It may come as a surprise but yes, there is a day recognizing one of our favorite caffeinated beverages.
In 2014, the International Coffee Organization declared October 1st as International Coffee Day, with National Coffee Day being celebrated two days earlier on September 29th. Both days give coffee lovers an occasion to celebrate their favorite beverage, which just so happens to be the most consumed drink in the world, as well as a great way to learn more about this ancient drink.
With a very long history, the start of coffee can be traced back to around 700 AD. As time progressed, so did coffee itself, receiving more attention and eventually progressing into the drink it is today. These days the caffeinated beverage is regarded as one of the greatest crops. It’s safe to say, coffee lovers have been enjoying their favorite “Cup O’ Joe” for a very long time!
If you are an avid coffee drinker, then you know what it feels like to smell the aroma of a freshly brewed pot. Day in and day out people all over the world wake up anticipating that first sip. Whether you need that first cup the moment you wake up, to get the day started, or even to help you make it through the day, there are so many ways to enjoy all of the different kinds of blends.
Did you know….
Nowadays, there are many different kinds of coffee to choose from. Whether you enjoy a latte, a cappuccino, an espresso, or maybe an Americano, the different blends, strengths, and flavors provide coffee lovers with an array of options.
With National Coffee Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate than to try a a new coffee inspired recipe, a new flavor, or even a completely different brew than you normally drink.
Along with the larger coffee chains, there are many wonderful local coffee shops where you can grab your favorite brew. Brooklyn is filled with endless choices so ask around, check out your neighbored, or do a search online to discover some of the borough’s popular spots and hidden gems. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a few local shops to help you celebrate the day.
Sey Coffee – Located in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, the cafe offers coffee lovers a unique experience. With it’s bright and airy atmosphere, this contemporary micro roastery serves a variety of the most dynamic and complex coffee selections. 18 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Brooklyn Perk – Serving up peace, love, and unity along with their coffee, this local coffee shop, located in the Prospect Lefferts-Gardens section of Brooklyn offers cool vibes and a wide assortment of caffeinated beverages to choose from, along with a selection of sweet treats. 605 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Cup of Joe Coffee Co. – This vintage-inspired boutique coffee shop offers its customers the feel of a neighborhood cafe with the convenience of a quick service shop. Here you’ll find only the highest quality beans that are freshly roasted to perfection. 7407 5th Avenue, Brooklyn,NY 11209
Social House Cafe – This Williamsburg cafe offers not only an array of different coffees (the beans are imported directly from Italy) but their fall lattes, which include Nutella, lavender, and white chocolate, are the talk of the neighborhood. Along with your coffee, you can pick up a delicious French pastry or take a seat and enjoy a dish from their brunch menu. 60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Pep Bakehouse and Coffee Shop – With four locations within Brooklyn, Pep Bakehouse and Coffee Shop is a true artisan bakery, serving up fresh croissants and pastries daily using only fresh, local, and natural ingredients. And when it comes to their coffees, they work with the best Italian and Columbian manufacturers. From the wide assortment of baked goods, chances are you won’t be leaving empty-handed.
To help celebrate this caffeinated holiday, the Brooklyn MLS has teamed up with some local coffee businesses in bringing you some of the finest roasts. From September 29th – October 1st, we’ll be giving away one coffee basket per day. Participants will have the chance to win one of the following three:
To enter, follow the Brooklyn MLS on Instagram and Facebook. Like our post, comment, tag a friend or two (more tags = more entries). Share the post to your Instagram story for extra entries!
However and wherever you choose to celebrate, Happy National Coffee Day!
As we head out of winter and into lighter, brighter, and a bit warmer days, just about everyone is ready to step outside and breathe a little of that fresh spring air. This time of year always brings with it a renewed sense of excitement, along with a desire to get outside and enjoy the beautiful afternoons that become more frequent.
While thinking about all of the things you’d like to see and do, there’s no better place to look then in your own backyard, figuratively speaking of course. The borough of Brooklyn has so much to offer its residents and tourists alike. From 30 miles of shoreline, to the parks, boardwalks, shops, eateries, cultural institutions, and even the tree-lined streets, there is lots to see and do right here at home.
