dwarbi's Profile
- 2000
- Brooklyn
- Boerum Hill
- Rental
- http://dwarbi.com
Author's Posts
March 7, 2009
Street Work on your Building
At about 11:45PM some workers pulled up outside our apartment building and started unloading a Ryder truck. First they moved some boxes off, then they started tossing pipes out of the back. Next some other trucks pulled up, and pretty soon there was a lot of shouting going along with the pipe tossing.
I called 311 and verified that Empire Erection (please refrain from refrences about aforementioned pipe-tossing) had a permit to be here to erect a crane. They were alowed to produce noise up to 10 decibels. With no decibelometer present, I turned to my next option: A good old-fashioned window shout, "Hey, can you be quiet? It's late!"
The erectors laughed and increased the arc on their pipe-tossing. So the question is: what can I do?
By the time I read responses, I'm sure it will be too late, but perhaps the answers would be useful to some other readers.
I understand that these guys need to do their job, but they don't have to give everyone else the finger while doing it. I also know that plenty of folks have no problem sleeping through external racket on a Friday night - thanks to many a scotch or beer - and a year ago, I would have been one of them, but tonight I'm just trying to get my 6 week old to sleep.
Author's Comments
...but there are also plenty of great places on 7th, of course. the problem is walking past all the great ones on 5th to get there!
Posted by: dwarbi at October 1, 2009 12:15 PM in response to Longtime Thai Restaurant in the Slope Shutters
... but there are also plenty of great places on 7th. The problem is walking past all the great ones on 5th to get there!
Posted by: dwarbi at October 1, 2009 12:14 PM in response to Longtime Thai Restaurant in the Slope Shutters
broker, great list...
+
Convivium Osteria
Canaille
Miriam
Luscious
Blue Sky Bakery
and if you want coffee, of course, Gorilla.
Posted by: dwarbi at October 1, 2009 12:12 PM in response to Longtime Thai Restaurant in the Slope Shutters
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwarbi/3919813951/
Not the best photo, but you can tell which building it is. (I had a stroller with me... preventing me from taking a little jog to the island on 4th Ave for a better snap.)
Posted by: dwarbi at September 14, 2009 2:55 PM in response to Big Fire on 4th Ave Between Bergen & St. Marks
I live about 2 blocks away. An hour or so ago I started to smell the smoke and the sirens haven't stopped. Have not had a chance to take a look yet. Sure hope 4th Avenue Pub is OK! (and all humans & animals, of course)
Posted by: dwarbi at September 14, 2009 1:18 PM in response to Big Fire on 4th Ave Between Bergen & St. Marks
dwarbi wrote a review about Reis 100 Sandwich Factory on August 24, 2009 11:35 AM
Seems to me that Brownstoner is just mixing it up a bit rather than writing up every fancy restaurant in town. I've passed this place a million times but never gave it much thought. Now I'm a bit intrigued by the inexpensive lunch options. I may have to check it out.
zinka...
> "Pacific & 4th has no light (fewer horns)"
>
> Huh? Sure it does.
Yep, my bad, I meant to say Pacific & Flatbush, as this seems to be the contentious intersection. The building is closer to Flatbush (and 4th Ave intersections are generally much better than Flatbush intersections.)
Posted by: dwarbi at August 4, 2009 3:47 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 584 Pacific Street
It seems like a lot of these comments focus on location... this block is actually pretty nice, but maybe I'm a bit biased ;)
Pros:
Across the street (as someone mentioned) across from a gazillion train lines + LIRR, which is nice for a day trip our East.
The block itself is beautifully maintained. Flowers in every single tree bed, sidewalk and house properties are kept very clean.
The "keyed garden" across the street feels like a proper botanic garden when you're inside. Plus BBQs and gatherings.
Very close to the excellent strip of restaurants on 5th Ave in North Slope.
Quick walk over to Fort Greene.
Parking is good (for Park Slope). Fewer homes on the block means more spaces per resident. (Though it's much harder to get a spot during 'business hours.')
Cons:
Noisy, but not as bad as you would expect -mainly because Pacific & 4th has no light (fewer horns)
Atlantic Yards(?)
