IgoUgo

Brooklyn Journals

Brooklyn's Best

A travel journal to Brooklyn by Stella

Quote: When most people think of New York, they think of the Big Apple. But just across the river lies one of the largest "cities" in the world- Brooklyn. This borough is home to so many greats, it would be a shame not to learn more.
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Brooklyn's Best Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
With over 25 different neighborhoods, it's hard to quote just a few "bests." Besides museums, historic houses and the Dodgers, there are restaurants, lounges, boutiques and let's not forget Prospect Park. The list goes on and on- it all depends on what you're looking for. We've got Italian, Russian, Chinese, Jewish, Irish, Arabic, Puerto Rican and African. No need to go to Disney World. We've got a small world right here in our own backyards. Quick Tips: Choose two or three neighborhoods to focus on. I've chosen five to highlight but there are many more, depending basically on what nationality or historic facts you're most interested in.Best Way To Get Around: To get between ne...Read More

Areo Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Areo's"

Quote:
Scrumptous Italian food, wine and desserts in a classy and modern atmosphere. Pink lights and frescoes decorate the walls, specials are written on large plates brought to your table, along with delicious breads and flavored butter or the essential virgin olive oil to snack on before you choose your entree. Always packed, with well-dressed regulars from Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge- especially in the summer when Areo's opens its front walls to offer outdoor seating. This is definitely the place to be seen. Valet parking is available for all the Mercedes and Vipers.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

Areo
8424 3rd Ave
Brooklyn, New York 11209
(718) 238-0079

Theresa's Restaurant Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Theresa's "

Quote:
The best Polish restaurant is just a few steps away from the Brooklyn Promenade. Blintzes, perogies and lasanka are just a few of their specialities. It is simply decorated- with a bit of a country feel to it. Outdoor seating is available in the summer. They also serve wonderful breakfasts, diner-style. Arrive with an empty stomach!

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

Theresa's Restaurant
80 Montague Street
Brooklyn, New York
(718) 797-3993

Grimaldi's Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Grimaldi's (formerly Patsy's)"

Quote:
The best thin-crust pizza in New York; Frank Sinatra used to eat here. Spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge are right down the block. Inside, you'll find photos of the rich and famous who have eaten here lining the walls. Frankie Blue Eyes songs and the red and white checked tableclothes add a real brick oven pizzeria feel.

I recommend the calzone with ricotta and sausage and the pizza with eggplant.

After, take a stroll by the River Cafe and Barge Music with view of Manhattan skyline and sound of the Hudson lapping against the pier.

A must for any real New Yorker.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

Grimaldi's
19 Old Fulton St.
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 858-4300

Gargiulo's Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Quote:
Take it from an Italian. If you want a taste of what it's like on the other side, tuck a napkin into your shirt collar and mangia! In in the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s, Coney Island's heyday, Gargiulo's was THE place for ballroom dances, weddings and family dinners. There was a huge octopus on the ceiling, indicative of the wonderful seafood- clams, mussels and crab- served. Even today, this is a great venue for special occasions- there are two party rooms for weddings or other large gatherings. Italians come from all over Brooklyn to enjoy Gargiulo's mozzarella in carozza, baked clams, swordfish, pennette pasta and for dessert, tartufo, spumoni or coconut sorbet served in a coconut shell!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 3, 2000

Gargiulo's
2911 West 15th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11224
718-266-4891

Brooklyn Museum Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Brooklyn Museum"

Quote:
The Brooklyn Museum has a strong collection of both contemporary and older art with a lot to learn about Brooklyn itself. There are often special exhibits- remember Sensation?- and programs with local schools.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11238
(718) 638-5000

Feast of Santa Rosalia Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The 18th Avenue Feast"

Quote:
In late August, 18th Avenue closes down for the Feast of Santa Rosalia. Every Italian American in the neighborhhood comes together to enjoy sausage and peppers, pizza, marzipan fruits, vegetables and seafood, baked clams, linguine with muscles, panelles (fried chick pea pattie with ricotta and parmesan cheese on a toasted bun), zeppoles (fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar), cannoli's. Numerous trattorias and an Italian band. Red bull horns, house music, chinese massages, colored mirror key chains, t-shirts that say im proud to be italian. men walking around with snake around their neck, young teenagers and families. kiddie rides, dunk man with baseball, hit weight game, KTU, a...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

Feast of Santa Rosalia
18th Ave. Btw. 68th & 75th Streets
Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

The Third Avenue Fair Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
This fair lasts one day only- usually a Sunday in mid-September. Third Avenue hosts it's own feast with no one ethnic theme but rather a little taste of everything- Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern especially. The food is great, there are at least three different bands plus tons of shops bring sale items out on the streets. It's not to be missed.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

The Third Avenue Fair
Bay Ridge
Brooklyn, New York

Adventurer's Family Entertainment Center Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Nellie Bly"

Quote:
Nellie Bly is a small amusement park right by Caesar's Bay, an outdoor shopping mall. It's no Coney Island, but the rides, animal farm, haunted and fun houses and miniature golf course make it a great alternative. Best for younger kids.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

Adventurer's Family Entertainment Center
1824 Shore Pkwy
Brooklyn, New York 11214
(718) 975 2748

Prospect Park Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Quote:
You can't mention Brooklyn without saying something about Prospect Park. It's big, beautiful and full of hidden treasures. There's a lake, an ice-skating rink, concerts and plenty of lavish space to picnic or play frisbee with your dog.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2000

Prospect Park
Eastern Parkway and Parkside Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11238
(718) 965-8951

Five Neighborhood Descriptions Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:
1. Bay Ridge- The Verrazano Bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Staten Island, is sometimes forgotten when tourists think of New York's bridges. But this bridge is not to be overlooked. This was once the longest bridge in the world and is now the backbone of a thriving community called Bay Ridge. Bay Ridge was settled by the Dutch in the 1600's- today, it is home to many Greek, Arab, Italian and Irish people. With sprawling houses and tree-lined streets, Bay Ridge has a very suburban feel to it. Along Third Avenue, there are wonderful restaurants, lounges and boutiques. You can also take a stroll along Shore Road, which offers a view of Staten Island, New Jersey, the Statue of Liberty and Manhat...Read More

About the Writer

Stella

Stella
Brooklyn, New York

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