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Comments on WT?
Posted by: MR at November 19, 2008 3:30 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales
MR wrote a review about DiFara on November 17, 2008 8:26 PM
Full disclosure: I've been to DiFara's two, maybe three times.
The pizza is up there with the best in the city, but it isn't nearly the only one at that level and it isn't transplendent. I found the guy quite nice actually and a little hypnotizing to watch. But to call him an artist is just a little silly. Just because he moves slowly--more slowly than I thought a human being could move--doesn't mean the oil he is pouring is an art.
Sure it's a kick to go, but I would never go there during anything like prime time unless you bring a book...and a sandwich.
Pizza is a passionate subject in this town. The aura that has been built up about this place is absurd, but in truth the pizza is really good.
MR wrote a review about Tanoreen on November 11, 2008 7:22 AM
Best Middle Eastern restaurant in Brooklyn? How about best restaurant in Brooklyn of any kind? Could be my personal fave. Everybody I've ever taken there absolutely loves it. I hope the move to the larger space doesn't change things.
Not taking a position on the CG price, I just think the listing is terrible. Limited interior shots is bad enough, but when you fill out the listing with neiborhood shots I think it's just insulting.
Posted by: MR at November 7, 2008 5:08 PM in response to Open House Picks
2nd place: what a horrible listing. More pictures of Frankie's and ladies eating ice cream than of the interior of the house.
Posted by: MR at November 7, 2008 1:44 PM in response to Open House Picks
MR wrote a review about South Brooklyn Pizza on November 3, 2008 12:15 PM
I went there once and found the pizza ok. We got four pies in our group and each was pretty differently cooked--from medium to charred. The music was terrible and way too loud (which they wouldn't turn down), and the general ambiance poor.
A few weeks later I believe I discovered them posting rave reviews about themselves using fake names on chowhound. That kind of soured me to their vibe and created some ill will. Don't think I'll be back.
This screams "needs major updating" to me.
Posted by: MR at October 27, 2008 2:56 PM in response to House of the Day: 567 1st Street
MR wrote a review about Joya and Song on October 27, 2008 12:53 PM
It's so crowded that nobody goes there anymore.
They will have Hale & Hearty soups, which are very good. They will also continue with their approximately 10 homemade gelato flavors.
My furnace is on.
Posted by: MR at October 23, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Streetlevel: Adjusting for the Cold Weather
"I think a little fish shop or cheese store would be a great addition."
I wish. How about a bakery...like a Mazzola storefront. Or a small take out restaurant. A real organic market (would need a larger footprint I guess). A cute store that sold cute things. Pita Grill. An Indian restaurant. What if we got rid of both the cel stores and got a gym...
Posted by: MR at October 21, 2008 12:10 AM in response to Streetlevel: Dueling Cellphone Stores on Prospect Park West
Because it contributes to the mall-ification of New York.
My comment WAS in jest (because of course neither a bank nor CVS would fit there). Other than that I completely agree with Boxermonkey.
I should have said Ikea. Now that would have been funny.
Posted by: MR at October 20, 2008 3:52 PM in response to Streetlevel: Dueling Cellphone Stores on Prospect Park West
Why would we need another bank on that strip?
Why not shop at the local pharmacy a block away?
Posted by: MR at October 20, 2008 3:19 PM in response to Streetlevel: Dueling Cellphone Stores on Prospect Park West
Bummer. I wish something more useful would have moved in. Like a CVS or a bank.
Posted by: MR at October 20, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Streetlevel: Dueling Cellphone Stores on Prospect Park West
MR wrote a review about Five Front on October 16, 2008 2:29 PM
Years ago this was one of my favorite Brooklyn restaurants. Went back a few weeks ago for the first time in probably 2 years and we found it had fallen WAY off. Not sure if this was an off night for them or not so I didn't rate the place. I don't think we'll be going back.
MR wrote a review about Defonte's on October 14, 2008 3:34 PM
I guess I'll have to go back and try again.
MR wrote a review about Defonte's on October 14, 2008 1:06 PM
Old school. I love that this place still exists. They are super friendly too. The sandwiches are good but won't change your life.
MR wrote a review about Le Petit Cafe on October 10, 2008 2:18 PM
Love it.
Wine Lover-
If you really have a toddler and live like these pictures then you are my hero. As is your child.
Posted by: MR at September 30, 2008 1:52 PM in response to Interiors: Sleek and Minimal on Sterling
One pair of shoes for an entire burgeoning family? That IS minimalist.
