Friday, December 22, 2017

Tourist at Home: Dumbo, Brooklyn Gets Even More Chic


dumbo brooklyn, brooklyn bridge park
Dumbo view, Brooklyn Bridge Park

One of my most elegant friends just sold her penthouse apartment in Dumbo. She feel the area has lost its neighborhood feel, and is constantly overrun by tourists. As someone who lives just a few miles away, I can see her point. On the other hand, Dumbo feels more and more fun.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a lovely place to run. I trained here both both NYC marathons, and the bathrooms and water fountains were much appreciated. Although there is a bike path, it as bricked parts to slow you down, plus masses of people walking in front of you, so I tend to avoid riding here.
dumbo brooklyn, brooklyn bridge park
Empire Stores; Cecconi's on the left

The Brooklyn Historical Society opened a branch in a renovated warehouse. Last summer, it was free on Friday evenings. The upscale Cecconi's, an Italian restaurant with branches in Istanbul, London, Berlin, and West Hollywood, has outdoor tables overlooking the park and a huge space with plenty of room around the tables. My in-laws complain about cramped NYC restaurants; they would love this.

Expensive, but priceless view

cauliflower at Cecconi's in Dumbo, Brooklun
Whole cauliflower
They won't love the prices; we couldn't find a decent bottle of wine for under $70. The food is also pretty pricey, but it is quite delicious.

In fact, the vegetarian entree of a whole cauliflower, cooked in the wood fired oven, was a bargain $15 (shh). It was covered in almond aioli, and served in dramatic fashion, with a steak knife plunged in the heart.

We also had a lovely burrata pizza, with wild mushrooms but no bresaola; yummy, but expensive at $25. I couldn't bring myself to get the $26 pizza with black truffle, zucchini blossoms and goat cheese.
dumbo brooklyn, brooklyn bridge park
Pizza with burrata

Truffle was also being shaved onto a pasta special, and the entire restaurant was heady with the aroma.

The kale salad and butter lettuce salads were fine, though not that interesting.

I would definitely go back for the bargain happy hour, with lower priced cocktails and snacks from 4-7.

More to come

Another branch of the private club Soho House is opening soon in the complex. Dumbo has truly arrived.

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