That's about it. You don't even notice PC Richard & Modell's after a while. Really, who cares that they are there? Though these two cons are pretty big in my book. I've been thinking about moving a couple of blocks in to get a quieter space. The disaster that is Atlantic meets Flatbush meets 4th makes a lot of noise that resonates this way.
Posted by: dwarbi at August 4, 2009 2:14 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 584 Pacific Street
*rob* said, "i think a lot of times bikers (i refuse to say cyclists) just refuse to wanna share public space, be it pedestrians, cars, buses, spaceships, strollers, etc. it's always ME ME ME ME ME ME!"
yeah, this is true often enough. But the dude just wants to park his bike. Nothing wrong with that.
I am curious, Mr. B, DID you at least go in and ask them about the placement of the garbage? Seems like a reasonable thing to do. The next best thing to do would be to toss the trash bags through the doorway and into the Starbucks.
Posted by: dwarbi at July 8, 2009 12:43 PM in response to Bike Parking Woes Continue
dwarbi wrote a review about Bogota Latin Bistro on June 16, 2009 12:23 PM
Always a great choice if you're looking for a really good meal in a fun environment. I enjoy the live music on Fridays too... wish I could enjoy it more often!
dwarbi wrote a review about Mulino Ristorante on June 11, 2009 2:38 PM
Standard "Italian" food at a really price, and the service is really good. I put Italian in quotes, because much of the menu -as noted in other reviews- seems to be more Italian-American food or food that we think it Italian.
Still, it's good. I've been twice, and would easily go back (probably will this summer) when in the food for that type of meal and an inexpensive pretty tasty bottle of red.
Though I do think Aunt Suzie's is better.
I wonder if the new "beer garden" will have any outdoor space or at least a spacious indoor hall. Looking forward to finding out!
Posted by: dwarbi at June 10, 2009 12:45 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
dang, .6 meters taller than the Williamsburg Savings Bank.
The Clocktower is a much cooler "tallest building in Brooklyn." oh well.
Maybe "Miss Brooklyn" will be even better! ;)
Posted by: dwarbi at June 9, 2009 10:12 AM in response to 111 Lawrence Tops Out, Gets Name
If this is related to the one on Flatbush - avoid!
blech. dirty. filthy. ruined that entire building.
The old awning said, "The Fresh Tortilla As Taco Tex-Mexican Restaurant"
The left that awning up for way too long before replacing it. Was torn, covered in soot. Had remnants of "grand opening" flags from about 8 years earlier. Sadly, the new sign isn't worded nearly as well.
Posted by: dwarbi at June 4, 2009 11:34 AM in response to Streetlevel: Yummy Taco Opens in South Slope
No harm in checking out Cyprus at some point... I enjoyed Tapeo when I went, but I think they had some trouble knowing what exactly what it wanted to be. I enjoyed the food.
I think Cyprus knows what it wants to be. An "authentic" Irish pub.
Posted by: dwarbi at June 3, 2009 3:10 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
maybe someone can clue me in here... if you closed off the opening between the two bedrooms and put a door between the second bedroom and the living room, wouldn't that solve the problem? What am I missing?
Posted by: dwarbi at May 21, 2009 2:30 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 555 Washington Avenue, #1A
dwarbi wrote a review about Burrito Bar on May 1, 2009 1:18 PM
tybur6, don't you see how it is? Some day The What is going to bid half off peak comps
dwarbi wrote a review about Burrito Bar on May 1, 2009 12:14 PM
I've been intrigued by this place since I first saw it... I guess now I'll finally have to try it. It's an excellent space (except that it's on Flatbush Ave), it's a shame that the previous burger joint City Lighting was such a disappointment.
And everyone, please ignore Hound Emmagram - no matter how bad this place is, there's no way Yummy Taco is better. (No offense, Hound, if that IS your real name.)
... and before it was High Stakes Cheese Steaks, it was the Silver Spoon Diner... for over 20 years. Let's hope the new place has a bit of luck.
Posted by: dwarbi at April 13, 2009 3:28 PM in response to Streetlevel: Mediterranean Food for Flatbush
Best of luck to Lenny & crew! Anyone know what's happening to their previous space?
