iphone: the new spy camera?

September 29th, 2010 | Posted by Jill in dumbo | iphone | tips and tricks - (1 Comments)

One of my absolute favorite new cameras to use these days is the one I carry around with me everywhere I go: the iPhone 4. As I posted earlier this summer in advance of its launch, the new iPhone’s features are awesome: a bigger backlit sensor, the upgrade to 5MP, 720p HD video and more.

What I didn’t anticipate is how easy it is to use on the sly — no one suspects anything, and you can use the reverse-photo functionality to shoot behind you (or around a wall, haha). Though it still has a way to go to become even faster and clearer, I’m loving it!

walk to the subway

walk to the subway - manhattan bridgewalk to the subway - bike

walk to the subwaywalk to the subway - pedro's

walk to the subway

weekend brunch at thistle hill tavern

September 27th, 2010 | Posted by Jill in drink | food | park slope | south slope - (4 Comments)

thistle hill tavernI never used to be a brunch person. In fact, I used to raise a judgmental eyebrow at friends who raved about their newest spot, which always sounded to me like a flimsy excuse for booze before noon. But little by little, I’ve grown to love the leisurely weekend meals that I used to think were so indulgent, mostly because there are so many wonderful spots to try here in Brooklyn!

This weekend, we decided to check out Thistle Hill Tavern, a four-month-old South Slope eatery run by two ‘inoteca alums and Fat Mike from punk band NOFX. Chef Rebecca Weitzman, who lives in Prospect Heights and has a pedigree that includes work with Bobby Flay, creates her menus “centered around locally sourced seasonal produce, dairy and meat, and sustainable seafood.”

Nestled into the former space of The Olive Vine at 7th Avenue and 15th Street, Thistle Hill’s owners have transformed it into a cozy space with ample outdoor seating at a number of cherry red bistro tables. (so cute!) Inside, vintage photographs and framed antique medallions play off the dark wood and rustic details. The small bar at the back is filled to the brim with obscure bottles and offers only a handful of stool seats.


thistle hill tavern thistle hill tavern
thistle hill tavern

Certainly, Chef Weitzman’s dishes didn’t disappoint. We started off with a generous helping of pickled veggies, including cauliflower, beets, jalapenos and more. The bloody mary came garnished with the same, served in a huge pint glass.

thistle hill tavernthistle hill tavern

Next up: for me, a delicious BLT served on grilled multi-grain bread with an avocado mayonnaise and lovely thick-cut fries with sweet homemade ketchup. Zach opted for a more traditional breakfast with a single sunny side up egg on top of a thick pancake and generous side of peppery Heritage Acres bacon. Even as we dug into our entrees, we definitely had a moment of diner envy when our server brought out a frittata to the table over. Yum.

thistle hill tavernthistle hill tavern
thistle hill tavern

Overall, service at Thistle Hill was attentive and the food was good. Definitely a solid addition to the neighborhood and a safe bet for a tasty brunch! So… who else has tried this spot? What recommendations do you have at Thistle Hill or elsewhere in the ‘hood?

dumbo arts festival this weekend!

September 24th, 2010 | Posted by Jill in dumbo | events - (0 Comments)

Last night, several of us from the blog joined hundreds of Brooklynites in celebrating the “Capture Brooklyn” gallery opening at the powerHouse Arena in DUMBO, shown below. The opening was a smashing success, and it was really great to see so much wonderful work showcasing our fair borough’s neighborhoods from so many talented local artists!

Capture Brooklyn Opening ReceptionPowerHouse "Capture Brooklyn" Opening Reception

This gallery opening helped to kick off the Dumbo Arts Festival which is now in full swing.

Planning to check it out out this weekend? Download this map, print off this official TimeOut New York guide, and scope out this calendar of events before you head out! Hope to see you there!

dreamy reflections along the canal

September 23rd, 2010 | Posted by Matt in gowanus | night - (1 Comments)

I never get sick of shooting Gowanus at night. The long exposures required not only make for dreamy and reflective photos but also provide the photographer time to be dreamy and reflective. As I stand out on any of the bridges in Gowanus, trying to keep my camera still in the summer breeze, I have plenty of time to think.

Reflections on Gowanus

There is a never ending supply of interesting and thought provoking street art in Gowanus. I find photographing these pieces especially interesting because much like many things in the city, they are constantly changing, evolving, and disappearing. New tags go up on old ones, layers of paste-ups cover up the shreds of other pulled down pieces, and the city comes and paints it all over.

Shepard Fairey on Union Street

To think of the amount of hard work and risk that goes into creating and hanging this stuff, all the time knowing that they could very easily be covered up the next day. To me, photographing street art is not a matter of simply capturing the art but also the surroundings that provide the canvas.

Gowanus ASVP