New York Portraits

Tompkins Square Park, in Alphabet City

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Tompkins Square Park, in Alphabet City.

It was a gorgeous day Sunday, which resembled summer. Just about everybody was out walking around, eating on the sidewalk and enjoying themselves.
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Mark, Rupert and I spent the afternoon walking around Alphabet City and Tompkins Square Park. Mark lived there years ago, and he was shocked by how the neighborhood has changed.

Many of his old stomping grounds have disappeared. Mark had once cautioned me about Alphabet City before one of my walking tours. 'Watch out around 5th and (Avenue) B,' he'd said.

But there's nothing to worry about. The area is completely and utterly gentrified now. People have brunch. And not just brunch, but prix fixe brunch. There are cheese shops, now. I mean, come on, people!

It's hard to believe that Tompkins Square Park was once riddled with drug dealers and squatters, not so long ago. Now a crowded Farmer's Market is there on weekends. Bushels of local produce, cheeses and cider were on display.

Alphabet City is so named because it spans from Avenue A through Avenue D. It lies just east of the East Village.

Related posts: City Portraits - East Village, Really Living Real Life and Cuppa Joe to Go.

An Oasis on Park Avenue

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, around 94th Street and Park Avenue.

The courtyard of 1185 Park Avenue, within this huge apartment building, the size of a city block. Cars can enter and turn around, once allowed through the gates by the doormen.

The 160+ co-op apartments are extremely pricey. This year, two bedroom apartments have been listed for about $3 million, while four bedroom apartments have listed for about $7 million dollars. Whew!

Related posts: Details, Details, The Royalton, Renovated and Building for a Greener Environment.

A Modern Icon, in New Canaan, Connecticut

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Just an hour outside New York lies an icon of modern architecture. Philip Johnson's Glass House is located in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Designed as Johnson's summer getaway, this 1,300 square foot pavilion is situated on nearly 50 acres of land. Architects consider this a major piece of work. It made a splash when it was completed in 1949, expressing the modernist ideal in the lack of applied ornament.

Typically, the wait for a visit can be up to a year. This year, tours have been extended an extra month, through the end of November, and some spots are still available. There is a bit of walking outside, so dress warmly. We drove up, but one can get to the site quite easily from Manhattan, by train.

For tickets and more information, click here.
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Friday, Mark and I took a trip to see The Glass House. I have always wanted to visit, and was shocked by how easily accessible the house is from New York.

The interiors are cozy and warm, unlike many modern spaces. There are many traditional references, in fact. The plan is based on the golden mean, a proportion that has been considered pleasing since the Renaissance.

A horizontal band along the facade mimics the wainscots of traditional homes, which in turn relates to the human body. Without it, the height of the building would seem overscaled. Exterior doors are located on all four walls, making each facade symmetrical, another classical device.

The kitchen is ingenious, with panels that flip open to reveal appliances. The bathroom was by far my favorite part, with its tiny green tiles and bronze threshold.

Johnson bequeathed the home to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, upon his death in 2005. Public tours of the house began in 2007.

If you have a chance to visit, Fall is a great time. There are some huge old homes in this town, as well as a cute main street. The train from Grand Central takes you to the New Canaan station, directly across the street from the visitor's center. A short shuttle ride brings you to the property.

Day trips are easily accessible destinations just outside the five boroughs of New York City.

Related posts: Details, Details, The Royalton, Renovated and Building for a Greener Environment.

School's Out, on the Upper East Side

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 86th Street.

Looking very 'Dead Poet's Society', a group of tousled prep school boys roamed the street.

There are many expensive private schools in New York. The yearly tuition and competition to get in rival some universities.

Related posts: It's a Kid's Life, in Brooklyn, In the Streets with Silly String and Ice Cream, You Scream.

Hot Diggity Dogs, All Day Long

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on the Upper West Side, around 72nd Street and Broadway.

Gray's Papaya is a popular chain of hot dog eateries in Manhattan. They serve up hot dogs and fresh juices, such as pineapple, pina colada and orange. Their frothy, creamy papaya juice is quite delectable.

Open 24/7, Gray's is super-convenient if, say, you are stumbling home after a long night out and have the munchies. Eating standing up, facing the sidewalk, you cannot help but feel like a true New Yorker.

Gray's has been mentioned on Anthony Bourdain's food show No Reservations. Bourdain is no snob. He gave the place two thumbs up.
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It is suddenly busy at the office. Everyone is working quickly and staying later, a big change from a few months ago.

However, we're not hiring. I think that's the norm out there - things are looking better than before, however employers aren't hiring people. Yet.

I have friends who have been out of work for 5 or 6 months, and they are frankly going a little nuts. Psychologically, it is tough, dealing with the uncertainty and stress. Fortunately (I suppose, if there is such a thing) those I know who are unemployed are single, meaning they don't have kids.

Anyway, I hope that those who don't have jobs can at least know that things are getting better, albeit slowly. We will weather this storm, yet.

Related posts: The Meal Obama Cart, Midtown, Just Deserts and Food, Glorious Food.

On the View from the Upper East Side

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself above Central Park, around 86th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Ah, what a view? I took this photo from a project site last week.

The trees in Central Park are showing their fall colors. The large building to the left is the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Has anyone caught the recent episode of Frontline, set in a hair salon on the Upper East Side?

The episode, called Close to Home, originally aired October 27th. A New York hairdresser has intimate conversations with her clients, many of whom are struggling economically.

It's amazing how honest some of these talks were. The styling mirror helps, since stylist and client can talk to each other eye-to-eye, without looking at each other directly.

Mark and I only saw part of the show but plan to watch it again. I loved what I saw simply because these are fellow New Yorkers on film. Sadly, many of those interviewed thought they could solve their troubles by using their credit cards.

I always thought the Upper East Side and its residents were untouchable. Not so.

You can see the entire show free online. Click here to read more about the Frontline episode.

Related posts: The World Above Central Park, Along the Edge of Central Park and Fall From Above.

On the Ride Home

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on the subway, somewhere underground.

On the subway, there are as many singers, guitarists, accordian players and dancers as panhandlers. Actually, in recent times, it seems like the number of panhandlers has dropped.

It is illegal to panhandle on the subways, but people do it anyway. I've never seen anyone arrested or fined. The worst is when the subway car is packed to the gills during rush hour, and someone makes their way through the car.

A couple people gave the fellow above money. Then he went onto the next car. Through the window, I saw more donations, so he is doing okay.

Related posts: The Jazzman, 34th Street, Pulling Strings on the Subway Platform and On Taking Candids.

The 2009 New York City Marathon

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself, of the New York City Marathon in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The New York City Marathon blazed through the city streets, Sunday morning.

Each year, thousands take part in this race, which traverses the five boroughs of New York City. Starting in Staten Island, runners wind through Brooklyn to Queens, up through the Bronx, down to Manhattan, ending in Central Park.

Along the way, crowds cheered and music blared. This was a landmark race, since the US managed to win the mens title, for the first time in 27 years.
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It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since the last marathon.

Last year, the weather was similar - overcast, a bit chilly, perfect running weather.

The mens lead in Brooklyn, running at a speedy clip. I believe this was a Kenyan runner who dropped out later in the race.

The mens and womens leaders sped by as usual. I stayed around longer this year because I was so inspired by all the runners. At times it was just a tremendous sea of people from all over the world.

This year, the race coincided with Halloween. Many runners dressed up in costume. Among those I saw were a banana, a bear, a clown, and a hula dancer.

For my post on last year's marathon, click here.

Related posts: Running Down the Streets of New York, Running Along the Brooklyn Bridge and Running Amok in the Streets.

Fall Foliage in Prospect Park

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

A little dog looked reluctantly at his owner, who was calling him to leave.

Dogs and their owners have been enjoying the landscape during morning off-leash hours (before 9 am daily) in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. The leaves have turned their colors here for a brief but brilliant Fall.
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Ah, Mark and I didn't make it to the Halloween Parade Saturday night. The winds were high and it started raining. Not the best time for picture taking.

Here's some photos from a recent trip to Prospect Park, though, showing the Fall foliage.

Rupert wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!

Related posts: Off Leash in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, It's a Dog's Life at the Mad Dog Run and On Dogs and Dogs.

Napping Together, Underground

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on the subway.

Three young stylish women were asleep on a late afternoon.
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Happy Halloween, everyone!

Tonight, Mark and I will attempt to attend the Halloween parade in Manhattan.

For the last 36 years, hundreds of people have marched through Greenwich Village in full costume. It is a fun and silly time.

The parade takes place along Sixth Avenue and moves uptown from Spring Street to 21st Street. Traffic is halted, people line the sidewalks and the whole area goes nuts.

The parade starts at 7pm and will be televised on NY1, the local New York news station. For more on the parade, click here.

Related posts: Zzzzzzzzz, Asleep on the D Train and A Much-Needed Nap.

Touring About Fifth Avenue, Midtown

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 55th Street.

I took this photo while in a cab on Fifth Avenue.

A group of Europeans were enjoying the afternoon. Some sat on the sidewalk. (I knew they weren't American because I could hear them speaking from where I was sitting in a cab. But I wasn't alert enough to discern the language).

The sidewalks were packed with people milling around, shopping and just taking in the day. Fifth Avenue, after all, is the site of many high-end stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Takashimaya and Saks Fifth Avenue.
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Thursday afternoon I managed to see the legendary television interviewer Barbara Walters near Central Park. She was walking fearlessly through traffic in the middle of the street, hailing a cab. She looked tiny and wore heavy black-rimmed glasses and a bright red coat.

Unfortunately I was in a cab myself and couldn't get my camera out in time. Drat!

Next time I'll have to have my camera out just for those impromptu celebrity sightings.

Related posts: On Times Square and Our Rupert, Wet and Not So Wonderful, Downtown and On Tippy Toe, Union Square.

Baked Fresh Daily, in Soho

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Soho, at Spring Street and Broadway.

The display at Balthazar Bakery reads 'Croissants, Baguettes, Brioches'. A beautiful assortment of freshly baked breads decorate the illuminated window.

You can get deluxe sandwiches and salads here, as well as brioches, tarts, cookies and cakes. Everything looks gorgeous. There is always, always a long line of customers during lunchtime.

For a peek at their website, click here.
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It's sheer coincidence that I'm showing two bread photos, back-to-back.

There are fewer things to photograph during the fall and winter months. It's been dark when I get out of the office, but I knew storefronts would be all lit up.

It seemed like everyone was walking around Soho Wednesday night, enjoying the brisk air and shopping. There are tons of sales going on. Designer stores are advertising substantial discounts, so if you are one of the lucky few with extra cash and an empty closet, now is the time!

Related posts: I Scream, You Scream, Mangia and I Deserve a Break Today.

Bagels Anytime, on the Upper West Side

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself at H+H Bagel on the Upper West Side, at Broadway and 80th Street.

The interiors of this establishment look like they're trapped in the 1970s.
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I will venture to say that H+H Bagel as makers of the best bagels in New York.

I'm sure I could have a debate over this with other New Yorkers. H+H bagels are large, crunchy-ish on the outside, soft-ish on the inside. Their 'everything' bagel is by far my favorite flavor, laden with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion and salt.

Bagels are made on premises. You can watch the dough being formed, boiled in large pots, then baked in the ovens behind the counter.

Plus, the place is open 24/7. You can satisfy that nagging carbohydrate craving at 3 am, tee hee.

