My only beef with places like this (and with Cafe Regular) are the hours. 7pm? I know it's coffee and people don't want to be up all night, but I don't get home from work till 7pm and then usually want to stop in and get a latte. Not everyone in Park Slope goes to bed at 10.

Luckily Cafe Regular du Nord is open till 8pm, but it could be open even later than that....especially on the weekends...I'd definitely stop by for a coffee after dinner...

Maybe it's just me, and they wouldn't do business in the evening...don't know.

Otherwise, this place looks cute from the photo, but the coffee better be damn good to get a following on the side street.

Cafe Regular du Nord has managed to do it, and I understand they are doing excellent business...much better than they ever expected (and that is off 7th Avenue on Berkeley Place...)

Posted by: 11217 at November 6, 2009 2:10 PM in response to StreetLevel: Cafe DuCharme Opens on President

Interesting note:

"Housing inventory fell by 2.8 percent in the 27 major metropolitan areas between September and October, according to ZipRealty, a real estate tracking firm. This data is atypical for the season, according to another firm, Zelman & Associates, which told the Wall Street Journal that housing inventory generally goes up in October. Some analysts are attributing this trend to the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Although its impact in places like Manhattan is up for debate, the borough saw a 7.6 percent decline in inventory during the same time period." WSJ

Posted by: 11217 at November 6, 2009 1:26 PM in response to Open House Picks

This sampling of open houses seems to bring prices back down to a reality a little bit.

Nice to see...

Posted by: 11217 at November 6, 2009 1:08 PM in response to Open House Picks

anonymous:

If there are a dozen other fine foods places (as you say) then wouldn't that lead you to believe that they are all in business for a reason?

Posted by: 11217 at November 6, 2009 10:44 AM in response to StreetLevel: Lucas Fine Foods Coming to Union

It now says 12 dead total, bxgirl. 31 shot.

It's bad.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 5:18 PM in response to Open Thread

I just emailed you CarollGardened...

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 5:06 PM in response to Open Thread

Biff,

100% agree with you post at 4:44!!

And the inability for SO many Americans to "think big" as you say is the primary reason why there seems to be backlash against Obama right now. He IS thinking big...among a sea of many small minds.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:48 PM in response to Open Thread

CarrollGardened:

I will take your comments (about the meet up) to heart and consider it. There are definitely some people I'd love to meet (you included) but there are a couple bad apples which make me hesitant.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:45 PM in response to Open Thread

"You want to see the US lose the rest of its industry?"

I'd gladly give up the loss of this industry if the alternative is a dead planet uninhabitable by humans.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Open Thread

Or what Biff said at 4:25...

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Open Thread

I get what you are saying about the modeling too, but who wants to take the chance? The planet could be dying as we speak. (obviously I know who wants to take the chance...) I know some will take me for a crazy green hippy for even suggesting it, but it's possible. Certainly a lot of the "modeling" has been showing things getting progressively worse and moving at a faster clip. I just think when we are talking about our ONE AND ONLY PLANET, it would be a good idea to be better safe than sorry. No?

Maybe some of this "modeling" would have been helpful before we invaded Iraq...?

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:28 PM in response to Open Thread

I'm not getting into an argument about abortion with you, Legion. I believe the woman has the right to choose what to do with her body. Period.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:20 PM in response to Open Thread

"11217, you're dodging my question about coming out with us (no homo) (well, actually, homo, but no homo)"

Only if I can sit next to stevieb. :)

I can't commit. Honestly, with people like Minard, stevieb/bbb on my case (and do it with such hatred and contempt) I am concerned about meeting up in person.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:15 PM in response to Open Thread

I can't believe people are criticizing Al Gore for making money. He is also doing something he truly believes in and most sane people would consider it a good cause. Improving the planet is bad...HOW?

Unlike the Rush Limbaugh's Glen Beck's, (I'll add Keith Olberman for you Legion)'s of the world who aren't actually responsible for getting anyone elected but make GOBS of money by telling damaging untruths about the world...on purpose!

At least Al Gore truly believes what he says. Same can not be said of the windbags I mentioned above...they say it for one thing and one thing only...money (and ratings).

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:13 PM in response to Open Thread

I also think that the new place, The Vanderbilt wouldn't be a bad place for a meet-up, but you would probably want to check with them first...

The drinks were delicious and they had a nice front bar space which would easily accommodate like 20 people...

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 4:07 PM in response to Open Thread

And yes, I'm so off topic it's not even funny.

But I appreciate the dialogue nonetheless, Legion.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:59 PM in response to Open Thread

"And who says you are necessarily right about anything in the end?"

