condo turned rental counterparts. Unlike at other buildings, Ainslie residents are met with nothing but convenience and connectivity.

Aware of the busy lifestyles that many of the residents lead, the building offers everything at renter's fingertips. From the Fresh Direct drop-off grocery service in the lobby to fully wired lounge, 65 Ainslie helps to makes your day a little less hectic.

It has a key access lobby, fully furnished rooftop, Manhattan skyline views and IPOD docks in each unit. Ainslie provides most residents with their own French terrace in addition to rooftop access for all 5th floor residents through their own unit.

 The benefits of Brooklyn living just got a bit better. With lower prices, condo finishes and amenities, Williamsburg is raising the bar in a down market.


For information on leasing and pricing contact (212) 202-0721.

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Froggr Feature: The Corner

View of The Corner on W. 72nd Street

One of the Upper West Side's newest luxury rentals, The Corner, has been noted for its unique outer design, varying layouts and stylish features. Designed by the minds behind the Millennium Tower Residences and Aria,  Handel Architects have created a standout curved glass tower where every residence is guaranteed sweeping views. Some of the stylistic choices within the Corner have drawn area art lovers in close. The lobby includes over 1,700 suspended crystals in a wave-like shape by designer Andres Escobar. Each unit also includes custom door knockers with swirled (not cornered) designs.

What many renters have also taken note of is the neighborhood itself. Located on West 72nd Street in the Upper West Side has its advantages.While the MTA has raised prices and cut services, you will at least not have to worry about getting to the closest train. On the same corner as...well, The Corner there is the 72nd Street Station for 1,2 and 3 trains. Two avenues over are the A,B,C trains at 72nd Street. The neighborhood is family friendly with schools and entertainment nearby. There are 2 playgrounds and 8 schools from York Preparatory School to Manhattan/Hunter Science High School. For teenagers and young adults, area attractions of the Apple Store and AMC Lowes Lincoln Square are within 5 blocks walking distance. Cultural attractions of Lincoln Center, Beacon Theater and American Museum of Natural History are nearby as well. 

New Trader Joe's at lobby level of The Corner

 

No matter what age you are, we can all appreciate the finer pleasures of life. Food speaks to our hearts from large portions of home style comfort food to small samplings of world class cuisine. You may have to travel down towards Lincoln Center or lower for larger high end restaurants such as the newly opened Lincoln or Bar Boulud but the neighborhood has plenty of its own intimate bistros and cultural eats. On the same block as The Corner rests Mike's Bistro and Sugar Bar. At Mike's, glatt kosher cuisine is on the menu with staples such as handmade gnocchi, ribeye steak and sea bass. Mike's is well known amongst Jews, Muslims and vegetarians for creating what some will find as bland into top notch flavor. Special menus and wine tastings are also offered upon request from Chef Mike Gershkovich. 

Nearby, the Sugar Bar provides nothing but soul. From the red snapper meuniere to the classic soul during open mic night, Sugar Bar is a draw for those looking for nighttime flavor. The restaurant is owned by singers Ashford and Simpson and has attracted the likes of Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Willis and Patrick Ewing. Many people still reminisce about the duet between Michael Douglass and Whoopi Goldberg. 

Rooftop area near the lounge chairs

For a night in, residents still have many entertaining options. One of the city's three Trader Joe's is conveniently located on the ground floor of the building for last minute cooking. Building amenities include the 10,000 square foot rooftop terrace, a misting wall, movie projection screen, wet bar and BBQ area, landscaped garden, sun deck and 8 foot high wall fireplace. Indoors, there is the Corner Club. With many of the same amenities as the outdoor terrace, this area is great for alone time with its ipod dock, 42' television and blue ray player, lounge terrace and custom millwork. There is also a children's playroom to keep the little ones entertained with fun house mirrors, decorative seating, chalkboards and large video screens.

Inside of the actual residences, layouts and designs are numerous in variety. With 47 different floor plans throughout 196 units, residents are promised unique floor plans shared by only 3 other residents. In fact, some of the unit layouts are one of a kind. The standard features throughout every unit are the Bosch washers and dryers, high end faucets, walk in closets, and attractive door knockers for a touch of flare. Another shared feature are great views due to the building shape which is a plus for photographers and those who appreciate a classic sun filled room.