Posted by: dwarbi at March 27, 2009 4:04 PM in response to Streetlevel: Garry's Moves Up the Block
Thanks for the responses, and sorry I went awol there...
so the noise was minimal after I went down and took some photos of the vehicles. They looked a bit concerned and asked what I was doing. I said I knew they had a permit, but they were being way too loud... that I was going to let that be know.
Total BS, I know, but it seems to have worked.
Posted by: dwarbi at March 8, 2009 11:06 PM in response to Street Work on your Building
iPhone app would be great.
But right now there is a bug that drives me nuts:
Every time I open or close a restaurant review page, my browser window resizes. I am using Firefox 2 on Windows Server 2003.
I would say the restaurant write-ups are my favorite posts on Brownstoner, but this bug is a downer.
Posted by: dwarbi at February 26, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Help Design the New Restaurants Section
Given what Farkus said, I may have to stroll down to try the food at Brooklyn Public House.
Beer sounds to be a bit meh though. (And Time Out should have realized that Twisted Thistle is also brewed by Belhaven. So I guess that would be a misplaced modifier? A drunken modifier?)
Posted by: dwarbi at February 18, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
dwarbi wrote a review about Fette Sau on January 30, 2009 4:58 PM
I love this place. My only problem with is it is that it's not closer to where I live.
The menu is not set because they get what's good and sometimes run out (better than having stuff sitting around for ages just to make sure it's always available.)
I also sometimes spend more than I intend, but it's not because of the costs, it's because I say... a 1/4 pound this, a 1/4 pound that, a 1/4 pound this, a 1/4 pound that...
Yes, the beans are great. The pickles (I believe) are from Gus's.
Fette Sau, I think you will be where I introduce my baby girl to solid food. Pork belly sounds about right.
And yes, the beer and whiskey selections are spot on. Perfect match.
So psyched about Bati. I was scoping it out about two weeks ago and it looked ready to open. It's not even on Yelp yet. Now there are two Ethiopian restaurants within walking distance of my apartment. Love it!
Posted by: dwarbi at January 28, 2009 4:53 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
dwarbi wrote a review about Stir It Up on January 16, 2009 1:30 PM
Just stopped by this place for lunch with the Mrs. I had eaten here about a year ago and thought it was decent, but I decided to give it another shot after this write-up.
The folks that run this are very friendly and accommodating. It's exceptionally cold today, and they made sure we were seated in a warm spot. We both went with vegetarian dishes - faux chicken - and were quite happy with the meals. My wife with the "happy" sauce and I with the jerk sauce. The jerk sauce is spiced just right.
Definitely worth a stop in.
dwarbi wrote a review about Tavern on Dean on January 16, 2009 1:10 PM
Last time I stopped by this place was 2003, I think, so too long ago to review. I remember it was OK, but not great. Has it changed much in that time?
dwarbi wrote a review about Alchemy on January 16, 2009 1:05 PM
Brownstoner hits up another one of my locals! Since it's really the only place nearby that serves pub food, I wind up here fairly often when I want a low-key dinner. The benefit of frequent visits is you know what to order. The mac & cheese is outstanding. Both the veggie burger and beer burger are mighty tasty. I find the fish and chops way overpriced, so I've never bothered to try it. It's a handy place to live near, but I probably wouldn't travel far to try it.
I live very close to this place. I popped in the other day, and it's a solid meh. Good to have nearby if I need something in a pinch (the other bodegas on 4th are terrible), but that will probably be rare. The best bodega in the area - for food, amenities and beer - has to be Slope Food Market on Bergen & Flatbush, right by 6th Ave. I wish they opened up a place on 4th.
Posted by: dwarbi at January 16, 2009 11:39 AM in response to Streetlevel: Natural Food Store Opening on 4th Avenue
dwarbi wrote a review about Canaille on January 12, 2009 11:11 AM
My wife and I love this place! Over several visits, I've tasted everything on the regular menu, which is small but excellent. Let Philippe pick a wine to match your dish, and enjoy a relaxed dining experience... one of the best in Park Slope.
dwarbi wrote a review about Le Toukouleur on January 9, 2009 1:13 PM
A couple of my friends live just down the block from this place, and we've been meaning go... now we really have to!
