your new digs. your new hood.

This petite mid-rise, named Soleil, sits by the corner of South 1st & Havemeyer Street in one of my favorite Williamsburg locations.  The 11 story building looks like a finger sticking above all surrounding property.  In 2009 Soleil units were released as condos for sale, but after some deliberation the owners decided to rent the property until the sales market becomes more profitable.  Each floor features direct elevator access to an East or West facing 1 bedroom condos that feature multiple balconies and floor to ceiling glass allowing for spectacular views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline.  The units have been tastefully designed and the layouts, which are all identical, maximize space.  The Grand Street & Havemeyer intersection is 1 block away where many quality restaurants and shops are plotted.  Some notable locales are Lodge, Bozu, Walter Foods, Fiore, NYC Bikes, M-Shanghai, etc.

The above local favorite can be found just past Billy’s C-Town on South 1st.  Rye serves delicious cocktails and quality New American Cuisine; Menu designed by Chef Cal Elliott(Dressler & Dumont).  The charming restaurant teeters between cocktail lounge and fine restaurant, not unlike Walter Foods on Grand Street & Roebling.  Some of my favorite menu items include a mouth watering Endive & Pear Salad, Braised Short Rib sandwich, Berkshire Pork Belly, Pancetta Wrapped Monkfish, and Baked Mac & Cheese.  Service at Rye is excellent and the decor is simple and charming.  If you are going to the locale for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night I suggest showing up a bit early, unless if you don’t mind waiting for a bit and enjoying cocktails before your meal.

Rye - 247 South 1st Street (718)218-8047 - www.ryerestaurant.com