Related posts: Beer, Wonderful Beer, Russ and Daughters, Lower East Side and Just Desserts.

Tis the Season and the World Series

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on 41st Street and 5th Avenue, in Midtown.

Yes, we do have pumpkins. New Yorkers are lucky to get their fair share of fresh produce.
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The New York Yankees are in the World Series, once again. Woohooo!!!!

I have to admit that I'm a fair weather Yankees fan. Meaning that I tune in when they're in the playoffs or the series. It's a rather obnoxious character trait, since the Yankees make it to the playoffs often.

Bleacher seats go for around $65 each during the Series. The costliest tickets cost more than $1,700 each. Pretty crazy, eh? Most New Yorkers enjoy watching the games from home.

I have to say that from personal experience, baseball games are better watched on television than at the ballpark. Mark and I fail to have the patience to sit through a baseball game in person. Believe me, we have tried.

Related posts: Night View, Canal Street, Lichee Stand, Sunset Park and How You Can Have What You Crave When You Want It.

Drinkers Wanted, in Brooklyn

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

A sign outside a neighborhood bar in Brooklyn.

Oh if only people were paid for their drinking. The world would be such a different place!
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I'm happy to report that our stoop sale did rather well. We banded together with a few neighbors in our building, all selling at one time. Mark and I made over $200. Electronics were the biggest sellers.

At times, entire streets in Brooklyn will have multiple sales going on at once. Stoop sales usually take place in the Spring and late Summer.

Related posts: Visions of a Cheeseburger, Midtown, Free Hugs, Union Square and Reasons to be Pretty, Times Square.

Shoot the Freak, Coney Island

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on the boardwalk in Coney Island.

An image from a while ago, when the boardwalk in Coney Island was under repair.

During the off-season, the shop fronts look completely derelict. In the summer though, the boardwalk is usually packed with people strolling about, enjoying the scenery.
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Not much to report here. We are gearing up for a sale of goods at our building, Sunday.

'Stoop sales', as they are called, are very popular in Brooklyn. Few people have garages or yards, so it would be odd to call them 'garage sales' or 'yard sales'. We do have plenty of stoops, though, which is the term for steps leading from the sidewalk.

Stoop sales are a great way to socialize and get rid of your junk. Space is limited in New York, so it's good to be clutter-free.

Related posts: On the Boardwalk, in Coney Island, Now on Sale, in Midtown and Signs of Hope.

For Adults Only, Midtown

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:25:00 +0000

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 28th Street.

Yes, there's a museum for everything.

The Museum of Sex is relatively new, less than 10 years old. Dedicated to the study of human sexuality, it currently features an exhibit about the sex lives of animals.

Not sure how they manage to create exhibits all year-round here. I am curious to what they have in their gift shop?
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Related posts: New Museum, The Bowery, On Radio City and the Whitney Museum and A Peek at the Planetarium.

Outside Vanderbilt Hall, in the Village

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself at NYU on West 4th Street, in the Village.

Vanderbilt Hall is a part of NYU Law School, and it has its own courtyard. The brick and traditional ornament help create its academic image.

New York University owns several buildings in this area. It's difficult to imagine kids going to college in the middle of Manhattan, but there are several colleges located here.

By the way, the word 'campus' comes from the Latin word meaning 'field'. Learning institutions are by tradition unified areas set in the landscape. NYU's buildings are separated by streets and other buildings, but are generally located in one area.
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A friend of mine went to NYU years ago. She said it was difficult, since as a student she didn't have much money. Yet here she was, thrown in an exciting city full of stores and lots of advertising.

I personally can't imagine going to school here and concentrate long enough to do homework!

Related posts: Night View, the Village, 184 3/4 West 4th Street and Downtown, 24/7.

En Masse, On Canal Street

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Ah yes, another photo from one of the busiest streets in Manhattan. Usually I avoid this area, because it brings out my inner road rage. Grrr!
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Canal Street has to be one of the busiest streets in New York. It offers tee shirts, scarves, decorative license plates, perfumes, hats, jewelry, dvds, and so much more at low prices.

