After the recent succession of blizzards this past month, each time the weather forecast includes snow I worry. Then, on mornings like this when I wake up to sunshine streaming into the bedroom and reflecting off the light dusting of snow, I remember how beautiful the winter is.
Time for a steaming hot cup of cocoa and a cozy blanket. Happy Friday, Brooklyn!
On a recent trip to Williamsburg to see a friend’s band, we stopped off beforehand at Radegast Hall and Biergarten at Berry and North 3rd for a pre-show pint and pretzel. I’d never been to Radegast before, and I was super impressed with the airy old-world space with its giant communal tables and barn-in-the-middle-of-the-woods-y feel. Also the size of its litre beers. Whoa.
While the German beer steins were indeed the size of my head — so were the soft Bavarian pretzels with their homemade spicy mustard and pickles on the side. My friends sampled a couple of the sausages from the grill in the back to glowing reviews, and I watched in jealousy until I ordered one of my own.
My only complaint? That we had to leave for the show. I must go back in a snowstorm. With furry boots on, and hours to spare. No, really.
Though unbearable in this frigid winter weather, one of my favorite things to do is grab a camera and take myself on a walk to admire all the architectural styles we live with in Brooklyn each and every day. My appreciation has been elevated thanks to buying an old home, as I can’t help but be a nerd for ornamentation.
One of my very favorite elements found on the Brooklyn brownstone is the Acanthus, a Mediterranean plant first used in architectural ornamentation by the Ancient Greeks. Through the use of acanthus imagery can you see the influence of its historical period — and a visual key to its contemporary philosophy.
The acanthus is commonly found in Italianate and Neo-Grec architectural styles, and Montrose Morris over at Brownstoner has written some fantastic in-depth explorations of each period.
Of course for me it’s impossible to pick a favorite style, but I couldn’t help but fall in love with this humble stoop.
While much of our coverage of the Brooklyn blizzard has been focused on the south portion of the borough, there have been loads of awesome shots submitted from Williamsburg and Greenpoint today! Below, find a selection of those shots and stay warm tonight!!!
Adam Lerner trekked out in Williamsburg to capture local folks braving the streets:
Meanwhile, Karen Goheen (@iamkaren) of Two Arms Inc. sent in pictures via email from Eckford and Meserole in Greenpoint:
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And finally, Luna Park took a three-hour stroll and captured this serene shot below, amidst the city’s chaos:
