your new digs. your new hood.

Approximately 55% of the condos at Warehouse Eleven are currently under contract, just 7 weeks after it’s re-release to the market.  The massive 120 unit Williamsburg Condo Building on North 11th Street first landed on the condo scene in 2009, however after a very turbulent run, w11 had to close it’s doors to restructure it’s marketing plan and slash prices.  With new pricing some condos are selling for as low as $515 per square foot, so it is no surprise that all units are expected to be in contract within the next 8-12 weeks.  The Karl Fisher designed structure captures the essence of a modern industrial loft-like property and boasts Andres Escobar & Associate designed condos that are equipped with top of the line appliances and dark wood flooring.  If you are looking for a northside special take a peak at warehouse eleven during one of the Sunday open houses.

If you spend the remainder of the afternoon perusing the northside I suggest paying a visit to the hands down best, absolutely delicious, beautifully decorated Argentinian locale coined El Almacen(the general store).  The boutique style restaurant, located on Driggs avenue by the corner of N7th Street, is decorated with dangling pots & pans hanging from the original tin ceiling, mismatched chairs, soft lighting from antique hanging lamps, wooden tables, and detailed old world wallpaper.  Upon it’s inception, El Almacen offered BYOB dinners, however they now serve brunch, lunch, dinner, and showcase a fine selection of Argentinian wines.  The menu offers a range of shares such as mouth watering avocado fries,  cotija encrusted corn, a selection of ceviche, tacos, and meat and cheese plates.  A few of my favorite entrees include the Costilla De Res(mate braised short ribs with boniato puree & red pepper sauce), Green tomatillo salsa Enchiladas, and 14oz Rib Eye Churrasco.  The food is truly delicious and the decor emits a cozy, warm feeling.  It would be nice if there was just a LITTLE more space, as it is hard not to bump shoulders when attempting to head to the bathroom or ATM(cash only).  While the waitresses are a mixed bag of sweethearts, and rude snobs, I have eaten at El Almacen 5 times as it has become one of my regular ‘go to’s’.

El Almacen - 557 Driggs Avenue  (718)218-7284

As New York gets pounded with snow for the fourth time in 4 months it can be comforting to fantasize about hopefully warm April weather…mmmmm.  When spring rolls out again visit one of Williamsburg’s best rooftops for delicious food and drink at Juliette.  The attractive French inspired brasserie is located in the heart of Williamsburg by the corner of North 5th Street and Bedford Avenue, just 2 blocks from the Bedford L train platform.  During spring, summer, and fall months the sliding glass doors of the sizzling locale are usually spread wide open, allowing patrons sitting at the antique circa 1930s bar to enjoy a fresh breeze while sipping on a scotch or properly mixed cocktail.  A daily happy hour from 4-8pm features inexpensive Hors D’oeurves ideal for any foodie looking to kick back after a long day on the job.  While Juliette may not serve the authentic French workingman’s fare that one might expect would sensibly accompany the decor, the menu does showcase some classic dishes such as Escargots Maison, Moules Frites, French Onion Soup Gratinee, Steak Au Poivre, and of course…perfectly torched Creme Brulee.  If you desire some greens before your entree I suggest the Butter Lettuce Salad, which is dressed with a white balsamic and chive dressing that may remind you of a trip to the south of France…if you have been.  The seared Cape Cod Squid w/baby frisee, watermelon, avocado and spicy dressing is equally as delicious.  Owners Thierry Rochard and Alexandra Drozd have successfully created an eatery that is worth multiple visits.

Juliette - 135 N 5th Street   (718)388-9222 - www.juliettewilliamsburg.com

305 McGuinness has released it’s final 5 available Greenpoint lofts for rent.  The duplex and triplex units boast over 1,270sqft of living space, ideal for any artists or musicians looking for live & work space.  Each unit features condo quality finishes and massive floor to ceiling double pane windows, which will be upgraded with remote controlled custom designed blinds.  Although the remaining lofts are located on street level, the list prices are more then reasonable at $2,900, for a 3 bedroom triplex, and $2,535, for a 2 bedroom duplex.  305 McGuinness amenities include a heated parking garage(numbered spots for a fee), fitness center, 2nd floor deck, and roof deck with outstanding views of the Manhattan skyline.  While McGuinness Blvd is not the most ideal strip in Greenpoint, a 1 block walk down India Street will get you to the Greenpoint G train on Manhattan Avenue, and all of the restaurants, shops, and locales found in the heart of Greenpoint.  BTW there is access to the Greenpoint G train on the corner of India and Manhattan(the team at google seemed to miss this fact as is reflected on google maps).

GO TO Brooklyn Star found at 33 Havemeyer Street by the Bedford L train stop for some of Brooklyn’s best comfort food.  The petite restaurant is hidden between 2 residencies far off of the beat & path.  I first discovered the locale about 4 weeks ago while in route to a meeting and at first glance was not visually attracted to the restaurant.  Upon paying my first visit to Brooklyn Star I became immediately addicted to the carefully and intelligently prepared delicious food, which includes tasty Dr. Pepper Ribs, fried Pig Tails, mouth watering Biscuits and Cornbread(w/without Jalapeno & bacon), Mac n’ Cheese, BBQ Catfish, and my favorite…Bacon Wrapped Trout.  I could go on and on about the menu as everything is cooked to perfection in a 100 year old wood burning brick oven.  Owner Joaquin Baca has more then just a little experience opening successful restaurants…you may have heard of Momofuku & Ssam Bar?  Brooklyn Star also serves brunch…yum.  Very very unfortunately a fire recently broke out at 33 Havemeyer and some damage was sustained to the space…so they will be temporarily closed.  So sad.  This locale is a ‘must visit’ for anyone who loves southern comfort food.  Check it out when they reopen.

Brooklyn Star - 33 Havemeyer St (718)599-9899 -  www.thebrooklynstar.com

I recently walked through the mid-rise located on the corner of India Street and Franklin avenue in search of a Greenpoint rental for my roommate and I.  At first glance I was mesmerized by the scenery and height of the building as there are very few properties with such impressive views in the Greenpoint and Williamsburg area.  Many properties that advertise floor to ceiling windows fail to deliver, however this new rental project actually boasts windows that stretch all the way down to the very edge of the floors.  These Greenpoint condo rentals are clearly not to be seen by anyone with fear of height, obviously.  Each floor offers 2 units with direct elevator access to spacious living rooms and kitchens.  Balconies off of each living room and master bedroom boast plenty of space and great views.  I almost fell in love with the units until I pealed my eyes away from the Manhattan skyline and looked carefully at the finishes.  The flooring that the developer chose is mediocre and resembles cheap mid-tone wood flooring found in many common 2 to 5 family dwellings.  The kitchen counter tops are tiled, sinks look like old school tubs, and cabinetry looks unfinished.  What really killed the deal for me was the terribly designed bathrooms with handicap bars surrounding the toilet.  Everything in the bathroom looks like……excuse my french…crap….I mean it is almost embarrassing.  Some attractive features included an in-unit trash chute found in a very large storage closet, central a/c, laundry in the basement.   Interestingly enough, as 4 to 5 days flew by the property slowly moved up our list of available options until it became our #1 choice.  All we can now remember are the phenomenal views and unit floor plan, where both bedrooms are located on opposite ends of the 1,000+ sqft 2 bedrooms.  For around $2,800 a month these units are a fair deal.

For $3,250 a 1 bedroom Williamsburg loft rental in a prewar building better have a brand new bathroom and kitchen with top appliances.  This particular loft located 3 blocks from the Lorimer L train is a 4 floor walk up without any amenities and is priced far above market value.  The space is quiet large at around 1,250 square feet and boasts refinished flooring, track lighting, and a real separate bedroom, unlike most listed ‘1 bedroom’ lofts, however the list price is still high as compared to nearby new monster buildings located just around the corner, where new 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condos rent at an average of $3,000.  If and when the list price eventually does drop, it will most likely be negotiated further south to somewhere around $2,800.  The property is located south of Union Avenue near the corner of Ainslie Street by the area overwhelmed by construction.

Most mornings I wake up, walk across the avenue from my Bedford Ave apartment, and grab a mocha or cappuccino at El Beit, pronounced ‘L-Buy-eat’.  The petite locale offers some of the best lattes offered in the Williamsburg area as well as a selection of simple fare such as brie, basil, and pesto on baguette, muffins, and rolls.  The Brazilian coffee bean that is used to brew their coffee is absolutely delicious and gives off a wonderful aroma.  Free internet and a cozy backyard make the coffee shop ideal for anyone looking to sip some coffee while reading a book or surfing the net.  The owner of the shop wasn’t always in the coffee business.  On the contrary, he grew up in Lebanon and worked beside his father making wallets in a large factory.  Not to long after arriving in the states he landed a job designing for Coach and recently decided to branch out.  Some other notable coffee destination are Blackbird Parlour, on Bedford Ave and North 5th Street, and Bakeri on Wythe Ave and N8th St.

Sitting beside Williamsburg Condo waterfront monstrosities, Northside Piers and the Edge, you will find the truly unique gut renovated structure coined 184 Kent.  The loft inspired Williamsburg condo rental building offers spacious 1, 2, & 3 bedroom homes located close to the Bedford L Train stop, just 1 stop outside of Manhattan.  The developer added some exceptional features to the property including a massive 2 level fitness center with large windows overlooking the east river,  rooftop barbecue, indoor parking with car wash . . . did I say indoor car wash . . . why yes I did . . . gigantic garden that can almost be called a park, 24hr doorman, and much much much more.  The property was first erected in 1915 and housed Austin, Nichols & Company, owners of Wild Turkey Bourbon.  The renovated warehouse, which was once a cultural center for artists who moved to Williamsburg in the 90’s,  is a historic landmark, as registered by the National Register of Historic Places.  I previewed the property a few weeks ago and must admit that the property definitely lives up to the hype.  I am excited to see the finished product, as of course none of the amenities such as lobby, gym, etc, have been completed.  1 bedrooms are priced at an average of $2,200 with 2 bedrooms averaging $3,200.  There are some 3 bedroom units available as well, and brand new penthouse condos in the new 2 level structure that sits on top of the 1915 build.  Much of the original detailing such as vaulted ceiling and beams can be seen in most units.  Although the finishes are indeed quite nice, I wish the developer chose nicer kitchen appliances and selected a better overall design for both the kitchen and bathrooms.  Regardless of the numerous self proclaimed critics that will find much fault in the property, 184 Kent is an outstanding rental building not to be overlooked.  Of course if you are an individual who treats renting apartments as a million dollar investment you may want to steer clear of this property, possibly Williamburg & Brooklyn all together.  For all others do not miss walking through 184 Kent.

Few new Williamsburg Condo Rental developments reach 50% occupancy on the first day of available showing as the Suzanne has, renting five of ten available units on the grand opening.  The 6 floor failed condo project hit the market as condo rentals on Saturday the 16th and have been renting at an impressive pace.  The low rise is located near the corner of Devoe Street and Union Avenue, just 2 blocks from the Lorimer L train stop, and half a block from a number of cluttered new rental projects, including 385 Union Condominiums and 65 Ainslie, which both offer tons of amenities,  balconies, and nice finishes.  The Suzanne is in direct competition with the large buildings and seems to be more attractive to many renters, or so the speed of moving product would suggest.  The luxury condos offer quality finishes, including Bosch kitchen appliances, installed stacked washer/dryers, balconies, tastefully designed bathrooms, balconies, and more.  Elevator, roof deck, and parking are some additional features not always found in new developments.  At first glance I was not a huge fan of the property or few windows found in many units, as the floor to ceiling glass windows found in nearby competitor’s condos are very appealing, however after carefully looking through multiple units the clean lines and tasteful modern finishes stood out, as did the list price and terms.  For roughly $2,550, No Fee, and only 1st months rent and security deposit needed for move in, a 2 bedroom is a good bargain.  Add free heat, hot water, gas, and in-unit laundry, and I would move in tomorrow if a 2 bedroom was available.  Currently there are a few 1 bedrooms and a penthouse left for all of you browsers.

This 1.5 Bedroom Williamsburg apartment rental is located literally 50 feet from the Graham L Train access located on the corner of Metrolpolitan and Graham Avenue.  The truly charming apartment boasts exposed brick in every room and original REAL tin ceiling.  Brand new flooring, new paint, and renovated kitchen make this apartment a sweet find.  My lease is up in April, otherwise this rental would be a serious contender for my next move.  The location is perfect as Rosemary Farm produce, C-Town, and laundromat are all within a 1 minute walk.  The apartment is located on the 3rd floor(top) which is ideal as the only neighbor is directly beneath the unit and street noise is barely noticeable.

On the corner of Devoe Street and Graham Avenue(just 1.5 blocks from the rental) is plotted one of Brooklyn’s best reviewed Pizza locales named Motorino.  Opened in 2008 by Belgian owner Mathieu Palombino, Motorino has become widely known as one of the best locations to get gourmet pizza in all of New York City.  Upon my first visit to the ‘Must Go To Location’ I was happily surprised by the pleasant decor and courteous service.  Decorative tin ceiling, dark hardwood floor, and marble top tables perfectly fit the pizzeria.  The variety of personal sized Neapolitan pizzas are absolutely delicious and feature fresh buffalo mozzarella, tasty red sauce, and an amazing crust that has a crispy, yet puffy and lite, chewy consistency, possibly similar to good fried dough…..um not sure about the comparison but it is all I can think of at the moment.  Clearly Mathieu Palombino and his pizza makers technique and attention to quality, coupled with top ingredients, make pizza the perfect food.  My favorite pie is the Spicy Soppressata which is made up of fresh tomato, fior di latte, fresh chillies, garlic, and spicy soppressata.  I highly recommend visiting Motorino.  I give it a 5 out of 5.