One of the many Corner layouts

To gauge unit pricing as a whole is difficult since they range by layout from slightly less than $3,000 to $20,000/month but most 1 bedroom units are priced between $4,500 to $7,000. The one complaint that some residents have seem to  lie in the fact that they chose a unit that was not right for them. Some kitchens are great for entertaining as there is a kitchen island and no walls in the large open space. While some appreciate the standard kitchen in a Manhattan apartment, many Corner residents choose this building to step outside of the box. 

The Corner is a nice addition to the area with a noticeable amount of design choices geared towards the modern renter. The glass lobby corridors, entertainment centered amenities and green living features are all in place for those who enjoy high end luxury without the guilt. The trend appeal has also placed The Corner head to head with area post-war buildings such as Aire. In close proximity to some of Upper West Sides great sights blended well with modern style often seen in Chelsea, The Corner is on the rise.


For leasing information and pricing, call (212) 202-0721

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Out With the Old, In With the Cold at Bryant Park

Bryant Park illuminating at night

Bryant Park Fall Festival

Great Lawn, Bryant Park

September13th-20th

6-7:30PM

While we are saying goodbye to the warm days of summer, Bryant Park makes it easier for us by presenting the Bryant Park Fall Festival. People are invited to enjoy the series of after work performances in the Midtown area park. From ballet to jazz music, these cultural events are a nice way to wind down after work or start off your own night of dancing with some inspiration from the pros.

Tonight at 6pm-7:30pm on the lawn, BAM's Black Rock Coalition will present its orchestra. The coalition supports Black musicians and will perform a retrospective of award-winning jazz-funk-rock group, WAR. The group was a 1960's breakthrough group with a California vibe blending funk, reggae, jazz and funk while lacing through socio-politcal lyrics. You will probably recognize many songs as they have been sampled from artists such as R&B princess, Janet Jackson to metal band, Korn. 

Black Rock Coalition performers belt it out on stage

On Saturday, the Brooklyn Philharmonic will perform on the lawn from 6-7:30pm.  Your eyes (and ears) will be opened as the orchestra performs some of their groundbreaking and award winning music. They are regarded as a philharmonic that has brought traditional works in a new light for many non-classical listeners. Specifically, they will display contemporary and traditional collaborations from their mixed chambers work for clarinet and strings this weekend. 

Parsons Dance defying gravity

Last but not least to round out the weekend will be Parsons Dance. From 6-7:30pm on the lawn, Parsons Dance will showcase their hit rock-dance opera, Remember Me,  that sold out last season. They will go all out for the free event by bringing the shows lead vocalist and grammy nominated rock-band opera, East Village Opera Company. The dance movements will be contemporary in nature full of explosive movement to engage the audience as in the vision of David Parsons. 

For directions and other performances, visit the official site here. 

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Celebrating Culture at the African-American Day Parade

One of the high energy dance teams at the parade

41st Annual African-American Day Parade

September 19th, 1PM

Starts at W. 111th Street & Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

A celebration of cultural pride, music, food and dance will take place at this years African-American Day Parade. Located just one block from Central Park, residents from neighboring Upper West Side and Harlem can both enjoy the nearby festivities. 

Being the largest African-American parade in the country, notables including Governor Paterson, David Dinkins, Al Sharpton and Charles Rangel have been in attendance. The route begins on 111th Street and continues up to 142nd Street with step teams, high school marching bands, hip-hop dancers and musical performances hosted by Hot 97FM radio station. Organizations, historically Black colleges and large bands come from across 12 states to participate. 

Some of the littlest fans enjoying the celebration

 Many vendors come out along the route with Southern favorites of home fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and sweet potatoes. Authentic Southern sit down restaurants and family fun along the parade route includes Amy Ruth's and Harlem Lanes.

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Lincoln Center Presents: Benno's Lincoln

The new Lincoln at 142 W. 65th Street (courtesy Eater NY)

It is not often that a new restaurant opens in the summer in New York City. For one, a large scale high-end project can be risky during a time when many outdoor cafes and niche restaurants are bustling with the summer crowd.

