Within the last two years, Franklin Street has supported the openings of three designer-driven boutiques (Dalaga, Alter, Hayden-Harnett), a bookstore (Word), a record store (Permanent Records), a furniture store (Claank), a Dominican-French restaurant (Casa Mon Amour), a cafe (Brooklyn Label), a wine store (to come), and most recently on March 15, a gallery-like boutique with a minimalist aesthetic called Jan & Aya.

Excited to examine the merchandise in person, I took the grand tour from owners, Carolyn and Kai. Jan & Aya, named for the couple's two children, features handmade objects that are well-crafted and beautifully designed. Categories include home (poufs, candles and soaps, pottery, glassware, art), child (shoes, clothing, toys), self (jewelry, tees, shoes), and come Sunday, cakes. Organic cakes from artisanal baker Sarah Magid will be available by the slice or by the cake every weekend. In the summer, customers will be able to enjoy a slice of cake on the back patio with some lemonade. That sounds great.

When asked why the couple chose Franklin Street for their first retail venture, Carolyn replied eloquently, "This is the street that is having a kind of Renaissance as far as community-based businesses. It speaks to the artist's community of Greenpoint."


Jan & Aya
99 Franklin Street
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
718.609.1404

Store hours:
Thursday-Friday 1-7pm
Saturday noon-7pm

Sunday noon-5pm

Are there plans for more shoes? According to Carolyn, there will be clogs for adults,
hand-painted clogs for kids, and come summer, flip flops of the Brazilian variety.

Set of 6 nesting bowls, $180.
Tea towels, right, by Skinny LaMinx.

The peaceful mood at Jan & Aya: fresh flowers and blossoming branches
mixed among the minimalist displays, exposed brick, white floors, vaulted ceilings,
and a sheer curtain that hints at a backyard patio space, to come.


Children's moccasins, $34; Owl, $38, both by Zid Zid


Poufs by Zid Zid, $80-$260.

Art pins by Ashley G., $3.
Carolyn found this artist on Etsy.

[an invitation for you; click to enlarge]

I am eager to share with you my photos and thoughts from my recent shopping trip to Jan & Aya. I also got a chance to interview owners, Carolyn and Kai, who have big plans for the store, and the back patio, to come. (You know how I love patios.) But I can't just yet.

The article is all done, but I submitted it to another magazine and I am waiting to hear back. In the interest of not scooping myself, I bring you the above invitation for Jan & Aya's Sweet Sundays. The next event is April 6.

Many thanks to Heather at Skinny laMinx for the referral yesterday! Heather designs these tea towels, which are available at the store. I wish I could show your readers my article. Stay tuned for more news and developments.

The sign lured me in. How could a resist a cappuccino
with heart-shaped foam saying hi to me? I couldn't.
And I'm glad I didn't.

New cafe on the block: El Beit opened earlier this month
on 158 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg

I was dazzled by the decor as soon as I walked in, particularly
the striped chairs. There is such fine attention to detail here.

Does that say 'cutting table'?? You've got my attention.

After my bag-purchasing trip to Brooklyn Industries, I passed an appealing sandwich board in front of the newest cafe on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg: El Beit. I've been eager to check out the decor of this place. And a cappuccino with heart-shaped foam was just what I was in the mood for. It will sound trite to say that as soon as I walked in, I was dazzled. But I was. The striped chairs, the minimalist space, the textures. Wow. Williamsburg is rapidly changing.

Coffee master, Dan Griffin who manages El Beit and (I don't want to say curates but) curates the coffee offerings, was kind enough to talk with me about the underlying details of the place. We discussed everything from decor to design to materials to coffee nuances. El Beit which means 'home' in Arabic and Hebrew, is owned by three brothers, one of whom, Bassam Ali currently works as a designer for Coach. The cafe tables that are stamped 'cutting table' are indeed cut from actual butcher block fabric cutting tables. Aha.

Bassam was largely responsible for the design and build-out of the space. Its centerpiece is a striking shingled coffee bar which was constructed from the facade of a barn. The shingles are oak. The surface is steel. The walls and ceiling of the cafe have been re-plastered and re-bricked to incorporate soothing curves. In fact, the flow of the entire space is pleasing. And yes, that was on purpose, Dan pointed out. The front door was relocated to be in line with the back door (also taken from the old barn), thus creating a better flow of traffic to an outdoor patio space that will be completed in the coming months.

The coffee menu is for the serious connoisseur. No super-sized 20 ounce cups dripping with peppermint syrup here. Thank goodness. On my next trip to El Beit, I will opt for a brewed-to-order cup from The Clover, a machine made in Seattle. As Dan explains, the dose, grind and brew time must be adjusted to bring out the particular flavors of each varietal. The resulting cup has a similar body to that of French press coffee. But you really have to try it. And so I will. Is it gauche to add milk? I'm not sure. Meet me for coffee!


El Beit Coffee
158 Bedford Avenue
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
718.302.1810
Wi-Fi: yes
(no Website)

El Beit to go.

The classic tulip-bulb-shaped espresso and cappuccino cups, offers Dan,
are best for experiencing the full aroma and flavor of the espresso.
Like the wine glass does for wine. Dan is the sommelier of coffee.

The curves of the exposed ductwork mirror the curves of the ceiling.
You will enjoy examining every design detail of El Beit, each
thoughtfully considered. Very architectonic indeed.

The space is used so economically. And I love the choice of seating.
B-Pop Striped Chairs and Onda Counter Stools, both from DWR.

Attention coffee connoisseurs: have you ever heard of The Clover?
(The machine is made in Seattle!)
The dose, grind, and brew time must be adjusted for each varietal.
You must try an individually brewed-to-order cup on your next trip
to El Beit. I will join you.

Yesterday may have been the symbolic end of Summer, but by my calendar, Fall does not begin until a September 23 this year. So why not make another reservation at a spectacular outdoor dining spot this week, and continue soak up the wonderful summer weather?

Gigino at Wagner Park is the spot for you. I know, because it was the spot for us on Saturday. The food is great and the location is pretty special, with a view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Make your dinner reservation for around 6:30 or 7, in time to see the glorious sunset. You will be so pleased you did.


Gigino Wagner Park
20 Battery Place
New York, NY
212.528.2228

If you are enjoying a 'vacation in the city' this Labor Day Weekend, I must suggest another great outdoor dining destination. For brunch, late lunch or dinner, Stone Street in the Financial District (two blocks from Wall Street in Lower Manhattan) offers a choice of about ten restaurants, one of which is the Swedish treat, Smorgas Chef. If you love gravlax and other cured salmon, you will love this spot. I can also heartily recommend their iced cappuccino to complement your Aquavit-and-dill-marinated gravlax served with mustard sauce and cucumber salad.

Across the narrow and charming street, there is a good-looking pizza restaurant that serves massive handmade rectangular pies in cookie trays. Take a walk to Lower Manhattan. You won't be disappointed. And don't forget to look at all the great public art!

To continue with my suggestions for your fun 'vacation in the city' this Labor Day Weekend, I submit the following: stop in to Bookmarks Rooftop Bar for a fun romantic cocktail with the one you love. Just look at this place! We are going this evening.

Bookmarks
Rooftop Lounge
14th Floor
The Library Hotel
41st Street and Madison Ave
212.204.5498

As these beautiful summer evenings dwindle to a sad symbolic close this weekend, be sure to plan a special meal en plein air at Dekk on Reade Street in Tribeca. The food, cocktails, service and atmosphere at Dekk could not be better. And the bread basket! You should abandon your Atkinsian habits for their bread basket. Believe me. The bread is a dusted-with-flour loaf like you have never tasted, and served with an olive oil doctored with olive paste that is divine.

Our first experience at Dekk was for cocktails (mine, a delicious blackberry mojito). The space was open and inviting, so we wandered in and had a great time. Our second experience was an early Sunday dinner on the outdoor patio which overlooks the tree-lined street. We sampled a little bit of everything, including the Caprese Salad with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil olive oil drizzle ($10.), a tuna tartare with avocado (around $14), and a hearty pizza with artichoke, olive paste and feta ($10).

Dekk is one of my recommendations for your 'vacation in the city' this Labor Day Weekend. Treat yourself to the sweet tastes of summer. If you are not in the Hamptons, that is.


DEKK
134 Reade Street (Hudson & Greenwich Streets)
212.941.9401

I was waiting for the B61 bus on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg one day last week when I happened to turn around. Hey that's new! Ella Cafe, located just to the left of the Bedford stop on the L train, not only serves organic coffees, teas and made-to-order smoothies, but also offers a full organic menu, starting with a whole host of nice breakfast items, including egg sandwiches, cheese omelets, steel cut oatmeal, pancakes and brioche French toast ($4.50-8.50), all the way up to lunch and dinner entrees of grilled salmon ($11.95), grilled tilapia ($10.50), duck confit salad ($11.95) and even a grass-fed rib eye ($16.95). They have great hours too, open until 11:30pm Tuesday-Sunday, and 10pm Monday. They open at 8am during the week and 9am on weekends.

On my first trip around lunchtime (2:30ish), I plan to try one of their organic soups, probably the chilled gazpacho ($4.95), and a cappuccino ($2.75). Meet me for lunch! We can sample this new spot together. I haven't stepped foot inside yet, because the bus was coming, but I did see a nice outdoor patio in the back.


Ella Cafe
177 Bedford Avenue (between N7th & N8th)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
718.218.8079
L to Bedford
WiFi: yes
Takeout: yes
Chef: Oleg Lyaskoronsky (Gramercy Tavern)
Website: ellacafe.com (but not up yet)

[image from thedekk.com]

DEKK (restaurant, bar, lounge, screening room) in Tribeca has a wonderfully soothing atmosphere that is perfect for summer. The decor elements -- white tiled walls, exposed brick, hardwood floors and oversized glass doors -- make the place seem open, breezy, spacious and no-nonsense. The menu was such pleasant surprise too. Straight-forward Italian/Meditteranean cuisine with entree prices starting at a modest $12. (in a neighborhood that is not particularly known for 'down-to-earth' or 'affordable.')

Dekk is a great place for an early evening cocktail or a leisurely summery meal. There is ample outdoor patio seating on this beautiful tree-lined street. I would recommend coming early to get your choice of seating. I will bring my camera next time so I can show you more details.

The bartender who catered to our every need has the most incredible attention to detail in making blackberry mojitos. She crafted each drink by hand with the utmost of care. I heartily recommend dropping in and soaking up the great service.


DEKK
134 Reade Street (Hudson and Greenwich Streets)
Tribeca ('triangle below Canal Street')
212.941.9401

The Maritime Hotel


Plenty of greenery in this spacious, stunning outdoor patio

Sharing a meal with someone you love at an outdoor patio you love can be transporting. If the patio is right, that is. I am a big fan of La Bottega's spacious patio, high above the street, enclosed in its own little world, and decorated so thoroughly. I love the latticework of umbrellas, trees and hanging lanterns overhead which make you feel so cozy as you dine. There is a distinct tropical mood too, adding to the fantasy of being transported to somewhere warm and relaxing.

The backdrop of this Chelsea outdoor patio is the The Maritime Hotel, designed in 1966 for the National Maritime Union by Albert C. Ledner, a New Orleans architect. It is an architectural beauty in my book.

The mood at La Bottega is ideal for lunch, brunch or dinner, and the Italian menu offers many options. Don't you want to go tonight? I do too.


La Bottega
at The Maritime Hotel
363 W 16th Street at 9th Avenue
212.242.4300

The equally-spaced lanterns echo the great wall of portals

If you find yourself in Fullerton, California, have a lovely bite to eat at Hidalgo. Located in this picturesque Spanish style building, Hidalgo is a hidden gem. A few years ago, we outside ate in the courtyard, next to gigantic rosemary bushes, growing right in the ground! (I am continually amazed to see the potted plants of the East Coast growing right in the ground, year-round in the West. That is a constant treat for me.) This time we ate indoors because it was cold, but it was still a lovely meal.

Menu highlights: Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna, Grilled Fish Tacos, Ceviche Andaluz, Mahi Poblano, and more. The restaurant is dressy and is one of the few non-chain restaurants in the Southland. A must-try.

courtyard entry

Fullerton at dusk.
Fullerton is a nice old town.
Still on a walking, human scale, uncorrupted by massive roads,
too many cars and too many strip malls and chains.

Meet me for coffee (I say that a lot), this time in the neighborhood! Champion Coffee in Greenpoint, which opened this past May, has a lovely outdoor patio in the back, complete with lots of greenery. Greenery! In Brooklyn!! (A little starved for some trees of late, I am.) The patio is a hidden gem.

We just found this lovely spot last weekend, and sampled the menu. I can strongly recommend the Iced Americano (I had mine with soy milk) and the madeleine. At $2 and 55 cents, respectively, the prices are quite nice. Both were delicious, made more so by the lovely surroundings. For winter, try the cozy tables in back and a cappucino. There is no name on the place; so look for the funny sandwich board out front. Okay, now I want to go get an Iced Americano. See you there!


Champion Coffee
1108 Manhattan Avenue (between Clay & Dupont)
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
718.383.5195
open 7-7, 7 days, that's nice



Hidden Gems is a new featured regular column for the blog. gee
To see more findings, click here.

It was a lucky thing that we took the route that we did, getting off the G train at Smith and 9th, and cutting back under the elevated subway track and over to Court Street to check out Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. Look what we found. A wonderful, beautiful hidden gem. I have never seen this place before, so it is a hidden gem! Le Petit Cafe has an extensive brunch/lunch menu including omelets, french toast, eggs florentine and fritattas, salads, and 18 varieties of panini sandwiches that are all so very affordable. The coffee is delicious too. And the garden seating in back is not to be missed. I felt like we were in Montreal. I went picture happy. Check out the photos.


Le Petit Cafe
502 Court Street
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
718.596.7060


Hidden Gems is a new featured regular column for the blog. gee

the indoor/outdoor garden

the giant tree the reaches toward the atrium ceiling is a metal sculpture

this one is a real tree

who needs your own garden when you can come to this cafe!