Eating in Translation Takes On The NYT

If you've never checked out the food blog Eating in Translation, do it now. The author, Dave Cook, has been a frequent visitor to Sunset Park's food havens. The blog's wide range of food types in price, geography, and culture makes it a worthy read for anyone. A recent trip by the author to Sunset Park is highlighted in Wednesday's New York Times article about street vendors.

Sunset Park Salads - local, easy, yummy

One month of summer down, one to go. Cooking in heat and humidity has GOT to be one of the deeper levels of Hell, don't you think? Luckily, The New York Times recently had "101 Simple Salads for the Season" from The Minimalist. It appealed to me on many levels: little heating up my steambox of an apartment, buying greens at the up the block Chinese market (baby bok choy for two at 68 cents), it makes me feel healthy, and it utilizes my greatest culinary skill - easy assembling of food.

So, I took a few minutes and gleaned the recipes that I thought were most appropriate to what we can purchase from the local Chinese and Mexican/Latin American food stores around Sunset Park. From pre-fried tofu cubes to chipotle and jicama, we have it here. I only included the numbers of many recipes, so take the time to click through and check them out. (Numbers 9, 15, 17, 41, 69, 86. 87, 89)

See the complete list for the more meat-centric salads; I didn't choose any because I wouldn't eat them. I left the numbers on the salads to help you navigate the entire article. Enjoy, and let me know how they came out!

from the article:

6. Sichuan slaw: Toss bean sprouts, shredded carrots and celery, minced fresh chili, soy sauce, sesame oil and a bit of sugar. Top with chopped peanuts and chopped basil, mint and/or cilantro. (The full trio is best.)

8. Chop or slice radishes (or jicama, or the ever-surprising kohlrabi) and combine with chopped or sliced unripe (i.e., still crunchy) mango, lime juice and mint or cilantro.

11. Chop and steam baby or grown-up bok choy until crisp-tender, then shock it in ice water. Drain, then toss with halved cherry tomatoes, capers, olive oil and lemon juice.

39. Yucatecan street food as salad: Roast fresh corn kernels in a pan with a little oil; toss with cayenne or minced chilis, lime juice and a little queso fresco. Cherry tomatoes are optional.

84. Spring rolls, unrolled: One at a time, soften a few sheets of rice paper in warm water. Drain, pat dry, cut into strips and toss with chopped cucumber, grated carrots, chopped cilantro, bean sprouts, chili flakes and chopped roasted peanuts. Dress with toasted sesame oil, fish sauce or soy sauce, and rice vinegar or lime juice. A few shrimp are a nice addition.

100. Mash a canned chipotle with some of its adobo and stir with olive oil and lime juice. Toss with drained canned hominy, fresh corn cut from the cob (or drained pinto beans), cilantro and green onions.

New York Times Chimes in on Re-Zoning

It's a lukewarm but balanced article about some of the concerns and plans regarding the re-zoning proposal. The second public hearing is tomorrow, 1 PM at OLPH's auditorium (6th Avenue between 59th and 60th streets).

New York Times on Bob Guskind and the Future of Gowanus Lounge

* This isn't directly related to Sunset Park, and it's unusual in that it's more editorial than observation. So walk on by if that's not your thing. *

Today's New York Times has a short article pondering what will happen to Gowanus Lounge now that Bob Guskind is not around to plunge into the topics that generate joy and disgust and fear and hope across Brooklyn. I don't know about you all, but Gowanus Lounge was a bit of an addiction for me. It still is, even though new items haven't been posted since the obituary his close friends created as a post. I used to check in during the morning, and then back twice in the afternoon, baby's nap-willing. I always knew that there would be something new up since I last checked.

In the article, different people comment on whether or not Gowanus Lounge should be kept up. That is, whether other contributors could or should continue what Bob Guskind started - without his active input. I have to differ with one of the contributors when she said that new posts would be "pushing Bob's work down." While his work wouldn't be the "newest" postings (and thus not at the "top" of the page), his influence on bloggers across the borough has been so strong that anyone who helped GL to continue couldn't help but reflect some of Bob Guskind's work.

I think that if a small group of people close to RG, or one very motivated person, were to serve as publisher, Gowanus Lounge could continue in the same manner and form. There would be a lot missing; Guskind's passion for Coney Island and his biting commentary on irresponsible development have been echoed, but few have been able to match his in-depth and detailed "analysis" of the events closest to his heart.

