Hurts So Good (Reflexology at Ocean Spa)

My foot-rub room with music, good smells, sanitized and HOT towels, and a little friend on the wall. *

Hoof it on down to Ocean Spa on 8th Avenue and 49th Street for a pretty darn excellent foot rub.  I was torn between a Swedish massage and a reflexology treatment, and ultimately I chose my feet over my back because I didn't feel like stripping and I had a finite amount of time and money to spend.

I had a two-year-old SpaFinder gift certificate for $50 that I wanted to spend in the neighborhood.  I know Home Spa in Carroll Gardens takes them, and O Spa in Bay Ridge takes them, but I wanted to stay close and I wanted to keep the funds in Sunset Park.  After a quick search on the internet, I found that Ocean Spa is the only Sunset Park spa that takes SpaFinder gift certificates!  Decision made.

8th Avenue Provides Affordable Cuts and Rubs

The last time I got my hair cut, with a guy named Sam who works out of a nail salon on 8th and 41st, we were in the throes of winter.  Last week, I figured it was about time I neatened up the 'do, and since Sam's price is right ($20), I headed over to the salon hoping he'd be able to take me right away.  No go, so I decided to walk along 8th until I found a place that was relatively empty (not too difficult at 10:20 AM on a weekday).  The first place I found seemed appropriate for someone about to turn 40.

C'mon. Venus and Cool in the same place?  You know I had to go here to live the fantasy, if only for an hour.  Besides, it said women's hair was $15 and up, so I knew it was for me.   (That price is pretty standard for 8th Avenue, but I can only vouch for this place as not being a "bait and switch" for longer/thicker hair.)

Anyway, they whisked me in and settled in to one of those amazing hair-wash-scalp-massages that Chinese run salons do.  This one was amazing.  Not only did I get my scalp scrubbed, but she also massaged my shoulders and arms and back for a minute or so.  That alone was worth the $18 I shelled out for the cut.  Really.

The stylist didn't speak much English, so the receptionist/head scrubber translated.  He was shocked when I showed him how much I wanted chopped off (I mean, if I only go once a year...), so he wanted to double-check.  It was a basic, quick, clean cut.  He seemed to know what he was doing, but I never get anything that you could call a style, so I guess I'm a bad judge/test case. 

He was also shocked (and double-checked with the translator) that I didn't want my hair blown straight.  It just looks foolish on me; it's even more foolish than the Rosanne Roseannadanna look I get when a hair dryer comes near me.  I reassured him that five minutes in the wind and damp weather would calm  the wild, poofy look he so feared.  I was charged $18 plus tips for him and the head scrubber.  It may have ended up being a $20 charge had he needed the time to blow it straight.  (It took 45 minutes on my hair last time I allowed it.)

An aside to parents:  A woman came in with her one year old, and she held him on her lap while they cut and colored her hair.  She explained to me that a babysitter is too expensive, so she had to bring him.  I guess their color must be pretty cheap, too.  Anyway, the salon was totally fine with it, and if your kid can sit in a stroller while you get your hair done, it's a way to save on the babysitting.  Of course, this was on a weekday in the AM.  I wouldn't suggest it for afternoons or weekends.

Sunset Park's Chinatown Has the Best Chinese Food Outside of China

Seriously. It's not my amateurish, naive opinion. It was printed in The Brooklyn Eagle, and it's Andrew Coe, a full-fledged, published author, who said it:

from the article:

So where can one go for the real stuff? Coe fully contends that the best Chinese food he’s had outside of China can be found in Brooklyn’s own Sunset Park. He particularly recommends the dim sum at Pacificana (813 55th St. at 8th Ave.), soups at Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles (5924 8th Ave.), Cantonese dinner at Lucky Eight (5204 8th Ave.), and spicy cold rice noodles at Yun Nan Snacks (775 49th St.)

I'm currently reading Andrew Coe's Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese food in the United States (thanks to Eat It: The Brooklyn Food Blog), and so far it's very informative and entertaining. As any parent of young children knows, a book that can be read in a months-long string of ten minute chunklets is a gift. This one manages to be that book without feeling too fluffy or simple.

So anyway, this Andrew Coe thinks that Sunset's Chinese food is the best anywhere outside of China. Yay! Click on the Brooklyn Eagle link above to find out what his favorite meal in Sunset Park's Chinatown is.

Dollar Vans On and Around 8th Avenue

photo from The Brooklyn Ink's Stefanos Chen

Sunset Park Chronicled and The Brooklyn Ink have articles about the commuter vans that help many Sunset Park residents travel between Brooklyn and Manhattan Chinatowns. Check them out.

