53 Boerum

Next time you’re on the 2 train, totally riveted by an article in The Times, and think nobody is paying attention — think again. You just might be the subject of a new series of drawings by Brooklyn-based illustrator Ami Plasse. Ami, a resident of neighboring Brooklyn Heights, has been drawing on the train on and off for the past 11 years and finally began publishing his drawings on a blog — appropriately named — Ami Underground. His expressive sketches take ‘people watching’ to a new level and capture the unique mix of characters and fleeting moments that are quintessentially New York.

Ami’s talents aren’t limited to his subway sketchbook. Check out his complete portfolio of design, illustration and animation at amiplasse.com.

Who needs Hollywood? The stars are out in full force in Brooklyn these days! Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher were recently spotted filming a movie all over DUMBO. Brad and Angelina have set up shop in NYC as he films “Burn After Reading” in our very own Brooklyn Heights — one of our friends had a George Clooney sighting today on Hicks and Clark on the set of the same movie. A few weeks ago, “The Wackness” starring Ben Kingsley and Mary-Kate Olsen was filming right outside 53BP. Anybody got any star sightings and/or pics to share?

Looking for ways to beat the heat this August? Look no further than the Floating Pool, docked between Piers 4 and 5 near Furman Street at the future site of Brooklyn Bridge Park — and only about a 10-12 minute walk from 53BP. The pool, open 7 days a week, offers 1 1/2 hour sessions (but you need a wristband to get in) and can accommodate up to 175 swimmers… best of all, admission is FREE! Athletic types will love the nearby “beach” volleyball courts and recently added yoga classes sponsored by Equinox Fitness. Check it out!

This isn’t exactly breaking news, but when you hear about something that is too good to be true, you have to give it a little while to sink in. Trader Joe’s, the eclectic and upscale grocery with down-to-earth prices isn’t just moving into Brooklyn, it’s moving in two blocks away from 53Boerum!

While there has never been a shortage of excellent grocery and food options in the neighborhood: Sahadi’s, Garden of Eden, Key Food, Pacific Green Gourmet and the farmers market at Borough Hall, Trader Joe’s has been our holy grail of grocery collection for some time now.

There’s something about dining on dried blueberries and wine…

Nice little article about the ever changing offerings of Smith Street in The New York Times. - Thanks to neighbor Tina for the tip!

If you live in a metropolitan area (or you are thinking about living in one), it’s time you met walkscore.com. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. and allows for a whole lot of friendly competition between friends and co-workers.

Seems that 53 Boerum landed ourselves a 95 out of a possible 100, not too shabby!

OK, OK, I promise not every post will be about our new son. But with spring creeping up on us oh-so-quickly, I can’t help but get excited about taking the little guy to one of the great parks in our neighborhood. One of my personal favorites has always been Cobble Hill Park on Clinton and Congress… this well-kept greenspace is tucked away next to the most adorable residential street (Verandah Place), and has plenty of tables where you can often see older gentleman playing dominoes in harmony with young professionals clicking away on their laptops. There’s a small playground area, and plenty of benches on which to just sit back and enjoy the weather. It’s total perfection for a sunny spring day. What are some of your favorite parks? Any tips to share on which are family-friendly?

Today at approximately 11:15 AM a fire broke out at the condo conversion at 110 Livingston. From what we could see out our living room window, black smoke was pouring out of what appeared to be the 4th and 5th floors. FDNY and paramedics were quickly on the scene — no word yet if there were any injuries, or the cause of the fire. Stay tuned to 53boerum.com and our Flickr gallery for more birds-eye view pics coming shortly…

When my mother-in-law was visiting recently, the husband and I took a walk up to our favorite Italian restaurant in the Northern Heights, Noodle Pudding. There was the usual 45-minute wait and even a wave of my very pregnant belly couldn’t help score us a table. So we decided to try Noodle’s neighbor, Henry’s End… and we are so glad we did!

A cozy spot known for serving game during the fall and winter (we had an outstanding buffalo steak), Henry’s End also has great southern fried chicken, a wide selection of veal dishes, superb seafood, and an array of duck dishes. A delicious house salad is served to all diners, along with the obligatory bread basket. There is also the extensive and reasonably priced wine list, many of which are available by the glass. We were way too stuffed to try the dessert menu, but the choices sounded delicious!

Perhaps what most impressed us about Henry’s End was the service. The friendly waitstaff are true professionals and take pride in their restaurant. We found them to be extremely knowledgeable in recommending dishes and pairing wine and beer with the meals.

We recommend Henry’s End for a date night or going out with friends. Sorry Noodle Pudding, we have a new favorite spot in the Heights!

If you are looking for something fun to do with your kiddies, check out The Little Gym, which is coming to Brooklyn Heights on Atlantic Avenue this January. This athletic facility, located adjacent to the YMCA in the Court House apartments, is geared towards wee ones aged 4 months all the way up to 14 years! Their professionally developed, non-competitive curriculum has been designed to build motor skills while having fun, and simultaneously fostering enhanced emotional, intellectual and social skills. Programs include movement, music, gymnastics, sports, exercise, games, listening and cooperation.

Of special note is “Parents’ Survival Night” held on select Friday and Saturday evenings. Moms and Dads can leave their kids in the care of The Little Gym pros for a night off to go a movie or dinner. It is open to both Little Gym members and non-members.