Pickle Shack Burger
In the year that I have been living in Brooklyn, I have come to love the place for its unhurriedness, diversity, hospitality and variety of passions. People in Brooklyn are intensely passionate but on the surface look rather cool and laid back. But, get them going and the spark comes on in the eyes, there is a glow and sometimes there is no stopping the flow of opinions, thoughts and gesticulations. It is all rather endearing I must say because it does not come with the fist pumping, finger jabbing or table thumping that happens in Manhattan but with a quiet confidence and a dreamy conviction.
For that reason, whenever the clouds are above my head, I simply walk around the 'hood and chat with the owners of the small business that dot every bit of this borough. It is the most uplifting thing that I do for myself. They genuine interest in what they do goes beyond making money. It is more about giving a voice to who they are and that is as inspiring as anything can be. At times when I am rather pissed off with the world, these experiences come as a soothing balm and believe me, I come back wondering why I ever was in a foul mood!
I have recently begun to explore more of all the boroughs and chronicle my experiences through the {Walk} & {Taste} New York series. Today, I share a couple of places I love to eat in the Park Slope that you may not have heard of but do fantastic work, have a gorgeous back yard to sit in and count your stars. All the while, sipping on amazing brews and biting into delicious plates.
CROP TO CUP COFFEE BAR
For your morning cuppa, a bit of work amidst the invigorating aroma of freshly roasted coffee or to try your hand at home roasting, Crop to Cup, in Gowanus, is a fantastic spot that has great brews and pastries from Runner & Stone {a spectacular bakery in North Park Slope}. The pour over was perfect and my cortado was classic. Crop to Cup is a coffee importer and roasting company in that imports raw beans and roasts it to their client's specifications and supply wholesale to Brooklyn Roasting Co and Taylor Maid among others. At this retail spot in Brooklyn, you can also buy unroasted single origin beans, play with the home roasting equipment and perhaps, decide to do the whole bean to cup thing at your home!
www.croptocup.com
(347) 599-0053
541A 3rd Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
PICKLE SHACK
Pickle Shack I have mentioned before. But I thought it's unique and distinct burger was deserving of a half post all on its own. The vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurant opened a year ago and is the brain child of Brooklyn Brine, a small scale pickling business, and Dogfish IPA, a NY based brewer. The menu is compact but everything is crafted with thought. The fried pickles is a must and if you are undecided over the mains, just go with the burger! It is always a winner. And, ask for the cashew cheese on top. Absolutely topping! When it first opened, they had short and sufficient beer list but today they have a sprawling spread and their own cellar. Get a bucket of beer for just $10 and your evening in the backyard under fairy lights could not be more like a fairy tale!
www.pickleshacknyc.com
(347) 763-2127
256 4th Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11215
and check out other places I recommend eating at in New York.