Meet Miranda, NYSOM’s content marketing director. She has lived in many Brooklyn neighborhoods over the years, from Williamsburg to Park Slope to her current home in Cobble Hill. She loves Brooklyn for its quaint atmosphere, terrific restaurants and friendly neighbors. (The plethora of french bulldogs doesn’t hurt, either.)
Miranda at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Step inside Miranda’s Brooklyn to understand her New York state of mind.
The best resources for learning about Brooklyn:
Brokelyn,
New York Times,
NYSOM.
Your go-to locale for…
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Coffee: A latte (iced or hot) from Cafe Pedlar on Court Street in Cobble Hill.
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A sandwich: Salmon Burger (that counts as a sandwich, right?) from Bar Tabac on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens.
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A night out with friends: 61 Local, a low-key bar in Cobble Hill. There are comedy nights, CSA pick-ups, New York beers and great, artisanal bar food. The best dish? Honey ricotta toast drizzled with pistachio dust. Or the After School Special, an almond butter and strawberry jam sandwich served with apple slices (pair it with a pint of beer and your childlike sandwich is age-appropriate).
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Date night: Lucali’s, on a quiet street in Carroll Gardens. I’m confident in saying it is the BEST pizza place in all of NYC. There is dim-lighting, an open kitchen and a very active brick oven. There’s no menu and it's BYOB, so bring your favorite bottle and order pizza with an assortment of the daily toppings. A bonus? You just might spot the world's most perfect couple: Beyonce and Jay-Z. It doesn't get more romantic than that.
Cocktails at Henry Public.
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A glass of wine or cocktail: Henry Public, an old-timey bar with GREAT cocktails and quintessential hipster waiters (think waxed mustaches, suspenders and names like Sebastian). Order the Wide Awake, Eagle’s Dream or the Beecher's Tonic — or ask the bartender to serve up something not on the menu.
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Dessert: Ice cream from Blue Marble. Flavors change daily, but my top picks are Strawberry and Ginger. The ice cream is thick, rich and made from local ingredients.
The hotel you always book or recommend to friends, and why:
Air B&B. Lodge like you actually live in Brooklyn, and search for a vacancy in Cobble Hill or Carroll Gardens. You’ll have access to a number of great restaurants and parks — and you'll be a mere 15-min subway ride to Manhattan (to the northwest) or Prospect Park (to the southeast).
The ONE thing visitors must see or do, and why:
Sunset from Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Take a sunset stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade then walk down the Squibb Bridge to
Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is always something going on and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Your favorite hidden (or not so anymore) gem, and why:
I have two:
- PS Coffee and Tea in Park Slope. It's a hole-in-the-wall tea shop with the best selection of loose-leaf brews imaginable. Try the Relax Tea if you’re into chamomile blends, it does what the name says — and just might put you to sleep.
Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie.
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Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies in Red Hook. They are located on the waterfront in a super inconspicuous locale near the Fairway supermarket and they make authentic, delicious key lime pies. You can order them in a mini/individual size (some are served on a stick AND dipped in chocolate), or a regular pie size.
Number of hours or days required in town for the "full" experience:
A full weekend, at least.
The town is great for what type of visitor:
- RECREATE (the adventure-seekers and fitness gurus)
- EPICURATE (the foodie)
The town is best explored by:
Foot or Bike.
The town is best explored in:
Autumn, Summer, Spring.
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