Flavor Paper

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Karlyn, you need to start blogging! But until you begin, I'm happy to share the cool stuff you send my way.

Since I'll soon be settling into a new apartment, Karlyn told me about Flavor Paper, a small handscreened wallpaper company that started on the Oregon coast, moved to New Orleans and now has four-story showroom/factory in Cobble Hill. Home to the company's design and screenprinting operations, it's apparently a really cool space where customers can see the process up close and check out the designs. I've never used wallpaper before but have been thinking about giving it a try and already found a bunch from Flavor Paper that I really like. They even have some scratch and sniff ones that little kids would love.

Flavor Paper

216 Pacific Street

Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Little Piglet List: The Best of Bococa

{One Girl Cookies, my favorite place in Bococa}

When Daniel and I moved four years ago, I wrote a post about my favorite places in Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, a group of neighborhoods known as Bococa. Since some spots have closed and I've found many new favorites, it's time to update the list. I've added categories to make it easier to read and included a few recommendations that aren't food-related. If you've never been to Brooklyn, I hope my list inspires a trip.

COFFEE 
Cafe Pedlar
210 Court Street (at Warren), Cobble Hill
Most people go for the Stumptown coffee. It's where I stop for chai tea and snacks before movies at Cobble Hill Cinemas or trips to Cobble Hill Park. The olive oil cake and blackforest bread are good for breakfast and I could eat their pretzel knot with brie and butter  any time of day.

SWEETS
One Girl Cookies
68 Dean Street (between Smith and Boerum Place), Boerum Hill
By far my favorite bakery in Brooklyn. I love the light blue walls, the swirly brown wallpaper, the buttery cupcakes and the cookies with pretty names. I'm addicted to their homemade yogurt and granola, too.

Nunu Chocolates
529 Atlantic Ave (near 3rd Ave), Boerum Hill
A lovely couple and self-taught chocolate makers, Nunu's owners use a single origin cocoa bean from a family farm in Colombia to make hand dipped caramels, ganaches and and other treats in their small shop. A big window encourages visitors to watch. Unlike other sweet shops, they serve beer and wine and are open till 9pm every night.

Betty Bakery
448 Atlantic Ave (between Bond and Nevins), Boerum Hill
When Daniel and I got married, we met with Cheryl Kleinman in a commercial kitchen on Atlantic Avenue to design our cake. A few years later, she and another cake designer added this bakery to the space. They have a big selection of sweets, but I usually lean toward the lemon bundt cake.

Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
513 Henry Street (at Sackett), Carroll Gardens
I'll always think of Brooklyn Farmacy as the place that introduced me to egg creams and Early Bird granola. It's one of those neighborhood sweet shops that everyone wants and kids of course are more than welcome. On my first visit, the owner treated me and a friend to some samples while our boys ran laps around the place. Oh, and the the back room is stocked with boardgames.

Blue Marble
196 Court Street (at Wyckoff), Cobble Hill
I was disappointed when a Tasti D-Lite opened on Court Street and not surprised when it closed and Blue Marble took its place. Best ice cream in Brooklyn, hands down. The sorbets are always tempting, but the strawberry ice cream makes me weak in the knees.

Sweet Melissa
276 Court Street (between Butler and Douglass), Cobble Hill
Before Cafe Pedlar opened up, I'd always stop by Sweet Melissa for six gingernsaps (crispy with an extra spicy kick) and a cup of milk before movies at Cobble Hill Cinemas. Now, I can rotate between the two.

RESTAURANTS
Saul
140 Smith Street (between Bergen and Dean), Boerum Hill
For a special occasion, Daniel and I favor Saul, one of a few restaurants in Brooklyn that has a Michelin star. It used to be a stone's throw away from our apartment, and though it felt funny to walk so little for a fancy meal, we did it any way.

Bar Tabac
128 Smith Street (on corner of Dean), Boerum Hill
A Boerum Hill fixture, Bar Tabac was also steps away from our apartment. The food is standard French fare, but you know what I really miss? The live jazz and bluegrass bands they have on the weekends. During the warmer months, the music would sneak through our windows.