For anyone who loves learning about the history of our country, Brooklyn and its origins will keep you reading for hours upon end. Not only is the borough steeped in history, but each neighborhood has a story to tell.
Brooklyn is comprised of approximately 66 neighborhoods, each unique in its own way. Our neighborhood spotlight shines a light on four of the many areas Brooklyn has to offer.
Marine Park
Located on the western most inlet of Jamaica Bay, Marine Park is situated around Gerritson Creek, a freshwater stream that once extended about twice as far inland as it does today. In exploring the neighborhood, be sure to check out one of the oldest homes, the Hendrick I. Lott House, located on East 36th Street.
Built in 1720, the home is now a historic landmark and in the 18th century George Washington made a stop for several days on the land nearby.
The star of the neighborhood is the park which bares the same name. Marine Park is one of the largest parks and boasts 798-acres of land that stretches from Shore Parkway to Avenue U and offers its visitors a plethora of things to do. There are several miles of nature trails, a baseball diamond, cricket fields, tennis, basketball, and bocce courts along with several playgrounds to explore. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can paddle a kayak out on Jamaica Bay.
When it comes to places to eat, there is no shortage of choices in this neighborhood (or any in the borough for that matter). On your next visit to Marine Park, check out some of the following places:
Milk and Honey Cafe – Serving up a variety of brunch/lunch options, Milk and Honey cafe also features a fun take on outside seating with their heated Cinderella Carriage pod. Reservations for the carriage are a must!….1119 Newkirk Avenue
The Waffle Box – Home of the “Best Rotisserie chicken and waffles,” this local eatery is serving up comfort food with a Caribbean flare. Salads, milkshakes, and ice cream cones are just some of the delicious offerings you’ll find on the menu….1682 Flatbush Avenue
Randazzo’s Clam Bar – Calling all fish lovers!!! A neighborhood staple for over 50 years, the history of how Randazzo’s Clam bar came to be dates back nearly a century. The family has been a part of the seafood business since the 1920’s and since then each generation continues to carry it on. An old school vibe that is causal and comfortable is just one of the many reasons diners keep coming back for seconds, and thirds….2017 Emmons Avenue
Park Slope
Located within the area once known as South Brooklyn, the Park Slope neighborhood was mostly farms and woods until the 19th century. Today, historic buildings still remain and it is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the borough. Top-rated restaurants, bars, shops, organic food markets, the Brooklyn museum, and the Conservatory of Music can all be found when exploring the area.
Along with great food and shops, you’ll also find picturesque sidewalks and a neighborhood that emits a small-town vibe; it feels a lot more suburban than some of the other Brooklyn neighborhoods. The tree lined streets are home to beautiful co-ops and brownstones which add to its charm. It truly is “laid back living” here in Park Slope.
A highlight to the area is Prospect Park, the Central Park of Brooklyn. Due to its vast size, the park is situated between multiple neighborhoods. It spans approximately 526 acres of land and contains dozens of monuments and statues of notable figures.
The park officially opened in 1867 and it was during the American Revolutionary War it was the site of the Battle of Long Island (aka the Battle of Brooklyn).
After a visit to the park, check out some of the local eateries the neighborhood has to offer:
Union Hall – This 5,000 square foot facility is a bar, restaurant, and live music and comedy venue all rolled into one. Union Hall was originally a warehouse and now offers a cozy indoor atmosphere, along with two indoor bocce courts, a stately library, and a downstairs bar with music and comedy along with outdoor garden seating….702 Union Street
Bogota Latin Bistro – Dubbed one of the hottest Latin restaurants in the borough, this popular bistro has been serving up delicious Columbian cuisine since 2005. Along with some of their most popular drinks, margaritas and mojitos, are the signature dishes which include many kinds of Empanadas and Arepas….141 Fifth Avenue
V Spot – This Latin vegan restaurant serves up a selection of Latin comfort food based off of owners Danny and his brother Alex’s Columbian roots. A third partner/friend has helped the brothers to develop the business even further. With a loyal following of customers, the V Spot restaurant is the only one of its kind in the neighborhood….156 Fifth Avenue
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach, often referred to as “Little Odessa,” a Ukrainian city on the Black Sea, is located within the greater Coney Island area.