I have to believe that basic human rights (FOR ALL) is right. You don't have to think so, but I do and will continue to fight for it...for myself and for others.

No party or political organization is always correct, but in this country...at this moment in time, the more conservative people in this country (whether they are religious or not) are not able, willing or believe that all people should have the same rights at birth and that is a big problem for me.

I flat out think they are wrong. Assuming you are not gay, perhaps when you come back in your next life as such and realize that you are not born with the same rights as everyone else, perhaps you would feel differently.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:57 PM in response to Open Thread

"I don't think that has anything to do with religion.....just ignorance. I grew up in a Southern Baptist household and we never learned anything like that. I even went to Baptist school for a couple years from 4-6 grade and they didn't teach that. It does say something like that in the Bible, but it is generally brushed off."

You might be right about that.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:53 PM in response to Open Thread

You guys should really try Franklin Park for a meet up.

It's the perfect venue for a large group of people...

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:46 PM in response to Open Thread

I love the democratic process, Legion.

I just don't like stupid people.

You're right though...let's not worry about education or trying to make sure people find out the truth about the world...let's just coddle them and tell them that ignorance is bliss!

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:45 PM in response to Open Thread

"just curious, did you cross-reference how many of those people who believe the sun revolves around the earth are also believers in Gore's global warming.
you may be surprised, the "ignorance" you speak of, hardly observes party lines."

That would be interesting to find out, but I think you're stretching.

I think we both know that most people who believe the Sun revolves around the earth learned this from religion who tells them that the Earth is the center of the universe.

And where did I bring up party lines? You're getting way too defensive. There are religious people in all parties of politics. And people who look to religion before science (or reason)...yes...they do scare me. A lot.

If you DO want to talk about parties though...you don't find it interesting that the party which speaks of small government and keeping it out of people's lives are the same ones who want to swoop and tell people who they can and can not marry and when and when they will not have a child inside THEIR body.

Think about it. If you don't think the majority of those people are religious, you are in denial.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:43 PM in response to Open Thread

"no wonder Minard Lefevere jumps all over you."

And p.s. Minard jumps all over a lot of people. He ripped someone a new one today for something totally asinine.

Bad argument on your part.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:34 PM in response to Open Thread

"what exactly are "ingorant Americans" angry about?"

If you want to defend people who think (in 2009) that the Sun revolves around the earth because of what they hear in church, please by all means...

I don't find it helpful. They need to be taught the TRUTH, not defended for being WRONG!

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:33 PM in response to Open Thread

Benson:

I get your point, but some people are inherently very connected to nature and the earth. When some people see data about the ice caps melting, rising waters, flooding cities, etc. to them that IS the sky is falling. It is possible you know that these people are correct and as we sit here, humans are doing irreparable harm to the planet.

To some people (myself included) that is cause for alarm and immediate action.

Even if you don't necessarily think so..

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:30 PM in response to Open Thread

Where did I bash religious beliefs?

I posted a poll with quotes around it...

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:27 PM in response to Open Thread

That's very interesting, Benson. And I agree with you.

"Bottom line, you think Obama leads in a vacum, I don't."

Legion, the thing is...I like what Obama is doing right now, but many Americans are impatient and yes, downright ignorant (about a lot of things). What has happened to our economy (much of it caused by the previous 8 years) takes more than a year to fix. I think we are headed in the right direction, and I think we have someone who is genuinely interested in trying to fix these problems at the job.

NJ and VA are the only 2 states to hold their governor's race 1 year after the Presidential election. If it were in 2010 like the rest, I would like to think the outcome would be different, because I think we are slowing seeing things improve with the help of some much needed NEW ideas which Obama has brought to the table.

Can you even imagine for a second what things would be like now with McCain and Palin? Good lord it's scary to even think about. Someone who admittedly knows nada about the economy and a person who couldn't even finish her job as Governor who can barely form 2 sentences together?

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:23 PM in response to Open Thread

DALLAS (Reuters Life!) - More Americans believe in a literal hell and the devil than Darwin's theory of evolution, according to a new Harris poll released on Thursday.

It is the latest survey to highlight America's deep level of religiosity, a cultural trait that sets it apart from much of the developed world.

It also helps explain many of its political battles which Europeans find bewildering, such as efforts to have "Intelligent Design" theory -- which holds life is too complex to have evolved by chance -- taught in schools alongside evolution.

The poll of 2,455 U.S. adults from Nov 7 to 13 found that 82 percent of those surveyed believed in God, a figure unchanged since the question was asked in 2005.

