The First Thursday Dumbo Gallery Walk is tonight, Thursday, February 2, 2012, between 6-9pm. The gallery walk is free.

For gallery listing, go to dumbo.is/itineraries/127.

From Dumbo.Is:

Come out for February’s First Thursday Gallery Walk, a festive night in DUMBO that offers visitors the opportunity to see gallery shows from a variety of disciplines. Retail businesses also join the festivities with extended hours and in-store events; two to note – Olga Guanabara and TRUNK.

Local bars and restaurants also get in on the action – AlMar has 2 for 1 drink specials from 4-6PM. The Gallery Cafe offers a $29 per person, 3-course meal and half-priced bottles of wine. Water Street Restaurant & Lounge has 2 for 1 cosmos for ladies at the bar. Superfine’s Happy Hour features $3.50 select tap beers, $3.50 well cocktails & $3 Bud/Bud Light.

The Dumbo Brooklyn location of One Girl Cookies officially opened today. They offering their classic collection cookies, chocolate collection, whoopie pies, and cakes and cupcakes. They will also serve a breakfast and lunch menu soon. Welcome to the neighborhood!

One Girl Cookies (onegirlcookies.com/dumbo)
33 Main St (at Water St) Dumbo, Brooklyn NY 11201
Mon–Fri 7am–6pm; Sat, Sun 9am–6pm

Previously:
{One Girl Cookies Construction Update, 26Jan2012}
{One Girl Cookies Opening in Dumbo, 02Sep2011}

The paper on the windows of the One Girl Cookies – Dumbo location was removed this morning (at the 1 Main Street building). Peeking inside, the space is looking great with high loft ceilings and open counters.

From the Time Out NY listing:
“Turning Dumbo’s Water Street into Sugar Row, this 32-seat bakeshop—a spin-off of the Cobble Hill original—joins pastry standouts Almondine and Jacques Torres on the block. Wife-and-husband team Dawn Casale and David Crofton turn out homestyle treats, like whoopie pies, cupcakes and sandwich cookies.”

One Girl Cookies (onegirlcookies.com/dumbo)
33 Main St (at Water St) Dumbo, Brooklyn NY 11201
Mon–Fri 7am–6pm; Sat, Sun 9am–6pm

Previously: {One Girl Cookies Opening in Dumbo, 02Sep2011}

All Photos by Jane Kratochvil (janekratochvil.com)

Though not a secret for Dumbo locals, AlMar has been quietly serving great Italian food since the summer (July/Aug 2011). The owners of AlMar acquired the restaurant space, formerly Dumbo General Store, owned by Anna Castellani, and have been working hard to tailor a menu that customers have grown to love (including us). A few of our favorites include braised boneless beef short rib (moist and melts in your mouth), linguine with mussels, clams, shrimp & cherry tomato (or with lobster when they have it), spinach fettuccine alla bolognese (the meat sauce is full of rich flavors), or any of the roasted fish dishes.

But don’t take our word for it. We asked a few diners there for their favorite dishes. Here’s what they had to say:

• “My favorite dish…it HAS to be Alfredo’s MEATBALLS !! I don’t know what to say except that when I walk into AlMar, I always have to start my meal with an order of the famous meatballs. They are absolutely delicious.”
• “I love the short ribs and polenta. And their crostinis are delicious – one of them has a buffalo ricotta that is out of this world.”
• “I had the duck with cranberry and wine reduction sauce and pureed yams – with a fabulous rosé. Very tasty!”

The name AlMar is derived from a combination of the two owner’s names, Alfredo and Marcello. They come from Noodle Pudding in Brooklyn Heights and were very familiar with the area and had many fans before they moved to Dumbo. We spoke with Marcello:

How did Almar get started?

We had talked about opening up a restaurant for years. Unfortunately, the first opportunity that came up wasn’t successful so when we heard about the space in Dumbo we wanted to make sure we didn’t lose it. From then on we’ve just been working to make AlMar a place where customers feel at home and a place they can come to unwind after a hard day at work or bring their families for brunch on the weekend. After coming up with lots of different names, we finally agreed on just putting our two names together: Alfredo and Marcello. It seems a bit silly, but somehow it just really fits.. a labor of love for the both of us.

How would you describe your cuisine?

It’s definitely straight forward Italian food. We felt Dumbo didn’t really have a place that embodied the idea of fresh ingredients, comfortable environment, and just good solid food.

Now that you’ve taken over the space for several months, how have customers reacted to your food?

For the most part the reactions have been extremely positive. We have people say, “I hope you guys don’t leave” and “Dumbo really needed a place like this.” And of course those comments mean a great deal to us.

What do you like about Dumbo?

The locals by far. This neighborhood is filled with wonderful people who work hard and enjoy spending time with their family and friends.

AlMar also provides a full catering service to businesses and homes in the area and their dining area can be rented for events. Check it out and tell Marcello DumboNYC sent you!

All Photos by Jane Kratochvil (janekratochvil.com).