Bacchus
409 Atlantic Ave (at Bond), Boerum Hill
A French bistro that holds a place in my heart for two reasons. My friends Mark and Allison had a lovely wedding there and it was where I celebrated my 26th birthday (or was it my 25th?) with a big group of friends. The food is good, but the backyard garden is better.

Lucali
575 Henry Street (at Carroll), Carroll Gardens
Inspired by Di Fara and way better than Grimaldis, this is one of my favorite pizza places in Brooklyn.

Prime Meats
465 Court Street (at Luquer), Carroll Gardens
Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli are building a mini-empire on Court Street. With Prime Meats, they focus on German-influenced food, old-fashioned cocktails and local ingredients. I love the big, messy salads that are perfectly dressed and homemade soft pretzels. If only they took reservations and the wait on weekends wasn't so brutal.

Seersucker
329 Smith Street (between President and Carroll), Carroll Gardens
I love Seersucker for many reasons. They've brought solid southern food to Smith Street (not another French or Italian place). It's where I discovered Red Hook rose and that scallops and watermelon make a surprisingly good combination. They're steps from the subway and are for open breakfast at 8am during the week. Parents take note: Trips to nearby Carroll Park are best with buttermilk biscuits.

 Chestnut
271 Smith Street (between Sackett and Degraw), Carroll Gardens
I love the huge hidden garden and it doesn't get much better than homemade chocolate chip scones and poached eggs with wild mushrooms, toast and caramelized shallots for brunch.

Frankies 457
457 Court Street, Carroll Gardens
Frankies 457 is best with a bunch of friends because the bigger the group, the more Italian small plates you can sample. I'm partial to the pork braciole (make sure to get a side of gnocchi) and butternut squash ravioli. For a no-fuss dessert you'll never forget, their wine-soaked prunes are perfect. No reservations, lines are long and for warmer months, they have a wonderful garden.

Buttermilk Channel
524 Court Street (at Huntington), Carroll Gardens
Daniel and I like to go here on dates. The food is always top-notch and past meals have included duck meatloaf, fried chicken with waffles and a delicata squash tart. Maybe some day we'll bring the boys for brunch and see what they think of the $10 children's menu.

Breuckelen
268 Clinton Street (at Verandah Pl), Cobble Hill
Formerly Cafe on Clinton, a place where my friends Marie and Joe had one of the most intimate weddings I've ever been to, this landmark building is now home to Breuckelen, a restaurant with innovative food and a rustic fruit tart that my friend Olivia compared to those her French mother makes. Don't forget to check out the pretty row houses and adorable Cobble Hill Park next door. 

Henry Public
329 Henry Street (between Atlantic Ave and Pacific Street), Cobble Hill
Many people go for the old-fashioned cocktails. I prefer the humongous turkey-leg sandwich with fries.

Brucie
234 Court Street (at Baltic), Cobble Hill
A casual Italian restaurant and market that's good for a big group of friends or a quick meal at the bar. The space is warm and funky with mason jars covering light bulbs and cool tiles along one wall. I love Eataly in Manhattan, but would be just as happy with any of Brucie's prepared foods.

Cafe Luluc
214 Smith Street (between Butler and Baltic), Cobble Hill
I've had many long lunches at Cafe Luluc. I love the bright red leather booths and for a French bistro, they make some pretty good fish tacos.

SPECIALTY FOOD SHOPS 
Los Paisanos
162 Smith Street (at Bergen), Cobble Hill
The first year I lived in Boerum Hill, I begrudgingly bought my meat at Key Food. Then a co-worker told me about Los Paisanos. In the neighborhood for over 40 years, this is a place that seems so Brooklyn. After a few visits, I felt like family. I'm a sucker for their specialty sausage, grilled olives and pumpkin ravioli.

Sahadi's
187 Atlantic Ave (between Court and Clinton), Cobble Hill
A Middle Eastern market that's great for olives, coffee, dried fruit, cheese, sacks of spices, nuts, grains, and fresh loaves of bread, Sahadi's just might be the place I've missed most since leaving the neighborhood. I'd always go in for a few things and leave with a cart full of stuff. Go during the week, if you can. Weekends are a nightmare.