It further found that 79 percent believed in miracles, 75 percent in heaven, while 72 percent believed that Jesus is God or the Son of God. Belief in hell and the devil was expressed by 62 percent.

Darwin's theory of evolution met a far more skeptical audience which might surprise some outsiders as the United States is renowned for its excellence in scientific research.

Only 42 percent of those surveyed said they believed in Darwin's theory which largely informs how biology and related sciences are approached. While often referred to as evolution it is in fact the 19th century British intellectual's theory of "natural selection."

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:11 PM in response to Open Thread

****

In the United States, more people believe that houses can be haunted by the dead than believe that the living can cause climate change. Is this simply a scary Halloween tale or our frightening future?

The latest Pew poll on global warming shows a large drop in the percentage of Americans who say there is solid evidence that global temperatures are rising, from 71% down to only 57% in the last 18 months. And global warming due to human activity? The overall numbers have declined from 47% to 36%. To put this in perspective, a Gallup poll found that 37% of Americans believe that houses can be haunted.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Open Thread

"ok, let's go to the voter's themselves. exit polls in NJ showed that about 60% of the voters said it wasn't about Obama, in VA it was about 57%. That means about 40% of the voters in NJ and 43% in VA did feel that Obama influenced their vote."

In the U.S. it's NEVER that cut and dry. You aren't factoring in the percentage of people who don't know their ass from their elbow. You can't say that because 60% of people said it wasn't about Obama that the remaining 40% said it was. There are ALWAYS undecideds and people who don't know who Obama is.

I recently saw a poll which said that 18% (yes, you heard that correctly) 18% of Americans think the Sun revolves around the Earth. I kid you not.

So basically 1 in 5 Americans are brainless.

You need to factor in those in the state of NJ in your numbers...

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:05 PM in response to Open Thread

Woops sorry...guess I posted the same couple paragraphs twice there...

But you see the point I was making...

Which THL made well too as a real live NJ voter!

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:02 PM in response to Open Thread

Legion:

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/11/03/polls-close-in-tight-new-jersey-governors-race/

"The top issues for voters have been property taxes and taxes in general, issues on which polls showed voters generally trust Christie more.

The last poll on the race, from Fairleigh Dickinson University on Monday, found 68 percent saying the country was heading in the right direction and just 34 percent saying that about New Jersey -- not surprising in a state with a 9.7 percent unemployment rate and a looming $8 billion state budget deficit.

The exit polls confirmed how much the economy was on the minds of voters. Thirty-one percent said the economy was the most important issue, 26 percent cited property taxes, 20 percent pointed to corruption and 18 percent named health care.

The top issues for voters have been property taxes and taxes in general, issues on which polls showed voters generally trust Christie more.

The last poll on the race, from Fairleigh Dickinson University on Monday, found 68 percent saying the country was heading in the right direction and just 34 percent saying that about New Jersey -- not surprising in a state with a 9.7 percent unemployment rate and a looming $8 billion state budget deficit.

The exit polls confirmed how much the economy was on the minds of voters. Thirty-one percent said the economy was the most important issue, 26 percent cited property taxes, 20 percent pointed to corruption and 18 percent named health care."

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 3:00 PM in response to Open Thread

This is going to be a special building and piece of modern architecture. The couple people I know who work in the field rave about the design of this building.

I was impressed with it (so far) when I walked by last weekend.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 2:54 PM in response to Development Watch: 580 Carroll Gets Its Glass On

"That says alot."

I think $20,000 a year property taxes says a lot more. People in NJ were voting with their wallet.

I can't wait until people realize that Chris Christie is a sleezeball.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Open Thread

Woo hoo!

Hopefully they'll have a nice prepared food selection, and if they do take away salads, this place will do great.

I'm hoping for something along the lines of BKLYN Larder (which I go to quite often) but closer to home...

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 2:07 PM in response to StreetLevel: Lucas Fine Foods Coming to Union

"you have to admit, NJ and VA are stinging rebukes of Obama's economic program to date."

Actually according to polling data, most people said Obama did not factor into their decision at all.

The democratic candidate in VA was not strong at all, and people in NJ are fed up with high property taxes and corruption which had a lot more to do with a former CEO of GS running the state (when main street America HATES wall street right now) than it had to do with Obama.

The really interesting vote was the one in NY district 23 where the two most talked about GOP Presidential candidates (among other talk show personalities) backed a conservative instead of the moderate Republican to then lose to a Democrat for the first time in over 100 years.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Open Thread

"totally valid question from someone who very well may be a potential buyer.'