However, fear did not seem to stop former Per Se chef, Johnathan Benno, from creating his Italian inspired Upper West Side restaurant, Lincoln. Although, $20 million and a Lincoln Center backing helps to squelch much of that fear. Opening on September 24th

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One of A Kind Finds near Downtown Brooklyn

Inside view of the Brooklyn Indie Market

Every Saturday and Sunday you can travel to Carroll Park for unique items at the Brooklyn Indie Market. The indie market has a wide variety of items from handcrafted natural beauty products to handpicked jewelry from small shops around the world. 

 

All of the designers present must have some aspect of their goods made by them so you are sure to find one of a kind steals.

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Motorexpo on Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

Visitors browsing Aston Martin's at the 2009 show

Corny jokes aside, the 2010 New York Motorexpo at the World Financial Center Plaza will showcase some of the finest and sleekest cars around. From September 12 to 17, cars such as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Aston Martin Rapide, 250 GT Ferrari California and 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will all be showcased at the free event. 

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Being A Kid Again in Williamsburg...

Event poster for Spoons, Toons and Booze

We all remember how great Saturday mornings were as a kid with classic cartoons, eating cereal in our PJ's and just having fun being a kid. Now, the everyday grind has made us lose sight of our inner child but the Knitting Factory in Williamsburg is helping us to remember. Every Saturday at 12PM, the venue hosts Spoons, Toons and Booze.

Thundercats, Transformers and even Smurf's are a few of the childhood favorites that will be shown during the cereal buffet. While the kid in you can munch on Fruit Loops and Apple Jacks, the adult in you can help yourself to cocktails and mixed drinks. 

The Knitting Factory
361 Metropolitan Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11211

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Worldwide Event: Fashion's Night Out 2010

Fashion's Night Out Event Poster with model Liya Kebede

Fashion's Night Out is an annual event worldwide. Full of celebrity appearances, free giveaways and of course, fashion. Fashion industry greats created the initiative to help boost the economy and designer support. 

 

Various stores throughout New York City will host unique events after closing.

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Taste The Season in Chelsea

The weather is starting to cool down and Autumn leaves are coming soon. While we can't enjoy outdoor eating and great summer weather all the time, a few Chelsea favorites remind us of the flavorful and fresh tastes of summer year round.

People's Pops

425 W. 15th Street

www.peoplespops.com 

The little food stand that could has reinvented a simple summer treat and created unique and fresh flavors for all ages. People's pops are made from local sustainable grown fruits and herbs. What does that mean for us? Well, fresh ingredients and rich flavors seem to make a damn good pop.

Flavors such as raspberry and basil, apricot chamomile and pear ginger are sure to give your taste buds something new to try.  The mix n' match between fruit and herbs was a risky choice in my opinion but obviously that's why I'm no Top Chef. The popular favorite of raspberry and basil starts off sweet then cooling from the basil hint.They also serve shaved ice with natural fruit syrup in many of the same flavors. Both the pops and shaved ice are good but if you have the time, its enjoyable to watch them hand shave the huge block of  seemingly non-melting ice. With chunks of real fruit in every pop, forget the guilt and consider this your daily serving of fruit.

Burnt Ends and chili at Rub BBQ

Rub BBQ
208 W. 23rd Street
(212) 524-4300

www.rubbbq.net 
 

How could you think of summer without thinking of BBQ? This time around your dad won't try to show off by putting a whole bottle of gas in the grill because the meat at Rub is cooked slow. What many of us Northerners are not used to is a true BBQ experience. Cooking "low and slow" is the key to any authentic BBQ whether it be St. Louis style ribs or burnt ends. While Rub BBQ seems a bit out of place in Chelsea with all its art galleries and high end stores, it adds to the decadent lifestyle with great food options.

Some notable mentions include the burnt ends (fattier part of the brisket) and the baron. The baron is a sampler of brisket, sausage, pastrami, turkey, chicken, a quarter rack of ribs and 2 large sides. The meat overload can usually be quenched by some great Southern sides of fried green tomatoes or the top notch potato salad. With solid meat choices, do not come expecting the typical saucy BBQ here. This is where competition style BBQ thrives in New York with smokey outsides, juicy insides and the meat flavor stands alone.