I'm not sure how vendors discount their items. Either they're selling directly from wholesale or they are pirated merchandise.

All I know is that everytime I'm in this area, the sidewalks are packed, mostly with visitors. Who can blame them? It's great to get a good deal!

Related posts: All Lit Up on Canal Street, Fish Market, Chinatown and One Dollar, One Dollar.

Homeless Woman, 34th Street Platform

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on the 34th Street subway platform.

Just one of the regulars at this subway station, on Tuesday morning. I see often see this homeless woman asleep next to her belongings.
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I take photos of homeless people now and again, but don't feel very good doing so. I do feel though that the homeless are a large part of an urban experience. Making their presence public is important.

A friend of mine used to work at an architectural office downtown. One of her coworkers would take homeless kids in during the winter, so they could sleep on his floor.

I commend that fellow. If only we could all be generous.

Related posts: Society's Trash, Castaways and Man and Companion, on the Sidewalk.

In the Shadow of Alice Tully Hall, on the Upper West Side

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself of Alice Tully Hall, a new building on the Upper West Side, around 66th Street and Broadway.

This very modern building might be difficult to understand in photographs.

Part of a practice room pokes out through the facade on the second floor. On the ground level behind the women, you can see the back side of outdoor stadium seating, facing the building.

At the top of the seating is a spotlight that shines up at the underside of the building above. The designers, Diller Scofidio Renfro, also designed the renovations to The High Line.

For photos from my visit to the High Line, click here.

Related posts: Architecture, a Glorified Profession, Going Postal in Midtown and 42nd Street.

On City Water and Recent Talks at City Winery

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself at City Winery, on Varick Street near Soho.

The bottle reads: 'NYC Tap Water is some of the best in the world. We have filtered the water and want to help reduce the use of plastic water bottles which results in two million tons of plastic waste a year, not recycled, but in landfills.'

'Eau de Bloomberg' is refers to the current Mayor of New York, Mike Bloomberg. Luckily, the tap water in New York is very good. Many New Yorkers, however, prefer bottled water.

The above was set out on the tables of City Winery, a large restaurant/bar. City Winery hosts a variety of events, including musical performances, wine making classes and special dinners.
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Mark and I attended The New Yorker Festival, organized by The New Yorker Magazine, which took place this past weekend.

A seminar on advertising featured (left to right, below) Matthew Weiner, Steve Stout, Lee Clow and Ken Auletta. Conversation ranged from the state of television to the power-structures of advertising, to what's next in the digital age.

Matthew Weiner is the creator of the current television series Mad Men, which features the advertising field in the 1960s. Steve Stout is a former Sony executive, who since founded a prolifc branding company. Lee Clow is the creative force behind the ads for Apple Computer. Ken Auletta is a writer and frequent contributor to The New Yorker.

Tickets to the talk had sold out within ten minutes. Matthew Weiner was a writer and producer on the HBO show The Sopranos. Mad Men has all the intensity of The Sopranos, and is gorgeously art directed. Mark and I love Mad Men. I think many in the audience were thought the talk would be more about the show.

Numerous other talks with thinkers, writers and critics occurred this weekend during The New Yorker Festival this weekend. Click here to review this year's schedule of events.

Related posts: Shopping on St. Mark's Place, The Apple Store Continued and Nearly Perfect.

On Shopping on West 4th and My Insider's Guide

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself on West 4th Street and Sixth Avenue, in the Village.

An offering of tote bags and vests were draped along a wrought iron fence. You can buy all sorts of stuff on the street. Many artists sell their paintings, sculpture, jewelry, hats and clothing.
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I was in very briefly Saturday for a haircut and to take some photos. It was rainy and a bit cold.