Featuring the fun items like the "Street Couch Series" and videos from around Brooklyn could continue. Linking to various other sites that have compelling or just plain strange (or goofy) items could continue. Focus on development (and destruction) in Brooklyn could continue. Hopefully the passing of the Gowanus Lounge founder won't mean the death of something that meant so much to him. Hopefully it will mean that others who relied on Gowanus Lounge for information will be inspired to go out and find it, and then share it themselves. How great would it be if more people got involved in their neighborhoods, Community Boards, community councils, and so on? Imagine, something to talk about other than rents and square footage.

I think that would be a fitting legacy from someone who was intensely vigilant where Brooklyn's well-being was concerned.

Weekend Reading about Sunset Park

Since the weather outside is frightful, here's some weekend reading about our fair locale and its inhabitants. Enjoy.

From the Columbia School of Journalism: An article (maybe more of an essay) about a Sunset Park gang member from the 70's and 80's. He's grown-up a lot. Read "Nono's Journey" at The Brooklyn Ink.

From The New York Times archive: An article detailing the shooting of a little girl as she walked by Sunset Park...in 1903! Or, read about the park itself, described in glowing terms in the 19th Century. Yes, the 19th Century! (To read the entire articles, you will need to download a PDF file.)

Ellis Bar and Eurotrip get Reviewed by the Big Guns

It's quite the week for eating and drinking establishments in what real estate types still insist on calling South Slope (are we really calling it SoSlo?). Ellis Bar is reviewed by The Village Voice, and Eurotrip is reviewed by The New York Times.

Devoting three paragraphs to the dangerous delights and impressive history of Ellis' fry bread, The Village Voice's review of Ellis Bar is appreciative, if confused. The Voice's reviewer was disappointed in the rattlesnake and catfish, but thrilled with the homemade pepper jelly, meatloaf, and (most of) the drinks.

See my neighbor Vanessa's reaction to her meal at Ellis Bar here. She liked the rattlesnake better than The Voice did.

The Times gives Eurotrip a slightly condescending review, that likes the gooey, fried Edam cheese and the Slavik halusky (potatoes, bacon, cheese...), but calls the wine selection a "heartfelt attempt" (can't you picture the pat on the head?) to represent central Europe. The reader is encouraged to stick to the beer and stay away from the wine. "All is forgiven" the reviewer says, if you choose the hot Berlin cider to finish up your meal. It does sound good, but for $8, I'll heat up my own cider, thanks. Perhaps there is a smaller, cheaper version available?

One More Reason to Visit Green-Wood Cemetery

The New York Times had an article about Green-Wood's art collection. There is a slide show of various works, and information about how the collection began. Check it out here.

The cut below is from the NYT slide show: an example of the well-known Green-Wood Tiffany windows.

NYT Highlights Sunset in Places to Eat on Marathon Day

Thanks to an observant NYT reader and neighbor! Check out the link to a few places to try out if you're planning on watching the marathon along 4th Avenue. Three eateries in Sunset Park were mentioned. None of them ON 4th Avenue (Sorry Eclipse!), and two of them are a good distance from 4th Avenue. Still, if it encourages people to stray farther into Sunset, why not.

Numbers 4, 5, and 6 on the list are in Sunset: Thanh Da I on 60th and 7th Avenue is good for soups and apple milkshakes, Yun Nan Flavour Snack on 49th and 8th Avenue also has soups for a blustery day. El Tesoro on 40th and 5th Avenue has its seafood fried rice mentioned as well as its cinnamon hot milk. (It's good!)

If you want something more sit-down, 5th Avenue and 4th Avenue are chock-full of choices. The new Lechonera on the corner of 5th and 46th (?) has loads of options, Tacos Matamoros, Tacos Nuevo Mexico, Tacos Xochimilco, and Maria's will satisfy Mexican cravings. What's the name of the place off of 4th Avenue and up a few steps on 45th? Great quesadillas! Johnny's up in the 50's will take care of comfort food needs, and there are loads of other options to check out. I'm sure the carts will be plentiful as well. If you want sweets, check out Generoso's or La Gran Via. Good stuff.

Fun Friday Mentions Involving Sunset Park

The New York Times included 23rd Street in Sunset Park for a positive event! Let's hear it for murals.