The isles of the Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market

75 9th Ave 

(212) 243-6005

www.chelseamarket.com/
 

If you are a self acclaimed gourmet chef or just love to throw around the word "artisan", Chelsea Market is for you. With well known shops such as Amy's Bread, Lobster Place and L'Arte del Gelato there is something for everyone here. The decoratively lit isles of the market mainly consist of gourmet fare but a few other shops hold their own as non-food establishments.

Imports From Marrakesh, Gramercy Flower Shop and Bowery Kitchen Supply all have a unique flare from Middle Eastern mystery to gourmet practicality. The one thing that all of these stores have in common is their attention to quality and service. At the Chelsea Wine Vault, they offer more than free tastings and global selections. For those not lucky enough to have their own wine cellar, you can rent cellar space at the Vault. The newcomer on the block, the Filling Station, specializes in local and imported extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, sea salts, sugars and will branch into craft beer.

Their claim to fame outside of quality products is their environmentally conscious approach. Customers are able to purchase bottles of items and have them refilled at a discounted rate every time they return. With many of the shops taking the environmental and sustainable approach to food, Chelsea Market is a welcomed retreat for health nuts, vegans and vegetarians alike. 

Do you know more great Chelsea eats that remind you of summer? Add to the list!

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FiDi Events: 2nd Annual WTC Run To Remember

Runners at the starting line for the 1st Annual WTC Run

As 9/11 has become somewhat of a commemorative holiday many people take place in the 2nd Annual World Trade Center Run/Walk to Remember. First responder teams, families of victims and New Yorkers in general join together to honor the memory of friends and families lost. 

Free ferries will run from FiDi to Governor's Island for the event on September 5th. The competitive 5k run begins at 10AM with runners receiving personalized bibs and event t-shirts. The bibs can be personalized with family names, friends or

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Special Edition Events: Labor Day Weekend

From Clowns, Carnivals and Beer events this Labor Day weekend

In typical New York City fashion, any major holiday is an occasion to go all out. While the city is known for its great regular weekend events, Labor Day gives many people a special day to show off national pride and just have fun. Here are a list of events going on around the city for Labor Day Weekend 2010. Enjoy!
  
Arts & Music

One of the local bands at Monster Island Basement

Monster Island Block Party

September 4th, 3PM to 1AM

210 Kent Street, Williamsburg 

Monster Island is known for its live musical performances and great summer bashes. For Labor Day, the venue will host it's 3rd annual Arts and Music Festival.

There will be an all day BBQ served by the Mollusk Surf Shop, a carnival themed art instillation, art openings by the galleries Live With Animals and Secret project Robot, and of course live music throughout the day. Musical performances on the indoor and outdoor stages will include Golden Triangle, Red Dawn 2 and many more.

For a list of performances and more information visit here.
 

Artist Naima Rauam & her Fulton Fish Market paintings

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

September 4-6, 11-12, 12PM-6PM

Washington Square East

Washington Square Park is celebrating their 80th year hosting their bi-annual event this Labor Day Weekend. There will be a number of different artists in different mediums including photography, metal work, mixed media, ceramics, oils and much more.

The event is free and browsing is encouraged. Feedback is welcomed as artists will be judged on their work for prizes. Enjoy the weekend in style while viewing beautiful portraits or take the leap and purchase some designs for your new apartment. The artistry varies from avante garde to realistic and serene.

For more information and artist applications visit here.  

Eating Out

Delmonico's Steakhouse in FiDii

NYC Restaurant Week- EXTENDED

July 12th-25th (now until Sept. 6th)

Citywide

NYC Restaurant Week has given many residents and visitors the chance to sample some of the city's greatest restaurants for a fraction of the price. With 3-course and prix-fixe meals from over 270 restaurants, this is one of the most participated events this year.

The offer has been extended by over 170 restaurants for Labor Day Weekend with $24.07 lunches and $35.00 dinners.Enjoy the great weather this weekend by eating outdoors at the River Cafe, A Downtown Brooklyn classic, or at Esca for Italian-inspired seafood fare in Midtown West. 

For reservations and participating restaurants visit here.
 