The "Monstrosity" on 42nd and 8th

A few days ago one of the SPAN-mailing list members posted a question asking what was going on at 7th Avenue and 42nd - actually, the questioner called it a monstrosity.. The reference was actually to a building on the corner of 8th Avenue and 42nd - 4202 8th Avenue, to be exact. It also takes up two house addresses on 42nd, but the 8th Avenue address probably allowed for the 7 level building plans to be approved. You can see this building from the back here.

This building site has had many complaints, several which specifically mention neighbors' buildings having wall and flooding issues due to demolition and construction. There have also been a couple of SWOs issues over the last year. But now construction seems to be humming along on this 7 level apartment building.

Sorry about the bad photos. Between my camera and the lighting, they pretty much stink. You can read and see more about this site on Sunset Park Matters, a blog specifically about the irresponsible development going on around 11220 and 11232.

Prosperity is in Sight

First Duane Reade and now this! Prosperity Dumpling is opening up a Brooklyn shop down the street from the park. 43rd and 8th will now have cheap, fresh, carry-it-with-you-to-watch-the-sunset food. According to Eating in Translation, it should be open by the end of August.

Thanks to Leah for sending this my way!

Another Missing Dog

What's up with all the lost/missing dogs lately? Is someone holding them for ransom, or are people just getting careless? This dog, missing from 20th Street since August 3rd, is named Maya and needs medication. The dog's humans are reaching far and wide; this sign was on 8th Avenue in the 50's.

What You See in Sunset Park: Bargain DVDs

It caught my eye, what can I say? And for $1 (the sticker says $2.99), you just might get your money's worth. 8th Avenue has lots of deals.

Another 25 cent Kiddie Ride on 8th Avenue

This ride ends quite suddenly, but it's well worth the 25 cents. Be warned, the burro jerks a bit, so younger toddlers may need some support.

It's on 8th Avenue and 47th (or 46th?) - just outside the old Galaxy Video that is now a new-ish electronics store.

Cheap Eats: Dumplings and 5th Avenue

Two suggestions from various sources for weekend chow:

1. TimeOutNY has a list of the "Best Cheap Dumplings in NYC" and Sunset's Wong Wong Noodle Shop is first on the list. Here's what they had to say about it:

Wong Wong Noodle Shop
While the whap-whap of hand-pulled wheat noodles dominates this soup shack, the place also fashions fat little purses of pork and scallions that dribble meaty juices with each bite ($3 for 12). 5410 Eighth Ave at 54th St, Sunset Park, Brooklyn (718-633-5633).

Love the use of onomatopoeia, and I wish they made dumplings with just scallions and cabbage. But there are plenty of places on 8th where you can buy dumplings (veggie or otherwise) for 4 for a dollar or so. Several places that look like they don't sell anything (just a white booth with a see-through window) actually sell delicious stuff to take home a cook. It's inexpensive and usually quite good. Enjoy.

2. How did I miss this? Brokelyn also points out that this Sunday will be a 5th Avenue walking delight:

Sunday from 11 to 6, the Sunset Park BID is turning Fifth Avenue from 44th to 52nd Street into a pedestrian zone, which is great by us because that is a great drag for cheap stuff. Your starting point: a $5.45 Dominican breakfast at the International Restaurant, across the street from Sunset Park at 4408 5th Ave. between 44th & 45th Streets. Or grab a mango pastry from La Gran Via, a few blocks south at 4516 Fifth Ave. Either way, you’ll have to walk to Bay Ridge to work off the calories. http://www.brokelyn.com/brokelyn-approved-weekend-events-2/

Bakery Etiquette in Sunset Park

With all the delicious and affordable treats (some call them lunch) around Sunset Park, no one should have to miss out due to not knowing how to partake properly. Many bakeries are your basic walk-in, point or ask, receive and pay, walk-out and enjoy types of shops. However, others, like Don Paco and Dragon Bay have different ways of getting you your fix.

Many bakeries on 4th and 5th Avenues have a stack of trays and tongs by the door. Grab one of each and head to the racks and racks of pink, yellow, crunchy delights that you see inside. Fill your tray with what you want (even if it's just one cookie), and then head to the cashier. You can order a nice cafe con leche (or whatever) to dunk the treats into. (thanks to veesvision for the photos above!)


Things are a little different on 8th Avenue. While places like Blue Sky have the cakes and buns behind a counter, others have displays out in the seating area and they are guarded by workers who will do the take care of putting what you want on a tray for you. It often takes some pointing and head shaking if you want a particular roll or bun, but you eventually get what you want. This way, only one person is handling the food - not a bad idea. They are quick, too. I've only waited in a line a couple of times, and that was around lunch-time.

Of course, if no one is standing by the display, use the method described above. In some cases, if you move in slow-motion, a worker will run out and apologize while taking the tray from your hands and finishing up your order.

Either way, it's the best 50 cents to a dollar you could spend on the Avenues. Happy eating!

Fancy Wall Toppers for New Construction

The new construction on 44th Street, close to 8th is shaping up to be everything I hoped. Recently, four fancy decorative elements were added to the penthouse terrace. The planters will be filled to overflowing with fragrant blooms, I'm sure. Check out the shiny marble-esque-ness of the pair of balls the building sports below. I can't wait to see what the balconies look like!

What You See in Sunset Park: Spitzer/Paterson

Before the headiness of call girls and loss of governors and senate silliness, there was the simple refrain: Day One Everything Changes. Change can often be good, but change is always painful. I think the condition of this bumper sticker found on a magazine box on 8th Avenue sums up the last year or so nicely. Thanks to my friend John for spotting this on the way home from Pacificana. (It was delightful, even on a Sunday morning.)

Walking Tour of Chinatown - Today at 2 PM

Thanks, Brownstoner.

Walking Tour of Sunset Park

Join curator Andy Urban and tour guide Dave Madden for an informative walk through Brooklyn's Chinatown. The walk is in conjunction with the exhibit, "Living and Learning: Chinese Immigration, Restriction & Community in Brooklyn, 1850 to Present."
Saturday, June 27. 2-4 p.m. Free. Meet at 36th Street and 4th Avenue (SE corner near entrance to 36th St subway station).

My Kind of Cheap Eats

It's not for everyone, I know, but if you like fresh tofu, stop by the shop on 8th Avenue and 51st Street. For $1 you get a container of fresh tofu with or without some honey to add. It's yummy either way. She keeps it in the rice cooker on right side. You can also get a small bag of pre-fried tofu (five large pieces for a dollar) that is scrumptious dipped in carrot-ginger dressing. Take a peek at some of the other items they have displayed while you're at it. Let me know what else is good.

What You See in Sunset Park: Rainy Day Antidote

Thanks to Lauren Jaded for adding this to the Best View in Brooklyn Photo Pool. It makes what's outside seem a tiny bit closer to summer.

What You See in Sunset Park: Alligator Hands

It's obscene, really. And it certainly isn't something you expect to see on the sidewalk. At least I don't expect to see it, but I did. They look strangely human, but that's the vegetarian in me talking, I'm sure. For $3.99 a pound you can take a claw from an alligator home with you.

What You See in Sunset Park: 8th Avenue Goods

mintyfreshflavor added this to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool. It's a great photo of some of the items we see while traipsing up and down 8th Avenue. I just wish it came with translation. Can anyone help out?

If you want to share your photographs of Sunset Park, join the BViB photo pool and add them!

Dim Sum Suggestion: 8th Avenue Seafood

Dim Sum!, originally uploaded by mysteryship.

from the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool on flickr comes this lovely photo of congee and dim sum. Thanks to mysteryship's photostream. If you have cool Sunset Park photos, join in!

8th Avenue Seafood is on 8th between 44th and 45th.

If you're interested in more than dim sum at 8th Avenue Seafood, check out this link to a description of a full-on meal, including a melon-flavored fish made of jelly.

New Noodle House: Mei Wei Shabu Shabu

Here's the way to open a restaurant in the middle of a recession: Offer appetizers for 75cents to $3.50, and offer entrees for $3.50 to $12. On the same block as Mai Thai, and with the same boards and tin roof look, Mei Wei Shabu Shabu has opened on 8th Avenue and 46th Street.

If flower bouquets are any indication, they will do quite well. The one thing I'm confused about is that the menu says they are open from 5 PM to 2 AM, yet they were open at Noon just yesterday. Below is a sampling from the take-out menu.

Fried Taro Cake: .75
Tom Yam Soup: .75
Fried Fish Balls: $1.50
Fish Tofu: $1.75
Beef Tendon Balls: $1.75
Boneless Duck Feet: $3.75
Sliced Pork or Chicken: $4.00
Scallop: $4.00
Spare Ribs with Noodle Soup: $4.50
Crab with Chinese New Year Cake: $5.75
Clam Chow Rice Noodle: $5.75
Beef Shabu Shabu: $9.95
Clam and Shrimp Shabu Shabu: $10.95
Beef Tripe and Pig Intestine Combo: $10.95
Seafood Shabu Shabu: $11.95