Before being developed, the land consisted mostly of farms, but in 1868, a man named William A. Engelman purchased several hundred acres of beachfront property and named it “Brighton Beach.” Several years later, he built the Hotel Brighton, a 19th century resort for the NYC elite, along with a racetrack and bungalow colonies.
Although they are no longer in existence, their history lives on through photos which can be found along the neighborhood’s historic boardwalk. A few blocks from Brighton Beach Avenue you’ll find a few bungalows still remain.
When strolling through this waterfront area, be sure to check out some of the following restaurants:
Cafe Volna – Over 30 years in business, this local restaurant has been serving authentic Russian/Ukrainian dishes that will remind locals off their hometown. Situated on the boardwalk, it offers up a spectacular view while dining….3145 Brighton 4th Street
Tatiana & Tatiana Grill – Two authentic restaurants, both offering up spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean right from the boardwalk. The menu consists of a combination of Russian, French, and Mediterranean dishes. Whether dining at the restaurant or grill, patrons can expect an authentic meal.
Williamsburg
One of the borough’s most exciting and trendiest neighborhoods, Williamsburg has been loved by artists, musicians, and creatives for quite a long time, especially since rents at one time were low.
Since the mid 90’s and the gentrification of this once working-class area, Williamsburg has become one of the city’s most desirable places to reside, especially for young adults.
Along with the trendy bars and restaurants you’ll find in Williamsburg, there are also many great experiences the area has to offer. As you explore, check out the following:
Williamsburg Bridge – Named after Colonel Jonathan Williams, the grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin (also where the neighborhood received its name), the bridge is more than just a connection to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, it’s also a popular spot for people to either walk or ride their bicycle. From the Brooklyn side it offers a great view of the city.
The bridge first opened in 1903 to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carriages before being able to handle both cars and trains. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge and was also regarded as one of the ugliest bridges. Its popularity is more so due to its size and usefulness than beauty.
Domino Park – Named after the original Domino sugar factory, this 6-acre public park, which debuted the summer of 2018 is situated along the East River. The refinery dates back to 1856 and was once the largest and most productive sugar refinery in the world, producing four million pounds of sugar daily in its heyday.
The site was also central to the growth of area surrounding Williamsburg, to the industrialization of the Brooklyn waterfront, and to the rise of New York City as a global economic powerhouse.
Today, visitors to the park can enjoy things like the elevated walkways, the sugar refinery playground, and the splash pad, along with grabbing a bite to eat at Tacocina, an outdoor taqueria. With sprawling views of the Manhattan skyline and Williamsburg Bridge, the taco stand offers a small menu of tacos, apps, and drinks.
Now that the weather’s getting nicer, you just might want to head on out and do some exploring!
Celebrated yearly, Black History Month is a time to learn and understand Black history and culture while going beyond the stories of racism and slavery to spotlight and celebrate Black achievement. It’s an opportunity for Americans to gain a greater understanding of the details surrounding a part of our nation’s history.
Many important events in Black history have taken place during the month of February. Prior to becoming a month-long celebration, Black History Month began in 1926 as “Negro History Week.”
Celebrated the second week of February, it coincided with Black abolitionist and writer, Frederick Douglas, and President Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays—two figures who played important roles in shaping Black history.
By the late ‘60s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement, Negro History Week was celebrated by mayors in cities across the country. By 1970, the event evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses, with Kent State being the first.
Six years later, President Ford recognized Black History Month, and in 1986, Congress passed “National Black History Month” into law.
It is important for Americans to be aware of and understand the struggle for freedom and equality not just in February, but all year long.
During this dedicated month in our country to celebrate the achievements of African Americans, one of the ways to do so is by supporting Black-owned business owners. The past year has been especially hard for small businesses trying to stay afloat during the pandemic and being able to show your love and support is extremely rewarding.
In a multi-cultural city like Brooklyn, our neighborhoods are filled with many wonderful small businesses. In an effort to turn the spotlight on these innovative owners, we’ve put together a selection of businesses you’ll want to support today and every day!
History & Culture
Weeksville Heritage Center – This historic site and cultural center situated in central Brooklyn is rich in history. Founded in 1838, Weeksville was a free African American community, the 2nd largest in the pre-civil war era.