Mint cream flavor from Van Leeuwan Artisan Ice Cream

 Parked Food Truck Fest

September 5, 2010 12PM-5PM

Colonel's Row at Governor's Island

From pretzels to hot dogs, New Yorkers love their street food. This Sunday, unique and gourmet food vendors will join together for the Parked Food Truck Fest on Governor's Island. Free ferry service runs to the island throughout the day to this free cover event. 

Popular trucks planning to make an appearance are the Jamaican Dutchy Truck, Rickshaw Dumpling, Van Leeuwan Artisan Ice Cream and Hermelinda Mexicana. Treat yourself to German soul food favorites, spicy ginger slushies or even some green pirate juice.

For directions and more information visit here.

Tasting samples of craft beers at the Monmouth festival

BBQ & Craft Beer Festival

September 4, 2010 11:30AM to 5PM

Monmouth Park, Oceanport, NJ 

While there are many worthwhile events in New York City this Labor Day Weekend, some people just prefer the holiday weekends down at the shore. For diehard beer fans heading that way, you will not want to miss the BBQ & Craft Beer Festival.

For $13 ($10 for beer tasting, $3 for general admission), visitors can expect ten 2-ounce samples of various craft beers, live thoroughbred horse racing, live music and a commemorative Pilsner tasting glass to take home.

Craft beers include Blue Moon Belgian White, Firestone Walker Hemp Ale, Itacha Beer Co. Apricot Wheat and many more. Fill up your stomach beforehand with solid BBQ choices of Local Smoke BBQ, Memphis Pig Out and Chop Shop Barbecue just to name a few.

For more information and directions visit here.

Festivals

A pie in the face for a clown at festival parade

The New York Clown Theater Festival

September 3-26, 2010

The Brick at 525 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn

This three week event kicks off with a free parade, cabaret preview and pie fight. Starting at Union Square Park, everyone is welcome to join the clowns, stilt walkers and jugglers for the opening parade on the L train. Continue the antics and fun to the Bedford Avenue stop in Williamsburg when the parade hits the street.

Finishing at The Brick, free pies and clown noses will be handed out for a grand pie fight. After getting cleaned up, enjoy the sneak peek cabaret of upcoming festival events including Cirkus Luna!, Clowns with Gowns and Coney Island Chris. Featured performing acts this Labor Day Weekend are Ferdinand The Magnificent!, Manchego: The Birth of Cheese and Morro and Jasp Do Puberty.

For show information and tickets visit here. 

  

Festival goers enjoying the sounds & dance of Brazil

Brazilian Day Festival

September 5, 11AM to 7PM

6th Avenue between 43rd and 57th Streets

Come celebrate Brazilian independence with capoeira, samba, Bahia music and traditional foods. The parade attracts approximately 1.5 million people annually from all over the world in the 25 block span.

The area around 46th Street known as Little Brazil will be host to popular Brazilian artists such as Bahia musician, Carlinhos Brown, and diva, Margareth Menezes. Vendors and entertainment will line the streets with Brazilian handcrafts, dance demonstrations and food. Prepare to dance away the Labor Day BBQ calories at the "carnaval" like event.

West Indian American Day Carnival

September 6th, 11AM to 6PM

Eastern Parkway between Schenectady Ave. & Flatbush Ave. Ext.

The Brooklyn parade takes place as part of the larger celebration  of the West Indian Carnival Festival. Festival events such as the Benefit for Haiti, Brass Fest and Dimanche Gras take place from the 2nd until the 6th.

The carnival is the grand finale to the festival and has now become one of the largest parades in the country with over 2 million visitors each year. The carnival has a host of costume bands, steel bands and floats. Each costume band is a sight to see with colorful feathers, intricate dances and national pride. West Indian food, music and family fun surround the dancers throughout the day.

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Neighborhood Guide: Downtown Brooklyn

As the 3rd largest central business district in New York City, Downtown Brooklyn can be seen as the middle ground between Manhattan business and Brooklyn charm. The area has managed to do what many other gentrified neighborhoods could not. Federal buildings and luxury rentals have managed to coincide harmoniously with local attractions such as the Atlantic Terminal Mall, Borough Hall Greenmarket and a number of ethnic restaurants.

Transportation

With a multitude of federal and university buildings, Downtown Brooklyn is easily accessible by different modes of transportation. Every major train line less the 7 train runs through the area. The Long Island Railroad serves the area as well at the Atlantic Terminal.

Major stations include Jay Street-Borough Hall, Court Street-Borough Hall, Hoyt-Schermerhorn and Atlantic Avenue-Pacific Street stations. If you are driving, Downtown Brooklyn is the outlet point for both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. With a well connected network of smaller streets, the area is also very bike friendly.

Local Attractions

German Dance company performing Vollmond at Next Wave Festival

 

There are a number of area attractions in Downtown Brooklyn. The first attraction is one you may accidentally overlook. The Brooklyn Bridge itself is visited by thousands of people everyday. People enjoy walking, jogging and bike riding across the bridge while many others simply capture the view by taking photos and gazing out from one of the benches.

Another popular sky gazing venue is the Brooklyn Promenade. You can enjoy bike riding or a long walk staring out at Manhattan's South Street Seaport and the East River. Nearby are Brooklyn favorites of Grimaldi's Pizza and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

A few minutes away is the regular Borough Hall Greenmarket. The market has occurred 3 times per week for the last 25 years. Dozens of farmers attend each day with a variety of fresh fish, baked goods, organic fruits, vegetables and reputedly the best goat cheese this side of town.

For the occasional artistic attraction, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a nationally recognized theater in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. Located on Lafayette Avenue, BAM features the Howard Gilman Opera House, Rose Cinemas and the Hillman Attic Studio for rehearsal space. The academy hosts two major annual events of DanceAfrica and the Next Wave Festival.

Dining

Fried Twinkies at Atlantic ChipShop

If one borough was chosen to represent New York City's "melting pot" ideal, Brooklyn would be that borough. From the Poles of Greenpoint to the large West Indian population of Flatbush, Brooklyn has become known for its great array of ethnic food choices.

On Atlantic Avenue, there lies the Atlantic ChipShop which was recently featured on the Travel Channel. The serve classic British food such as fish and chips with a twist including fried macaroni and cheese, fried pizza, fried burgers and of course, the fried twinkie. Other British favorites of haggish and Shepard's pie are popular choice as well.  

Ki Rolls with caviar & gold flakes at Ki Sushi

If you are searching for lighter fare, try Ki Sushi nearby the New York Transit Museum. Listed as one of the best restaurants for a date on yelp.com, it is duly noted that "If your date does not go well, it's not the restaurant it's you".

Besides coming for their fresh fish and great atmosphere, the caviar and gold flaked ki sushi roll is reason alone.

Shopping

There are two major shopping areas in the neighborhood. Fulton Street Mall, located on Fulton Street between Boerum Place and Flatbush Avenue serves 100,000 shoppers daily. With stores such as Macy's Downtown Brooklyn, Modell's, Children's Place and Zales the area has a host of stores for different needs. The shopping district is also home to the New York style cheesecake king, Junior's Restaurant.

The other major shopping area is Atlantic Terminal Mall located on Atlantic Avenue between South Elliot Place and Fort Green Place. The terminal is a great one stop shopping experience. It has the LIRR station and trains underground and notable stores of Target, Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, Pathmark and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The shopping center also has restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Chuck E. Cheese for children.
 

Residential

Brownstones of nearby Brooklyn Heights

Downtown Brooklyn has seen a boom of luxury condominiums and rentals in the last few years. While Brooklyn as a whole including nearby Brooklyn Heights is known for its brownstones, the influx of younger residents have created the demand. Many popular luxury rentals in the area have found their niche markets.

Unique architecture design at The Toren

Brooklyn Gold has attracted music lovers and families alike with their built-in sound systems, ipod docking stations and outdoor terrace BBQ space for event hosting. Over at the newly built condominium, Toren, residents and passersby are enjoying their view of the architectural design with angled glass. The building is an added

attraction to the area with its creative distinction often seen only in Manhattan buildings. At The Brooklyner, many residents are simply pleased with their open Manhattan skyline views. At 51 stories high, The Brooklyner is the tallest Brooklyn building to date.

From every diverse neighborhood of Brooklyn, Downtown has brought together a piece of each. From music to food and shopping, Downtown Brooklyn is a popular area with an eclectic mix of attractions for all. 

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