The salon I go to, Sei Tomoko, is excellent. They have a three locations: one on West 4th and Sixth, the others in the East Village. The rates are reasonable - about $45 for a women's haircut, with a discount for students. I've gone there for years and have never been disappointed.

A haircut includes a short but wonderful shiatsu massage after your hair is washed. As you can tell from the name, Sei Tomoko is a Japanese establishment. The staff is Japanese and adorable, calling out in unison 'Thank you!' at your departure.

Those stories about spending $250 for a haircut in New York are misleading. It doesn't take megabucks to live here. You can find fine places like Sei Tomoko through word-of-mouth or a little research.

I'll be posting more about such affordable services and cheap eats, under the tag 'insider guide'.

Related posts: Shopping on St. Mark's Place, The Apple Store Continued and Eco-Friendly Cardboard Design.

Hailing in the Rain, Midtown

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself in Midtown, around Madison Avenue and 40th Street.

It's been raining and very chilly here recently. Best to bundle up to avoid catching a cold.
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The other night, when I finally met up with my cousin who was visiting, we jumped into a cab to get to Brooklyn. It was cold and raining a little.

'Park Slope. Take the Manhattan Bridge.'

As we headed downtown, traffic was hideous. Crowding toward one of the stop lights, our cab grazed the side of another cab. No one was hurt, the side view mirrors and door handles were intact, but there was a definite and terrible scraping sound.

Can I say the other driver was pissed?

We were then hunted down for the next several stop lights. At one point, the offended driver pulled up alongside, rolled down his window and launched into a rant in Russian.

I turned to my cousin. 'Welcome to New York!' Cliche, I know, but I couldn't help myself.

Related posts: Fixing Flats in the Streets, Stuck on 8th Ave. and Playing in the Rain, Union Square.

Living off the Fat of the Land in Park Slope, Brooklyn

kittylittered@gmail.com (Kitty) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Photo by myself at Applewood, a restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The interior of this excellent restaurant has a quiet, country charm that rings authentic. I wouldn't be surprised to find its carbon copy somewhere in Vermont.
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Ah yes, another story about food. I must sound like an 800-pound gorilla by now. It's just that Mark and I can't resist ourselves when it comes to deliciousness.

We've become recently smitten with Applewood, a fine restaurant tucked away on a side street in our neighborhood, Park Slope. We stumbled in for brunch one weekend and had our minds blown open by brunch: omelets made with seasonal veggies, cheese grits and homemade biscuits. (The biscuits were worthy of dying for - slightly crunchy on the outside, flaky on the inside, they were accompanied with creamed butter and blueberry jam).

So when we discovered that Applewood was serving a special Farmer's Dinner, a four-course dinner and chance to meet the farmers who grew the organic produce, we signed ourselves up.

Above, beet salad with homemade ricotta cheese, salad greens and parsley salsa verde.

The very premise of the Farmer's Dinner is lovely - a tasting menu featuring local organic produce, and a chance to meet the farmers who grew the food. The idea of getting people in touch with where their food comes from is timely.

Jeffrey and Kristin from Liberty Gardens, in Pennsylvania, were a couple originally from Brooklyn. They rushed to join the farming life ten years ago and are now serving organic produce to high end restaurants in several states. Farming is not an easy life, but one they enjoy and value.

Jeffrey and Kristin arrived from Pennsylvania with bushels of carrots, kale, eggplant, salad greens and beets, at 1pm. Six hours later, the guests were seated to four courses and two amuse bouches, each paired with wine.

Can I say scrumptious? The carrots and beets were sweet and tender. A habanero chutney had a quiet heat. There was sorbet made with sorrel, an herb, and an ice cream made with celery root. You would never have known that the menu was figured out that afternoon.

Last but not least, Applewood was good enough to let me photograph their kitchen.

For more about Applewood, click here.
For more about Liberty Gardens, click here.

Related posts: Parked in Park Slope, Rent and Smile, it's Happy Hour.