pastoralia's Profile
Author's Posts
March 5, 2008
Toilet leak?
Recently out toilet has been losing water in the tank. I can hear it trickling in the middle pipe (plumbers- forgive me I don't know the names). This is the pipe that rises up when you flush. It's not leaking where the pipe connects to the base of the tank but, somehow traveling through the plastic pipe?
Anyway, that may be irritating but it's not making any mess. The problem is as the water lever recedes the tank adjusts by refilling itself. When this happens (about every four minutes) the water in the shower shoots up to scalding. Now, everytime I take a shower I'm straining to hear the toilet's rushing water sound so I can get the hell out of the way. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
February 14, 2008
Cold apartment
Since December I’ve been calling my landlord and telling her the apartment is too cold. It ranges from 65 to 68 degrees during the day and 63 degrees at night. We live on the top floor of a brownstone. It’s a two-bedroom apartment with only two radiators; one in the kitchen and one in the larger bedroom. The second bedroom has no heating source. The heat does work but it is very weak. Only the top of the radiator gets warm, the bottom half never heats up. Before any of you landlord’s chime in with your “68 is warm enough” imagine waking up freezing at 3am and unable to get warm. It’s not a lot of fun.
As of yet my landlord’s one and only response is “I’ll take a look at it” but nothing ever changes. The boiler looks ancient but other apartments in the building are heated fine (in fact the apartment on the ground floor has turned one of their radiator’s off and opened their windows). So, my question is; is it the radiators? Can they be replaced? I think they are full of decades worth of gunk but I’ve read they can’t be bled. It’s one of those boilers where you have to turn a water valve to keep it full and working. I know it leaks because every couple of weeks it gets empty and the heat goes off in the entire building. I know the landlord is concerned about having any contractors or inspectors in because the building hasn’t been inspected since 1986 (I know this because that was the last time an inspector signed the building certificate posted in the hallway). She’s also done lots of hidden construction (turning one apartment into two, closing off doorways) which would cause some problems too. She’s not a bad person but I don’t think she knows what she’s doing when it comes to the heat (if, in fact, she’s doing anything besides giving me lip service and taking my $2700 every month).
Author's Comments
pastoralia wrote a review about El Viejo Yayo II on September 3, 2009 3:55 PM
Their mofongos are delicious as well. I'm gonna try the pernil next. I had no idea they delivered. Bad news for my waistline.
Yes boo-hoo...wouldn't a nice cell phone store or a real estate office be better? WTF?
Posted by: pastoralia at September 2, 2009 2:33 PM in response to Streetlevel: 216 Smith Street
pastoralia wrote a review about Dram Shop on August 17, 2009 3:56 PM
Great burgers (just a tip: you can order the same toppings at 5 Guys and it's just as freakin' good).
They also have amazing Texas chili (no beans, beef hunks instead).
pastoralia wrote a review about Tacos Nuevo Mexico on August 17, 2009 3:53 PM
Haven't been since the remodel...I liked the dingy old place but if the food is still as great as it was I'll be happy. Great pozole soup!
pastoralia wrote a review about Corner Burger on August 17, 2009 3:49 PM
Awful burgers, dry buns, frozen fries...
Every time I walk by and see people in there I think "enjoy your crappy burger while Dram Shop and Five Guys are literally minutes away."
pastoralia wrote a review about Perch Cafe on August 17, 2009 3:29 PM
Nice design. Crap food. A croque monsieur is ham and cheese on toast.
pastoralia wrote a review about Belleville on July 21, 2009 10:03 AM
I went there when it first opened and really enjoyed it. But then the food went downhill. Recently, I went back for a prix-fixe dinner (great salad, excellent hangar steak, tasty frog legs) and was happy with it (8.5/10).
The Lounge next door is always a lot of fun for drinks.
All in all- they are improving but I still prefer the ambiance of Robin du Bois or bar Tabac to Belleville. Belleville has potential but I don't think it's been reached yet.
pastoralia wrote a review about Canaille on January 15, 2009 10:25 AM
My wife and I love this place. It's charming, the owners are always welcoming, and the food can be inspired. For the poster above who liked Moutarde over this? That's a little crazy. Moutarde only exists because of people who can't get into al di la. Canaille is a little gem that more people need to discover because I'd hate to see them go out of business in these tough economic times.
Wow oliverr...first post and you come out swinging for Cabana Bar that "ROCKS" with "totally on his game" Carlos, the bartender? Plants like you make me want to stay away.
Posted by: pastoralia at October 30, 2008 1:50 PM in response to Streetlevel: "Tiki Hut" Bar in Park Slope Open Today
Talked to the new owner, Patrick last week. The BarBQ guy retired so he took over. It will feel the same except with better, local foods (catfish fingers, hushpuppies, and pulled pork sandwiches). He's also expanded the tap beer selection by about ten new lines. I loved Bar BQ but the only reason the food seemed so delicious was because I'd spent two hours drinking beer and whisky before I sat down to eat.
Posted by: pastoralia at August 21, 2008 3:13 PM in response to Grand Opening of Bar on 6th Avenue Today
I won't go to the flea. The whole idea of it for me was to take a nice long walk with my six pound dog and browse around. But then I got there and they don't allow dogs. Useless.
My wife had to stand outside while I rushed through not buying anything. The flea market on 7th ave in Park Slope is on school grounds and they allow dogs. You're missing out on a lot of sales because of this outdated policy.
Posted by: pastoralia at July 14, 2008 4:12 PM in response to Closing Bell: Fair Weather Flea?
You should put this on the Park Slope Forums...you'll get a lot more answers.
http://www.brooklynian.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=3
Posted by: pastoralia at March 5, 2008 9:31 AM in response to Info on new south slope/greenwood restaurant
I live around the corner, BOA is my bank, but I'm still not too thrilled. I'd rather have something different and cool than a bank...I can walk three blocks to 9th street if I need money from their ATM...why does such a huge space have to be turned into something so boring?
Posted by: pastoralia at February 14, 2008 9:48 AM in response to StreetLevel: Bank Signs on for Old Supermarket Space
pastoralia wrote a review about Park Slope Ale House on September 10, 2009 5:02 PM
One word: Potential
The place is charming (dig those old school ceiling fans) but the food is just not that great. I'll go for a few pints but even the burger doesn't stack up. The wings might be the only decent thing on the menu. I wish I knew why the owner doesn't try to hire a better chef. Some young kid out of culinary school could really bring some inventiveness to the uninspiring menu.
You can say...well, it's just a bar with some food. But compare other bars with food such as Dram Shop, Sidecar, or Sheep Station and you'll realize that a good bar can also serve great bar food.
This place has the potential to be the closest thing to an English pub in Park Slope.
Why wouldn't the owner want to make more money?