Fish Tales
191 Court Street (at Bergen), Cobble Hill
When I lived in Boerum Hill and Brooklyn Heights before that, I would buy my meat at one shop, my cheese at another, and for seafood, I'd go to Fish Tales. The fish is by far some of the freshest you'll find.

Smith & Vine
268 Smith Street (at Degraw), Cobble Hill
I always make a beeline for their $12 and under table, the perfect place to get a good bottle for cheap.

Stinky 
261 Smith Street (between Douglass and Degraw), Cobble Hill
Opened by the owners of Smith & Vine, Stinky is conveniently located across the street. Cheese is the star here, but they carry all sorts of other gourmet stuff. I like to give their Stinky onesies as baby gifts.

HOUSEWARES
Enamoo
109 Smith Street (between Atlantic and Pacific), Boerum Hill
This quirky shop has everything from plants to armchairs. Our apartment in Boerum Hill didn't have air conditioning so we picked up a few vintage fans that I'm sure we'll have for years. Their selection of Bklyn shirts and sweatshirts is good, too.

A Cook's Companion
197 Atlantic Ave (between Court and Clinton), Cobble Hill
Whenever Daniel and I had big dinner parties, I always found myself running to Cook's Companion for a tablecloth or a ramekin and on one occasion, a 9-quart Le Creuset.

KIDS
Acorn
323 Atlantic Ave (between Smith and Hoyt), Boerum Hill
Full of handmade and wooden toys that don't blink or make noise, this is my favorite place to buy gifts or new foods for Nico's play kitchen.

CLOTHES
Dear Fieldbinder
198 Smith Street (at Baltic), Cobble Hill
Overall, I don't like shopping for clothes, unless I'm at Dear Fieldbinder. The owner and her staff help, but don't hover and I always end up wearing everything I buy again and again. It's where I always go when I need a new dress or something special.

SHOES
Soula
185 Smith Street (at Warren), Cobble Hill
My three pairs of shoes that get the most compliments are all from Soula, including La Canadienne winter boots that my friend Karlyn loves to tease. Looks can be deceiving. They might be suede with a wedge heel, but they're unbelievably warm and waterproof.

GARDENING
GRDN
103 Hoyt (between Atlantic and Pacific), Boerum Hill
At our old apartment in Boerum Hill, we had a lavender tree, roses, hydrangeas and grass that Daniel had to mow. For the three years that we could garden, we splurged on plants and other outdoor essentials here.

HOLISTIC THERAPIES
Element Natural Healing Arts
518 Henry Street (at Union), Carroll Gardens
I started going to Element for acupuncture in 2002. Those days, the owners were working out of a doctor's office in Brooklyn Heights. Now they're in a much bigger space. Acupuncture is still their specialty, but they offer yoga, massages, other holistic therapies and even occasional dinners with local chefs on their roof deck as well. My midwife recommended acupuncture to kickstart labor with Leo. I went to Element for a few visits and wouldn't you know, he arrived right his due date.

The Best of BoCoCa

On Sunday, Daniel and I left BoCoCa, the Brooklyn neighborhoods (Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens) that we've called home for six years. Our new apartment in Park Slope isn't far away. I'm just a sappy food lover. There are so many places I'm really going to miss! Good thing I joined a Carroll Gardens CSA. I'll be back in the 'hood every other Saturday.

We've been gut renovating our new apartment for the past 8 weeks. The kitchen and bathroom aren't ready yet, so we moved all our stuff in on Sunday, celebrated with beers and bratwurst at Cafe Steinhof, a funky Austrian restaurant, then schlepped an absurd amount of laundry, our Brita, a jar of stone ground mustard, my beloved spelt bread, a few bars of frozen chocolate, and all the other refrigerator items I wouldn't dare throw out, to my Mom's 1-bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side.

After weeks of packing and picking out paint colors and one too many visits to Lowes and Home Depot, this Manhattan mini-vacation is just what I need. The first apartment Daniel and I shared together in New York was on the Upper East Side. It's good to be back.