Not to mention the fact that Brooklynishome says they live in Prospect Heights (not Williamsburg) on their profile, and seems to have a history of really level-headed comments.

Unlike Minard/Sam.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 1:47 PM in response to Open Thread

DH:

I lurve you even more now for calling Minard/Sam a douche.

It brought a huge smile to my face.

It's comments like that, that people might finally start to realize what an ahole this guy is and why I spar so much with him.

A snob, pure and simple.

Posted by: 11217 at November 5, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Open Thread

Would love to get Minard's take on Jackson Heights.

Considering he thinks Ft. Greene is "fringe" can only imagine the great insights he'd have into the neighborhood.

:)

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Open Thread

"I recall the stars of "Kiss Me Guido" being hot"

It's Nick Scotti....he's a HUNK!

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 2:32 PM in response to Open Thread

"The one in Queens is on Roosevelt Ave bet 78 & 79. It has a beautiful art deco interior and is full of hot latinos."

You had me at queens.

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 2:27 PM in response to Open Thread

Dave: I've been to what was Friends on Atlantic years ago, but I think it closed? I'm guessing you are speaking of a different Friends Tavern...

Gem: They really and truly love Jackson Heights and don't plan to leave, but yes...they said they are disappointed with the offerings in the categories you mention...nice markets, cafes, bakeries, etc. Good for Indian and Columbian, but how often does one really want to eat Indian...?

I guess if you have a car, it's all a non-issue though! :)

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 2:19 PM in response to Open Thread

"I just wonder if they have the amenities I like... (like good cafes/bakeries, markets)"

Two good friends of mine lives in Jackson Heights and LOVES it! So much so that they own a place and are looking to upgrade. They are all about space for the money.

I had them out to Park Slope for a day of shopping/brunch about a month ago and they couldn't BELIEVE the amount of stores/restaurants/bars, etc we had. I mean, they had been to PS before, but didn't really "get" the scope of what we have to offer.

They said...oh, you should come out to Jackson Heights one day for brunch too "but I'll be cooking because there's nothing in Jackson Heights"

I've been meaning to go check it out though...

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 2:11 PM in response to Open Thread

"I agree that Stevieb came outta no where, but his first attack was actually against me in some weird sarcastic ish on the OT last week"

But you are so likable! Besides for your love of cars, I couldn't even dream up something not nice to say about you!!

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 2:08 PM in response to Open Thread

"hhhmmmm.....Is this a potential date?"

Not unless you'd like to see Park Slope add 2 murders to it's crime stats for 2009. :)

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 2:04 PM in response to Open Thread

At least my drama is limited to Brownstoner!

:))

You know I'm just joking with you Rob. If you really want to smoke up that bad, I'm happy to have you over.

And I promise I won't try to grope you.

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 1:58 PM in response to Open Thread

"11217, why does so much drama follow you?"

This coming from someone who went into a strangers house over the weekend to smoke up with someone, but then had to leave because the person was trying to pin you up against a wall?

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 1:53 PM in response to Open Thread

Gem,

I really don't get it either. I mean, I know I have the tendency to get a little excited in my posting sometimes, but I find the notion of having me banned to be ridiculous. Basically because Minard doesn't want anyone to disagree with him. Or doesn't want ME to disagree with him.

A "normal" person would be ok with disagreements, which is why I think it's Sam. He always had it out for me, in the same way Minard does.

I've even tried to agree with Minard to form a truce, but he then comes back with the "are you on meds" thing or something to the affect that I'm a pyscho.

Now that I think about it, I wouldn't be surprised if Minard was stevieb too. Seems stevieb's only mission is to talk sh*t about me. Even when everyone else and their mother is telling him what an idiot he is.

And here I am thinking I'm doing so much better to get along. :)

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 1:49 PM in response to Open Thread

You KNOW the feeling is mutual, DH. :)

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 1:35 PM in response to Open Thread

In this case, I actually agree completely with you Ty!!

After hearing from Maly that two other apartments in the building sold in the 500's, it makes this look like a joke.

"Typically in walk-up buildings, the higher floors get less, not more money."

And YES!

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 1:34 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 32 Willow Place, #9

Also...

Sam literally seemed to despise people who bought studios and routinely called me an idiot for living in one...

As you will see from the comments I posted above/earlier from Minard, he has the same intense feelings of nastiness towards people who buy (or live in) studios.

Anyone who feels strongly enough to denounce someone for the way they choose to live their life is a little off their rocker...no?

Posted by: 11217 at November 4, 2009 1:22 PM in response to Open Thread