Smith Street has some fantastic places to dine... but with Manhattan prices. I prefer the central to north section of Park Slope's 5th Ave. No good whiskey bars there, sadly, but plenty of reasonably-priced excellent restaurants.
Posted by: dwarbi at December 31, 2008 10:56 AM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
dwarbi wrote a review about Wing Wagon on December 31, 2008 10:54 AM
I ate here once, about 7 or 8 years ago, so too long ago to review... but I remember that I was not impressed. I always wanted to visit the Up-Over Jazz Cafe upstairs, but never got there before it closed.
Santa, regarding, Yummy Taco... I strongly recommend against eating there. I used to live above it and know a little too much about the conditions. Although, perhaps things have changed. Not likely... but perhaps.
dwarbi wrote a review about Babouche on December 30, 2008 10:43 AM
My wife and I went to Babouche's sister restaurant in Midtown right before this place opened. I'm happy to say that the Brooklyn location is even better - though it seems that it carried along some Manhattan prices. We've eaten here three times and enjoyed every visit. I think the awning they put up detracts from the ambiance, but you can't see it from inside, so it doesn't matter very much. This place is definitely worth popping in for a tagine.
Another giant push-pin comes plummeting to Earth!
Posted by: dwarbi at December 23, 2008 12:38 PM in response to Closing Bell: Mo' Bank on Fulton
This is great news! I dont know of any other place in the are to get pho. The missus is going to be thrilled.
Posted by: dwarbi at December 17, 2008 2:59 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
dwarbi wrote a review about Marco Polo on December 12, 2008 11:15 AM
I've been curious about this place for a while - maybe it's time to check it out... but some of those prices do seem a bit high. Especially for the pastas. You could get some great pasta at Aunt Suzies for a lot less.
A one bedroom in the Upper East Side or a one bedroom in Brooklyn Heights? That's a no brainer (for me).
I had a discussion with a friend of mine about this. She claimed that just about everyone in Brooklyn would move to Manhattan if it were cheaper. She's in real estate, so she is speaking from experience, but I completely disagree, and plenty of my friend do too.
I live in Brooklyn because I prefer it, not because it's cheaper. It would be much more difficult to get to many work locations in Manhattan if I were living in the UES or LES as opposed to across the street from 10 subway lines that filter into every part of Manhattan. And I find it hard to believe that these apartments were all "of comparable size." They don't give us those numbers. But these are just a few reasons.
I also have to point out that renting in Manhattan would also mean more shopping and dining in Manhattan, which is much more expensive.
Posted by: dwarbi at November 26, 2008 9:56 AM in response to Wanna Save Money? Leave Brooklyn For Manhattan
BrooklynGreene, I understand your skepticism. And I can see your concern over increased traffic at other intersections. However, I live near Pacific and 4th and cross at that intersection (to walk down Hanson Place) about 10 times a week. It is extremely unsafe. I can't tell you how many times my wife and I have almost been hit. The 31 second walk signal will be a huge bonus, and I do think closing that street will make crossing safer for pedestrians.
Unfortunately I don't think these changes will be enough. The biggest problem with this intersection, as I see it, is the angle at which 4th Avenue connects with Flatbush. Cars turning left onto Flatbush and right onto 4th barely slow down as they make the turn. (This has also been a problem with vehicles turning right onto Hanson, but that will obviously be solved.) The city needs to find a way to slow these vehicles down as they turn.
Posted by: dwarbi at October 27, 2008 11:56 AM in response to Coming Soon: Safer Streets Near BAM
dwarbi wrote a review about Bark Hot Dogs on October 22, 2009 3:33 PM
So many people rant against this place by saying something like 'blahblah for a hot dog?!' But the bottom line is that it's a relatively inexpensive real meal. I don't think you can usually consider a hot dog as part of a real meal. And with the toppings, they're more filling than a dirty water dog. As for the cost, you can tell a lot of care was put into the toppings, and the hot dogs are high quality.
I've had most of them, but the vegetarian is my favorite.
I would say $4/pint is a little better than average for a place that serves food. Maybe average for happy hour prices in Brooklyn bars. (These are Sixpoint beers, not PBR)