cherrypatter nyc
and great ideas for what to do too!
interview: laura nuter at grab specialty foods
started by owner laura nuter in 2007, grab is a great little specialty food store in the south slope with a great beer selection. when i used to work nearby, i often would come to grab during the day for one of their most delicious sandwiches made with some of their fancy meats and cheeses. that was a treat. the shop also carries plenty of treats, oils, vinegars as well as fresh bread. laura’s background was in sales and software, and now she loves being the best possible shop keeper. below are her suggestions for eating and shopping in new york, and she seems to split her time between soho and park slope — not a bad way to live. thanks so much laura!
shops:
top places for clothes and shoes?
broadway in soho for sneakers; many places in and around nolita/soho for clothes.
house gifts?
moma design store (soho) depends on the person really, that’s why i like it, there’s something interesting and fun for everyone.
stationery?
lion in the sun in park slope and kate’s paperie in soho.
flowers?
local bodega on 7th and garfield in park slope in the fall and winter, and grand army farmer’s market in the spring and summer.
wedding presents?
citibank at the corner of 7th and president in park slope.
something fun for you?
kitchen stuff from broadway panhandler in the village (i’m a nerd).
favorite place to go in the neighborhood?
prospect park.
food:
favorite date night restaurant?
market table on carmine.
with friends?
fette sau for a good ol’ beer/pork fest! bar toto during the week for a “toto burger” and drinks…love all the iron work.
for drinks?
my house on the stoop (i make pretty good margarita’s, cosmos, bloody mary’s-or so i hear); clover club on smith street; flatiron lounge
favorite dish for dinner?
braised short ribs at al di la in park slope.
best dessert?
il laboratorio del gelato’s coconut/dark chocolate in a cup-plain and simple! (orchard street).
brunch?
stone park cafe in brooklyn. i never make it to the city for brunch since i’m almost always slinging cheese on sunday’s.
favorite neighborhood spot?
this could get me in trouble….perhaps i tell you about my “new” favorite spot which is fonda two doors down. great mexican cuisine with wonderful ambiance and owners.
best coffee? best pastry/bakery? best prepared foods
for coffee; almondine (in dumbo and now in park slope) for their pain au chocolate; i almost never eat prepared foods…but love rachel’s tacqueria on 7th avenue if i find myself in a pinch.
craving?
i *highly* recommend the chihuahua (bacon wrapped hotdog) from crif dogs in the east village and a side of their most perfect tater-tots.