Posted by: MR at September 30, 2008 10:39 AM in response to Interiors: Sleek and Minimal on Sterling
MR wrote a review about Fragole on September 23, 2008 1:47 PM
From what I gathered a few years ago, the Max "empire" split between the owners. The guys who own Fragole also own Max uptown near Columbia. There was also Max in the East Village, but I'm not sure if it's still open. That was the other owner(s). I guess there may have been some ownership crossover, but that's the basic gist I think.
Fragole is no Olive Garden. For those who tried it only once, trust me...go try it again. Get the lasagna.
MR wrote a review about Fragole on September 23, 2008 12:14 PM
Love this place. Have to say I disagree with gkw. Fragole is better than Max was and has none of the attitude that Max's servers used to have. The ownership is similar to Max's, so I don't know what they're doing differently, but it's working for me.
Their pastas are all fantastic, the lasagna and ragu especially. Their non-pasta entrees are uneven. They have good wine specials. The service is very friendly.
I used to live around the corner and I moved. It is one of the things I miss most about CG.
This will sell.
Posted by: MR at September 18, 2008 2:20 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 4th Place
MR wrote a review about Grimaldi's on September 17, 2008 12:30 PM
Most over-rated pizza in NYC.
MR wrote a review about Cafe Luluc on September 17, 2008 12:27 PM
I haven't been in a while, but I've always liked it. Never had a bad meal there.
MR wrote a review about Bubby's Brooklyn on September 17, 2008 12:16 PM
The food is terrible and extremely overpriced.
I have brought my kid there a few times for brunch. The only attraction to the place is that it's so bad that only people with kids seem to be there, so nobody cares if your kid is loud.
Look, it's not a matter of Philly vs Brooklyn. The point is that this is not the forum for that discussion. You don't go on a NY Knicks board and start screaming about the Eagles or Flyers. My point is nobody here cares about Philly. Yes, the prices are probably much more sane than here, but NOBODY HERE CARES. To keep going on and on about it is really just a waste of time and energy. Please add something of value to the discussion about Brooklyn real estate. Your comments will be welcome. But seriously you're beating a dead horse with the Philly stuff.
MR
ps Why do YOU live in Brooklyn?
Posted by: MR at September 14, 2008 9:39 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
buckfast-
"ur" one note is getting stale. This is a conversation about Brooklyn real estate. We all know that the NYC real estate market is different from the market in Philly, PA, NJ, or the North Pole. Yes. We get it. Thank you.
Go find "Phillystoner" or something...or find something constructive, interesting, insightful, or at least cleaver to say.
Posted by: MR at September 13, 2008 11:06 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
I just LOVE seeing the selling prices and then going back to see what all the comments were at the time.
You'd think there would be more humility on this board.
Posted by: MR at September 12, 2008 5:02 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
Um...why is everyone so baffled? It would seem that based on the almost identical house that we just found out yesterday sold for a similarl amount, that this is what the market will bear. The market is crazy, but if someone is buying then I don't think we can call it "overpriced".
Posted by: MR at September 5, 2008 4:25 PM in response to Open House Picks
I agree that the Windor place is overpriced, but it looks about the same as yesterday's. Needs some cosmetics. Nice sun room. Hey, if you're colorblind you could move right in.
Posted by: MR at September 5, 2008 3:28 PM in response to Open House Picks
Between 8th & 9th if I'm not mistaken is South Slope. WT starts on the east side of 9th ave. Right?
Posted by: MR at September 4, 2008 12:27 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
It also abutted a school which could be a plus or a minus.
is what I meant to say
Posted by: MR at September 4, 2008 12:17 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
In my (sometimes faulty) memory 272 Windsor had a little more character than reflected in the photos. OTOH it also had a kitchen you'd most likely have to gut unless you were in a wheelchair or were very very short. It also abutted a school which could be a plus
I think the market values WT higher than this board does. Nice housing stock, safe, and very near the park. I'm not surprised people like it. But now I'm in broken record territory.
Posted by: MR at September 4, 2008 12:15 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
Yes and no.
This one is on a better block, closer to the park, a generally nicer place, has an extra floor (a rental).
Yesterday's had that HUGE yard. They are really quite amazing when you see them. I think the right buyer would find it worth spending for, but I agree the price difference is too large.
By the way yesterday's house was actually not WT, but South Slope.
Posted by: MR at September 4, 2008 11:53 AM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later
I think this is actually officially South Slope, as it is on the west side of 9th Ave/PPW.
It's not the greatest block, but man those yards are big. Many of them abut an all night commercial laundry, however.
I wanted to buy on this block, but the price was too high.
