a brunch at Apt 138

With a curiosity to try a few new places for brunch over the weekend, we ventured into Brooklyn. Apt 138 engaged us with their $4 bloody Mary special. A bit crowded, we waited ten minutes or so for a few seats at the long wooden plank bar. The lighting is low, coupled with exposed brick and toile wall-papered walls and Edison bulbs- the crowd was dominantly hipster-types.

The bar keep appeared quite uninterested in anyone who was camping out for a drink before the table, or seeking a seat at the bar. The secret words to better service? "We'll be eating at the bar." That detail aside, she was extraordinarily passionate about the menu and specials.

For our entrees, we selected the Eggs Benny Bowl and the Steak and Eggs (chimmiccuri being the selected accent for the day).  Our dishes were clearly thoughtfully prepared, however, I prefer my Benedict in non-bowl form. The presentation and process of enjoying the dish are more pleasant. The steak was lean and surprisingly tender for a flank cut.

The reviews online are mixed and not exactly positive. I feel Apt 138 deserves a better assessment: the dishes are good, the space is cozy and they certainly have a regular set of patrons.

Moments in Our Sunday

I love Sundays. Well rested from sleeping in Saturday, revived from Friday nightlife- there is an easy flow. We wandered down the Fishbridge Dog Run with coffee from Made Fresh Daily for Pilgrim to let out his steam. He made a new friend.

Although the air had cooled a bit from the whopping Friday night high of 76 degrees, the sunshine and blue skies encouraged us to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, to seek out brunch. We stopped at a produce stand for fresh fruit and veggies for the week.

Granted there is a tremendous number of pitch-perfect brunch venues in Carroll Gardens-Cobble Hill, we couldn't resist our favored Char No. 4. We each had a few smoky bourbon Bloody Mary cocktails with house-made pickles and shared three plates (brisket hash special with sunny side up eggs, goat cheese/horseradish dressed radicchio, the pork nuggets and house-smoked bacon). A few friends showed up, noticing our post on facebook.

Before heading to the grocery store, we decided to have margaritas at Lobo. A bit excessive, I know, but we did have an active morning and long trek from Manhattan....right? We took notice of a foursquare check-in that offered a price-reduction of my drink, and 1/2 priced appetizer. We folded and requested a side of buttery-ripe guacamole.

Bastille Day Festival- Brooklyn

From the cafes, to the food-centric culture, to the mini Arc de Triomphe, it only seems appropriate that Brooklyn's Boerum Hill would host the annual Bastille Day Festival.


In preparation for the Pétanque tournament, sand is spread over Smith street. The competition is impressive with over eighty teams showing from around the world. Folks crowded in white Lillet hats with glasses of sangria and Ricard.


French food and music is also served up in the streets tightly packed with slow-moving folks.

....And the guillotine! A bit nervous to stick my head in there, I investigated the blade, to confirm it had been replaced with something non-threatening.

something about carroll gardens, a photo series

rican jesus

southern state saw

americana

pot-less

red door book think

roux roux rouge

jakewalk

lived in

deep and stroke

rosewood

fire and clouds

take cocktails at Clover Club

Tin ceilings and the circa 1892 mahogany counter (brought in from a Pennsylvania mining town) define the cocktail savvy Clover Club. The Cobble Hill spot has opened its front to the New York humidity setting in. The cocktail list is divided into nine categories to from pitchers of punch to sours, or "swizzles."

Absolutely brimming with jovial conversation, the doormen offered, "ID? I'm as old as the Ark. I was on the Ark you know." He ushered us to a hostess who located us a table immediately (a bit of a pleasant surprise as the venue was quite packed). We selected a few signature cocktails, the Sweet Heat marking my affection- jalapeno infused tequila balanced with juices.

I'd love to return to sample the menu which offers four types of deviled eggs, a bacon sampler (swoon!) and oysters in the half-shell. As well, you can select comfort foods such as Mac & Cheese or the Lamb Burger.

I highly recommend visiting the web page, turn the pages to discover the menu.


image: NY Metro Mix

designed by BK, a photo series

hands together.

well suited.

mosaic.

unsettled.

sealed.

buvez-

labels/visuals.

afternoon in carroll gardens, a photo series

lookout post: smith street.

stoop girl.

collegiate transport.

unidentified.

jesus: in a box.

residences.

vogue/exposed brick.

black mountain: for wine, for sustinence.

Last night: Vadim drove down from Connecticut to see a share that I am deeply interested in. Carroll Gardens, gorgeous- exceptional. We decided to get a light bite, and to meet up with Max, over wine. Max suggested the Black Mountain Wine House, as he had been meaning to check it out.


The lighting is wrapped in honey hues, the crowd decent, the tables wood and carved with names of friends and lovers. Max (who apparently needs adult supervision) requested: an ashtray, a lemon, a glass of water and some matches. The skeptical barkeep decided to entertain the requests. Max performed magic. Max's magic earned us free glasses of wine.


On the suggestion of the barkeep, I sipped on the Flying Vine Red. The wine is a delightful, easy blend of Cab, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Vadim and I split the Thai Curried Mussels and Max requested the Panini, which is affectionately described as, "The House Mortadelia, Hot Peppers and Polish Bacon The Hipster; Goat Cheese, Eggplant and other cool stuff!" Both dishes were on par with wine bar expectations and quite wonderful in their balance of spice and variety.


Black Mountain is a gorgeous little spot. It's ideal for sinking into pillows, low light and conversation. The service proved to have a decent mix of attention, and anticipation of desires. The food plates are varied, curious and $10 each. I'll return. I'm interested in trying the Pitch Cabernet (Walla Walla, 2004) which is currently a featured bottle.