As the weather warms, it’s time to get out and explore what’s new in Park Slope this season. If you have something you would like to share, send it along to us.
Edible Brooklyn: The Cookbook
Edited by Rachel Wharton
According to foodies, Brooklyn has been hailed as the new frontier for chefs. Without the borders imposed by Manhattan and with growing competition, Brooklyn chefs have found that creativity and passion endear them to the locals. A number of remarkable cookbooks have come out in the past year devoted to our favorite borough. My issue with these predecessors is that while they do include recipes from local chefs and restaurateurs, the recipes included are so complicated it seems that they’re really intended to get people into the restaurants themselves. Edible Brooklyn: The Cookbook follows the format of featuring and focusing on local restaurants and food sources, but the difference is that the real focus is on the recipes themselves. It is a true cookbook. The recipes are uncomplicated, using easily sourced ingredients and a few steps. The photos that accompany them are nothing short of mouth-watering. Edible Brooklyn: The Cookbook has really found the perfect balance of neighborhood guide and cookbook. The stories behind each establishment are compelling, but not overwhelming, highlighting the uniqueness of the borough while underlining the importance of the food itself.
Video Kid Brooklyn
In this digital age, video devices are not only affordable but are also extremely user-friendly. Whereas a generation ago even making home movies involved carrying a heavy VHS camera and home editing suites were cost-prohibitive to most, the new era has ushered in the ability to make films and shorts from your computer. Kids have a unique eye and panache for creativity, Video Kid taps into this ability by offering video production classes for children ages 5-12. This film school offers production classes focusing on the basics and fundamentals, teaching skills in a way that children understand. Students are able to put these skills to work in a real-world way, by creating their own video shorts. To view class projects, learn about classes and sign up for the summer season, visit www.videokidbrooklyn.com
Brooklyn Skillshare
One of the amazing things about living in Brooklyn is that no matter how obscure your hobby or interest may be, you are bound to find other people who share your interest. Brooklyn Skillshare offers an open opportunity to hone your skills and learn more. Classes are taught by people within the community who possess a passion and knowledge that they would like to pass on to others. They are also free (unless noted otherwise on their site) and cover a diverse set of topics: Making Homemade Baby Food, How To Plan And Enjoy A Multi-Day Bike Trip, How To Make Smart-Ass Robots, and Producing A Documentary From Scratch, are just a sampling. If you have a skill you would like to share, there is an open call for teachers. Classes are held throughout the season and the Tea Lounge hosts Skillshare Night on the first Tuesday of every month. For a list of upcoming classes, visit www.brooklynskillshare.org
Green-wood Cemetery
It’s just a couple of quick stops away on the F-train and offers a plethora of borough history. Not only is it a beautiful place for a stroll and some quiet peaceful reflection, but throughout the season, the cemetery hosts a number of events and tours. Learn more about history during the RMS Titanic and Green-wood: 100 Years Later Trolley Tour; learn more about the indigenous flora and fauna with their mulch (bring your own bag) and Azaleas & Dogwood Trolley Tour and bird-watching walking tour; the Green-wood’s Great Women Walking Tour focuses on the historical highlights of the cemetery. Join in for a night of music at the chapel, or create your own walking tour as you amble along the serene 478 acres of hills and valleys that overlook Manhattan. Founded in 1838 as on the America’s first rural cemeteries, the location gained historic landmark status in 2006. Some of its more famous residents include Leonard Bernstein, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Boss Tweed. Green-wood Cemetery is located at 500 25th Street. Admission is free, with additional fees for tours and events. For directions and a full list of all the events and tours, go to www.green-wood.com
Moral Eyes
Inspired by the success of TOMs Shoes, Joe Sachs embarked on his own accessory company that benefits those in need. Park Slope-based Moral Eyes offers affordable reading glasses and sun readers in a wide range of styles. They are fun, fashionable and practical. Like the shoe company, whenever a pair of Moral Eyes glasses is purchased, the company donates a pair of glasses to someone in need. In addition to this initiative, Moral Eyes has also partnered with the non-profit organization New Eyes for the Needy setting up locations where old frames can be donated and recycled. Recycling locations can be found throughout Brooklyn. Locally, you can try on a selection of the Moral Eyes reading glasses at the Community Bookstore (143 Seventh Avenue). You can learn more about Moral Eyes on their website, www.moraleyes.com