Our apartment renovation has made me more curious about architecture, so I don't need a magazine or something else to distract me as I commute on the crosstown bus each morning. Instead, I crane my neck like a tourist, studying the buildings that soar into the sky. At night, the faint hum that fills the air isn't disturbing. These sounds of city life lull me to sleep.

Usually when we visit my Mom, after work or for a Sunday dinner, the hours seem to fly by. Now, we can appreciate the spring skies together, split leftover bars of chocolate while watching movies, and just be.

And she can do what she loves most. Cook! You remember her award-winning lasagna and meatloaf, right?

On Sunday she welcomed us with sea bass swathed in a silky rhubarb sauce, a tabbouleh salad that's best when eaten straight from the bowl, salty sauteed spinach and a really crisp white wine from South Africa.

On Monday there was a big pot of bow tie pasta with sausage and peppers, and last night we watched her latest Netflix delivery while devouring salmon in a maple chipotle sauce, mashed potatoes and garlicky steamed broccoli.

The past three mornings, Daniel was sent to work with leftovers and I received a perfectly chopped salad topped with toasted nuts, avocado, Brussel sprouts, cranberries and smoked mozzarella. I feel like I'm 10 all over again. And I love it.

As soon as we're settled in our new place, I'll be back with more posts. Until then, I hope you'll enjoy my Best Of BoCoCa list. Whether you're new to the neighborhood or just planning a visit, these spots should not be missed!

Sahadi's
A specialty food store that's great for olives, coffee, dried fruit, cheese, sacks of spices, nuts, grains, and fresh loaves of bread, Sahadi's just might be the place I'll miss the most. It's pretty small, always packed, and the selection is amazing. I'd always go in for a few things and leave an hour later with a cart full of stuff. Weekends get really crowded, so mid-week visits are best.

One Girl Cookies
I was so happy when this bright blue cookie shop opened across the street from our apartment last year. You'd think a sign that screamed COOKIES every day would have gotten old, or annoying, but nope, never did. It always made me smile. I love the robin's egg blue walls, the cool, swirly brown wallpaper and the luxuriously named bite-size cookies. They're all addictive, although if I had to choose, I'd say the Olga (mint ganache sandwiched between two sugar cookies) and Lucia (shortbread, caramel, and chocolate layer bar) are the best. They also have unbelievably moist cupcakes topped with a crown of icing, Il Laboratorio gelato, fudgy brownies that are almost as good as the ones at Fat Witch, tea and coffee. Peeking in at their cute storefront display was such a nice way to start the day.

Boerum Hill Food Company
Daniel loves the muffins at this neighborhoody cafe that's good for a cup of coffee, a homemade sweet, or a hearty breakfast. On the morning of our move, we woke up extra early and went there for a quick breakfast. We lucked out with the two overstuffed chairs near the front window, a spot that is almost always taken, and split an omelette stuffed with asparagus and gruyere. And then, Daniel's favorite. A banana pecan muffin, toasted and topped with a few pats of butter.

Los Paisanos
(162 Smith St. at Bergen)
For the first few years I lived in Brooklyn, I begrudgingly bought my meat at Key Food. Then a co-worker told me about Los Paisanos, a butcher on Smith Street. In the neighborhood for over 40 years, this is the kind of place you'd expect to find in Brooklyn. After my first few visits, I felt like family. I'm a sucker for their specialty sausage, grilled olives and pumpkin ravioli.

Fish Tales
When it comes to food shopping, Brooklyn has always felt very European to me. I buy my meat at one shop, my cheese at another, and for seafood, there is Fish Tales. Everyone who works there is warm and welcoming, and the fish is by far some of the freshest you'll find.

Sweet Melissa
Every time I went to the Cobble Hill movie theater, I'd stop by Sweet Melissa for six gingernsaps (crispy with an extra spicy kick) and a cup of milk. Lucky for me, a second location recently opened up in Park Slope.

Superfine
This restaurant isn't technically in BoCoCa, but it's been one of my favorites for years. Devoted to local and seasonal ingredients, it's a funky, airy place with free pool. If you go to the weekend bluegrass brunch, you must try the breakfast burrito, a belly bomb that's smothered with green chilies from New Mexico.