Posted by: MR at September 3, 2008 5:22 PM in response to House of the Day: 102 Windsor Place
Here's my personal take on your list:
-Number and variety of restaurants and bars. Sometimes it is not just about absolute quality but the ability to have 10 different kinds of cuisine in easy distance
Point conceded, although the ratio of bad restaurants in PS is as high as anywhere I've ever lived. The actual number of decent restaurants in PS is fairly low. WT dining sucks (thank goodness for delivery).
- Proximity to park
PS not better than WT
- Proximity to transportation / Manhattan
PS worse than WT (one extra subway stop to Manhattan vs most of WT being closer walk to the actual stop)
- Number and variety of other services (hardware, drug stores, grocery/delis, watch repair, shoe repair, coffee shops, kids classes, yoga/pilates/gyms, etc)
PS marginally better than WT. WT & PS have drug store, deli, shoe repair, coffee shop. Kid classes, yoga, are in nearby SouthSlope. Gym situation much better in PS. Co-op in PS. Butcher in WT. Fish store in PS. Movie theater in WT. Grocery store in WT (not in some parts of PS).
- Quality of schools
PS Overcrowded.
- Quantity and quality of architecture
Slight advantage PS
- Lots of tree lines, pretty streets
Advantage WT. Seriously. Have you been to Sherman, Windsor, and 16th st?
- probably other things I am not even thinking of
People in PS say this a lot.
Look, PS is nice. Sounds like you live there and like it. You should. There are other great things about other hoods too. I think folks on this board tend to downgrade areas that they don't know anything about.
Posted by: MR at August 21, 2008 4:52 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street
lechacal-
You are probably right for a majority of people. But I also think a majority of people, if they could take their PS living quarters as is (floor-through, duplex, brownstone whatever) and move it in it's entirety to any area of Manhattan they would.
The real question is about the relative pricing. Is it worth the premium the market makes you pay in PS? I don't think so. I think the amenities of PS are vastly over-rated. That includes the restaurants and schools.
As for me, I'd take my location in WT over Manhattan or any part of PS that's below 8th ave. Leaving resale price aside, of course.
Posted by: MR at August 21, 2008 4:09 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street
lechacal-
Like what?
I don't know much about PH, but I've lived in PS and WT. The big attraction in those areas is the park in my opinion. There are certainly more restaurants in PS, but there isn't a single one that I actually miss. I miss a lot of the ones from Carroll Gardens, where I also have lived. But are we really talking about restaurants, bars, shops? Is that what you're talking about? I'm not being snarky, I really want to know.
Posted by: MR at August 21, 2008 3:44 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street
lechacal-
Probably in about the same proportion to the people who want to live in Manhattan but settle for PS.
Posted by: MR at August 21, 2008 3:31 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street
I perceive an anti-WT bias on this board. Perhaps I'm just sensitive to it because I live there. I'm not really sure what the problem is. Where I live is only 1 F stop past Park Slope. A few blocks from the park. Quiet and friendly. Very nice housing stock. I park right in front of my house almost every day, I circle the block looking for a space maybe once a month. A few of the folks I've met there since moving include a professional musician, a doctor, a writer with a new book out...
The restaurants? Not great. The bars? Pretty bad.
Is that really the entire quality-of-life issue? Seriously, the bars and restaurants in PS are pretty bad too.
Posted by: MR at August 21, 2008 3:14 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street
A lot of home buyers get financial help from family.
Posted by: MR at August 21, 2008 2:53 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street
You can also look at antique stuff at Old Good Things.
Posted by: MR at August 14, 2008 4:55 PM in response to French Doors
But you'd be homeless.
Posted by: MR at August 11, 2008 9:16 AM in response to Open House Picks
"How about the Pork Store on 5th Ave?"
Closing (sadly)
"Actually, isn't that movie theater officially in Park Slope, since it is on the Slope side of PPW?"
Actually I'd call it South Slope. Of course it's three blocks from these open houses but a very long walk from "Center Slope".
Posted by: MR at August 8, 2008 6:28 PM in response to Open House Picks
You would if you lived there. They are good things to have around.
Posted by: MR at August 8, 2008 4:35 PM in response to Open House Picks
Sam that's so weird, because last time I checked WT was actually just one subway stop past Park Slope. There is a butcher (sorry Park Slope) and a movie theater (sorry Park Slope) and both of these houses are within 2 blocks of the park (sorry 5th Ave).
Posted by: MR at August 8, 2008 4:23 PM in response to Open House Picks
I also heard 225 Windsor had multiple bids after the first open house.
10th ave seems overpriced, but I think 247 Windsor will sell for at least 1.15.
Posted by: MR at August 8, 2008 3:36 PM in response to Open House Picks
Shahbain
Alesayi
Those names aren't foreign in Brooklyn.
Posted by: MR at November 19, 2008 3:41 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales