Review – Diamante’s Cigar Bar

Finally had to time to check out the new spot on S. Oxford.  I went in with a friend and relaxed while watching some football.  The place is very comfortable in an old men’s clubhouse kind of way.  The host/bartender, Dallas, was really nice and well informed on the variety of cigars they have to offer.  They have inhouse brands as well as more established brands.  They serve only beer and wine but you can bring your own bottle.  Two huge “smoke-eaters” keep the place from getting too cloudy with cigar smoke.   I could see it getting a little crowded on weekends as the place isn’t huge but overall a positive experience.  I’ll definitely be back.

Bodega Update

It’s official…  The Fort Greene Food Market has been sold.  I spoke with both the old and new owners earlier today.  Here are some of the changes we’ll see…  Higher prices, different beers, no tobacco sales, less focus on latin/hispanic products.  I don’t think we’ll see those huge mounds of bacon anymore.  They are still transitioning the store but I expect that process to be complete in the next week or so.

The new owners seem nice enough but personally I will miss the old owners and the latin vibe of the spot.  I guess they held out for quite a while.  I wish them the best.

New ownership for the Fort Greene Food Market?

Looks like the owners of my favorite (i.e. closest) bodega may be selling…  The formerly all Dominican staff is now South Asian (not sure exactly where so I’m using the broadest term I can).  Not making any kind of racial statement here…  Just stating the facts.  Prices have also gone up.  This particular bodega was always cheaper than others but now prices are comparable to Greene Farm, Fresh Garden, Lafayette Grocery (closed for renovation), etc.  I walk in to buy my normal six pack and it’s now $12 rather than $9.50.  The new guy tells me the price is the same as it’s always been…  Like I don’t know what the price has been for the last few years.  Not a good start.  At least maybe they will stay open past 9:00 now…

Props to Caffe e Vino

Photo courtesy of NYMagazine.com

While it is a little pricey for dinner, I’ve got to show love for Caffe e Vino.  It is, in my opinion, by far the best Italian in the neighborhood.  The fact that most of the staff’s first language is Italian gives you an indication of the food’s authenticity.  The service is also fantastic.  The feel is a little old school.  I’ve only been three times and the guys remember me like we’re old friends.

New venture from the owners of Smoke Joint and Peaches?

I noticed that Ben (one of the owners of Smoke Joint & Peaches) loitering in front of the former Picnic space on Dekalb.  Looks like they are looking to expand their local empire…  Does anyone know who the leasing agent for that space is?  I’m curious about the monthly rent…

Fort Greene goes big for Bill Thompson

While I had a feeling Thompson would do well in the neighborhood the NY Times block by block map is very interesting…  I would think that gentrification would have resulted in a larger turnout for Bloomberg.  The “nicest” blocks (i.e. most expensive) in the neighborhood, S. Portland and S. Oxford between Dekalb & Lafayette showed more support for Mayor Mike than other areas but as a whole Fort Greene did not support Bloomberg in his quest for a third term.

What are your thoughts on why this area supported Bill Thompson?  How did you vote in the election and why?

New Cigar Bar in the hood?

I heard of a new cigar bar at the corner or S. Oxford & Fulton in the space formerly occupied by an accountant.  I have yet to see or visit.  I’ll report back asap…

Love Your (NYC) Block Grant Program

Do you love your block?  Check out the program below…

Citizens Committee for New York City is pleased to announce a new block transformation grants program.

Awardees will receive a $500 cash grant along with expedited support from city agencies for block improvements such as cleaning up a vacant lot, replacing worn out litter baskets, removing graffiti and replacing worn out street signs. The application can be downloaded at http://www.citizensnyc.org. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2009. For more information, please contact Scott Codey at 212-822-9563 or scodey@citizensnyc.org or Alicia Rouault at 212-822-9558 or arouault@citizensnyc.org

Can the Manhattan Bridge get some love please?

On the Manhattan Bridge’s 100th Anniversary I’ve decided to re-run a post discussing my appreciation of the hardest working bridge in NYC…

While we celebrate the 125th birthday of our beloved Brooklyn Bridge can I just point out the lack of attention and respect paid to what I consider the workhorse of all the bridges into the lower part of the city, the Manhattan Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge may be prettier, but I find it to be less convenient, more prone to accidents and the city approach is always backed up due to the absolutely useless police car that’s always blocking one lane. The Manhattan Bridge is rarely backed up, has two levels supporting many lanes of traffic (which can be configured according to need) and carries four subway lines (B,D,N,Q).

It’s similar to the constant attention the Golden Gate Bridge gets compared to the Bay Bridge… Ask anyone who has lived in the Bay which bridge is more important to the daily lives of area residents… The Golden Gate is pretty but pales in comparison when measuring the utility of the bridge.

Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the Manhattan Bridge. Hopefully it will be met with the same amount of fanfare.

VOTE TODAY!!!

I know it’s just a run-off but the low turnout means your vote will actually count more than ever.  I know I’m supporting Bill DeBlasio.  Public Advocate seems to be the only office Mark Green can actually get elected to.  I didn’t see him serve as a strong counterbalance to Rudy Giuliani who seemed to punk him at will.

Still up in the air on Comptroller.  One has a better story in my eyes but the other is also a good candidate AND is in Brooklyn.  My vote may change from the primary…  We’ll see.