Chestnut
In my opinion, this is one of the best restaurants on Smith Street. The menu is innovative and unique (I love the buckwheat crepe with farro, house made gravlox and crème fraiche), they have a huge hidden garden, and though I'm not really into brunch, their homemade chocolate chip scones and poached eggs with wild mushrooms, toast and caramelized shallots have definitely won me over.

Frankies 457
Although I've complained about the no reservation policy and long lines in the past, I still think Frankies 457 is a great place for a laid-back dinner with a bunch of friends. Just remember, the bigger the group, the more Italian small plates you can sample. I'm partial to the bracciole (be warned that it's just a big hunk of meat: I always get some gnocchi on the side) and the butternut squash ravioli, a sweet entree that's tempered by a salty broth. There's also a glorious garden.

Saul
For a special occasion, Daniel and I love Saul, the only restaurant in Brooklyn that's received a Michelin star. Just a stone's throw away from our apartment, it always felt funny to walk five feet for such a fancy meal. Now that we live further away, I bet we'll visit more often.

Alma
You won't be blown away by the Mexican food, but you will love the cozy rooftop. Kick back with a margarita and watch the sun set over Manhattan.

Le Petite Crevette
It's easy to fall in love with this seafood shack that's off-the-beaten-path. The walls are turquoise, the tables are tightly packed and the owner makes each and every meal himself. Go while it's still BYOB.

Schnack
Whenever I crave burgers, nothing hits the spot like a bunch of schnackies. Served on squishy buns and smothered with all types of different toppings (try the mushrooms and onions), they are perfect for pigging out.

Porchetta
Ever since this place opened on Smith Street last year (replacing long-time neighborhood favorite, Banania) I've had a soft spot for it. Everytime I go, I order the salmon with corn salad and truffle oil, and one time I had a very unusual, but memorable, parsley salad.

Cafe Luluc
BoCoCa has plenty of French bistros to choose from, but Cafe Luluc is definitely my favorite. A bunch of magazines offer instant entertainment when dining solo and the fish tacos I always order are a nice break from steak frites.

Bar Tabac
A BoCoCa fixture, Bar Tabac was just steps away from our apartment. The food I could do without, but you know what I'll really miss? The live jazz and bluegrass bands they had every weekend. During the warmer months, their soft sounds would sneak through my open windows.

Smith & Vine
It seems as if everyone in the neighborhood is best friends with the bubbly, passionate couple who run this excellent wine shop. I always made a beeline for their $10 and under table, the perfect place to get a good bottle for cheap.

Stinky
Conveniently located across the street from Smith & Vine, this was yet another place that enhanced that European feel. The cheese selection is excellent and the place is stocked with all sorts of other gourmet goodies.

A Cook's Companion
Whenever Daniel and I had big dinner parties, I always found myself running to Cook's Companion for a tablecloth or a ramekin and on one occasion, a 9-quart Le Creuset. Although it's definitely more overpriced than many cookware shops in the city, it just feels right to support a local business.

Zaytoons
Another BYOB spot, this casual Mediterranean spot is cheap, cozy and has the best freshly baked bread.

Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches
A few months ago, Daniel and I hosted our very own battle of the banh mi and awarded Hanco's as our winner. Shortly after I put up that post, I fell in love with the vegetarian banh mi at nearby Nicky's. Made with portobello mushrooms, it's a lighter 5 buck sandwich that will still set your mouth ablaze.

Panino'teca
Many weekends, Daniel and I would find ourselves at this dark Italian sandwich spot splitting bruschetta (the one with fresh ricotta is exceptionally light and refreshing) and a few melty, meat-stuffed panini. A nutella sandwich dusted with powdered sugar was our favorite dessert. Like many of the spots on this list, Panino'teca has a surprisingly lush and hidden garden. It was there that I realized I do like Bloody Marys and for that, I am very thankful.

I could go on and on about all the other places I love in BoCoCa since the list keeps on growing. I'm sure I've forgotten a few, but these really are my favorites. Park Slope certainly isn't far away, so I know I'll be back soon.