The Brooklyn Paper highlights The Mumbles, a Sunset Park-based band (even though they are performing in Williamsburg).

New York Times Article and Slideshow Feature Sunset Park's Pool

While the article dwells mainly on the major diving-fest and pool shut-down of a few weeks ago, the photos show a beautiful, not-very-crowded pool with appreciative kids (some breaking the No Diving rule). I'm sure they'll love that they were photographed being naughty. ;)

Here the link: NYT pool article

It's About Time: 46th Street "can't sell 'em" Condos turn Rental

I may be a little behind on this, but I haven't gone up 46th Street for a while. But anyway, The New York Times Real Estate listing finally has the weird, skinny-looking layout condos on 46th between 5th and 6th Avenues listed as rentals. For just $2100, you can rent a two bedroom/two bath "condo wannabe" in trendy Sunset Park. Just up the block from La Salsa de Hoy, you can enjoy a common roof deck and separate bathrooms from your roommate(s) or loved ones. Pets are allowed. They really, really want to get some money back from this building.

Make sure you get a two-year lease, however. The duplex apartments, and one smaller apartment, are still listed for sale. They run from $514K to $529K plus condo fees. Check out the largest unit here.

Sunset Park Claims a Climber

Honestly, the coolest thing about the whole NYT climb yesterday is this photo taken by Nicholas W. Skyles, who works at the New York Times building. I'm not a big fan of people who risk their own lives and the safety of others to bring attention to a cause. I know, I know. We're supposed to love risk-takers and admire their cojones and all that. Well, I don't. In fact, I wouldn't even bother mentioning it except that the second guy was from....you guessed it....Sunset Park! He's in Bellevue now, but usually he lays his brave old bod right in our neighborhood.

You can read all about it in the NYT version of the story. Now, Malaria No More is a worthy cause. No one would dare dispute that. And bringing attention to Global Warming is important as well. But it's not as though either of these issues is obscure or neglected. I mean, Malaria No More even has Jordin Sparks singing to our current fearless leader in its name. Not only did Idol Gives Back contribute to it, but ExxonMobil is a partner as well. Yeah, this organization really needs help. Bring it home, Reynaldo. Check out Neighbors Helping Neighbors or the Center for Family Life. I'm sure you can think of some interesting stunt to bring attention to these worthy organizations as well.

Anyway, of course the second climber, who reached the top despite some wiggles and wobbles, was from Sunset Park. I wonder if he lives around 18th Street? Or would Park Slope want to claim him then?

NYT Rundown of the New Ferry Service

This article is much more direct and clear regarding the ferry service that will stop at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. The ferry service will run twice in the AM and twice in the PM. It leaves the Rockaways (Riis Landing) at 5:45 AM and 7:45 AM, and it leaves Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan at 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. It will be $6 each way. It's not cheap, but it's comparable to an express bus. Will there be muffins in the morning and cocktails in the afternoon?

Two Very Different Op-Eds in today's NYT

Both want action from New Yorkers. The first one bestows the right to anger upon New Yorkers. Since I'm so self-absorbed, I always think of New Yorkers as those who reside within the confines of New York City. However, my guess is that the editorial board meant all of us who reside in NYS. Either way, we should be angry! Misuse of sex, money, and influence is rampant in our State Government!

It sounds like we need to call the efficient ladies at Sunset Park's Si Se Puede Women's Cooperative to give Albany a good scrub down. The editorial suggests finding decent candidates and supporting them. Read it in their words here. Pretty idealistic for the NYT pages; I guess the good weather lately has softened up the editors.

The second editorial that asks for your action is less seemingly insurmountable, but also demands dedication, either from your wallet or your vacation. It's about the Fresh Air Fund, which helps low-income urban kids experience rural or just out-of-city life for a couple of weeks during the summer. I've known a couple of kids who went through the program, and they RAVE about it. All this posturing about how "cool" and "tough" NYC kids really are falls apart when they are faced with jumping into a freezing lake or camping without a car or bathroom in sight. Especially for the kids that can experience this many years in a row, it's a life-altering experience. Universally (at least from my minor sample), the kids still want to live in the City, but they learn that "the country" is not all about hayseeds and manure (although that can factor in). Here's the site directly to the Fresh Air Fund.