Bridge to somewhere

Diverse and popular, Brooklyn uses its size to embrace millions

September 12, 2010|Bella English, Globe Staff

(Page 4 of 4)

Walking back to her apartment, we stop in at Staubitz Market, established in 1917. The owner, John McFadden, says it’s the oldest butcher shop in New York. This used to be a tough Italian neighborhood, he says, so tough that he had to go by his mother’s maiden name, Nicholetti.

When did it change? I ask. “When your children started coming into this neighborhood,’’ he replies. “Now, it’s organic meats, grass-fed meats, everything has to be nitrate-free.’’ Tony Soprano would not feel at home here, though Meadow might.

For dinner we stroll down Smith Street, the area’s restaurant row, with all kinds of cuisines. There are patios out front, beer gardens out back, and full-length windows that open onto the sidewalks. We decide on Bino, an Italian place named after the owner’s cat. We’re hooked from the complimentary artichoke bruschetta. The street scene feels more casual than in hurried Manhattan, with people talking on sidewalks or stoops.

The next morning we take Katy to brunch at Bacchus on Atlantic Avenue, and sit in the spacious garden. Then it’s time for us to leave. We’ve loved our bite of Brooklyn and may stay here on our next trip to New York.

As we drive back over the bridge, I glimpse yet another great Brooklyn attraction: the stellar view of Manhattan.

Bella English can be reached at english@globe.com.

READER COMMENTS »

View reader comments » Comment on this story »