By the 1850’s, Weeksville was a farming village that was home to 525 families who lived in wooden framed houses. Today, there are three remaining homes which sit on what was once known as Hunterfly Road.
It wasn’t until the 1940’s that most of the homes were taken over by urban renewal plans. The Kingsborough Housing projects were built and Weeksville was absorbed in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
In 1968, a historian re-discovered what was left of historic Weeksville, and through his work, the Hunterfly Road Houses were declared NYC landmarks and the Weeksville Heritage Center was born.
Their mission is to inspire, educate visitors on the history of Weeksville, and illuminate a pivotal aspect of Black history. 158 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11213
Food & Drink
Cuts & Slices – Located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, this local pizzeria is the vision of owner Randy Mclaran, who took his passion for food and a decade of restaurant experience to open up Cuts & Slices in 2018. Offering an array of innovative toppings (think chicken and waffles, jerk shrimp, and even a vegan daily special), customers regularly line up outside for a cut or slice. 93 Howard Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Happy Cork Wine & Spirits – The brainchild of Sunshine Foss, the entrepreneur has created a unique and different type of business for Black and minority owned wines and spirits. Happy Cork, located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, gives off a boutique feel with its charming decor. Along with wine and spirits, the store also features a small marketplace of specialty items from local makers of color and women artists.
51 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11233
Home & Design
BLK MKT Vintage – Founded in 2014 by Brooklyn-natives, Kiyanna Stewart and Jannah Handy, the two entrepreneurs took their love of vintage wares along with their experience and opened a brick-and-mortar shop that specializes in heirlooms, cast-offs, and curiosities that represent the richness of Black history and lived experiences. While their store is currently closed due to the pandemic, their online shop is open for business. 465 Marcus Garvey Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11216
Rituals + Ceremony – A home goods and lifestyle store located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, Rituals + Ceremony is the dream of entrepreneur Sarah Williams. Filled with unique and aesthetically pleasing products, Sarah wanted to create the kind of space she herself had been looking for; one filled with all things zen. Having found most of these kinds of places owned by white people, her vision was to have a similar spot she could walk into and see a familiar face. As many businesses have faced struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the store is currently closed, but the online shop is open. 717B Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Heath & Wellness
HealHaus – For anyone looking to nurture their mind, body, and soul, HealHaus offers a wide range of holistic practices that will help guide you on your journey. With a shared passion for healing and a desire to create a therapeutic and inclusive space inviting for all genders, good friends Elisa Shankle and Darian Hall designed a wellness center and cafe that is warm and welcoming. With an a la carte menu of experiences like Vinyasa yoga, mindful breath mediation, and couples therapy, people can explore different experiences that will help guide them in the healing process, all while feeling supported by those around them. 1082 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Brooklyn Braised – This farm-to-table meal delivery service is the brainchild of Christa Lynch that provides seasonally inspired menus offering healthy food options. Using ingredients sourced through a network of local farmers, the meals are prepared from their commercial kitchen and delivered to all parts of Brooklyn. Seeing a need in her Bed-Stuy community for healthy food options that fit into busy lifestyles, Brooklyn Braised is a proud minority, woman-owned and operated business that supports local and minority owned vendors across the country.
Style & Beauty
Papa Rozier Farms – This Bushwick boutique specializes in all-natural beauty products, while serving as a vehicle toward a more radical mission, to help build up Haiti. Owned by siblings Rubens Amedee and Fredeline Amedee-Benjamin, the two felt helpless after the 2010 earthquake that devastated their birth country. After starting an organic farm on rural land owned by their late grandfather, the natural, handmade beauty products are made from primary crops grown on Papa Rozier Farms in Haiti. While temporarily closed until May, all of their products can be found on their website. 96 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn NY 11237
Free Edge Beauty Studio – With extensive experience, Raven Voorhees runs Free Edge Beauty which takes a personalized, diligent approach to nail care. A Coney Island native, Raven provides her clientele with a natural approach to nail care, as well as educating them with her extensive knowledge. In addition to understanding what’s in the products used, clients can find designs that are unique and fun. Appointments are required and can be made directly online. 567 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216