Hours:
Mon-Thu 8:00am-10:30pm
Fri 8:00am-11:00pm
Sat 9:00am-11:00pm
Sun 10:00am-5:00pm

AlMar (almardumbo.com)
111 Front Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
Tel: 718-855-5288
Email: almardumbo@gmail.com

The following is a guest post by NYU Business and Economic Reporting Graduate student Yuyu Chen on Dumbo’s history and the current food and restaurant market. It was originally posted on her blog:

A woman from New Jersey was crying outside 25 Jay Street, Dumbo. “My grandfather used to work for Arbuckle Coffee Traders. I feel as if he came back when I saw you roasting coffee here” she sobbed in front of Michael Pollack, partner and home coffee roaster of Brooklyn Roasting Company (BRC) located at the ground floor of the former Arbuckle Building. For the woman, BRC feels like a connection to her grandfather and a way to keep his memory alive. For Pollack, it is a beautiful coincidence.

“We chose [the location] due to the cheap 5-story space, but we didn’t realize it was Arbuckle Brothers Company, the largest coffee manufacturer in the U.S. during 1890s.” Pollack laughed, taking three Arbuckle Brothers antique coffee cans out of the shelf.

Vintage coffee and sugar bottles can be found in many buildings in DUMBO, reflecting its history as the home of New York City’s largest coffee maker, sugar refinery and other manufacturing businesses in the early 20th century.

“Next on the river front are store yards, Arbuckle’s immense coffee and spices warehouses, and behind them, Taylor’s founding and engine works. Bliss’ immense press and die works…” L.P. Brockett wrote in the book History of Kings County and the City of Brooklyn. Located “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”, the pier offers beautiful skyline of Manhattan and is very accessible to the heart of New York City.

DUMBO’s industrial prominence and waterfront location drew David Walentas, the founder and principal of Two Trees Management Co. LLC (Two Trees) to buy two million square feet in 1980s, at a price of about $6 a square foot. In respose to Brooklyn’s transformation, Two Trees, who owns a majority of property in DUMBO has converted some of old factories and warehouses into modern offices, luxurious condos and lofts. The neighborhood’s spectacular views, the large spaces and favorable rental rates have drawn hoards of young entrepreneurs and artists. With the influx of creative spirits, DUMBO is recognized as a paradise of creativity.

However, DUMBO is mediocre when it comes to food. “Given the number of people here, DUMBO needs more food options.” Pollack said. Nevertheless his “coffee lab” is a success there.

“When I want something to eat in the daytime, I have to go outside of my neighborhood to get something interesting.” Brad Macdonald who has been living in DUMBO for more than two years said with a disappointed frown. Unsatisfied with plain food, this Executive Chef of Colonie plans to set up another business in DUMBO.

Like Chef Macdonald, restaurateurs are encouraged by the emerging community’s lack of culinary delights, squeezing into this compact neighborhood with a hope to fill the void in dining.

“The retail market in DUMBO is in high demand. We probably receive three to four interests a day, the majority of who are restaurateurs.” Alexander Bos said, Leasing Department Assistant from Two Trees Management Co. LLC.

Among those seekers, Dawn Casale, founder of One Girl Cookies has found a niche in the Market and signed a 5-year lease (with an option) of 1,400 square feet with Two Trees.

“Growing families there cannot find a place to get birthday cakes or cupcakes.” Casale said.

Inspired by her happy childhood in the kitchen, Casale bakes American-style cookies using her family recipe. One Girl Cookies has earned a reputation for animal cakes, chocolate varieties, cupcakes and whoopie pies in Cobble Hill, a neighborhood close to DUMBO. After research, Casale found her shop complements the existing French-style Almondine Bakery in DUMBO:

“One Girl Cookies specializes in American-style birthday cakes and cupcakes which appeal to children while Almondine Bakery provides French sandwiches, soups and pastries etc. that One Girl Cookies [may not have].” Casale continued. She desires to share the comfort and happiness brought by American sweets with the neighborhood.

Demand for restaurants will be growing as more and more people move in DUMBO.

“At present there are 7 residential projects from Jay Street to Brooklyn Navy Yard and at least three more in the future.” said Chris Havens, Chief Executive of Creative Real Estate Group LLC.

The limited retail spaces, however, can hardly satisfy the surging demand for food. “Retail market is extremely small. Among 129 spaces in DUMBO, only 11 are available, at a vacancy rate of 8%. The mostly large spaces are on Jay Street and Bridge Street and there are almost none small spaces available.” Havens said.

Due to the tight retail market, Casale only had three available spaces to choose from before her final decision. Chef McDonald also agreed that “the blockage [for potential restaurateurs] in DUMBO is space”. “There are few spaces coming around. When a huge space came out, we were fortunate to get it.” He said.

After finding the space, DUMBO restaurateurs have to invest more to commit to preserve historical heritage. In 2007, DUMBO was designated as a Historic District by The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).

“Any alterations to a landmarked property require a permit from LPC.” said Emily Rich, Public Information Officer from LPC.

To acquire the permit, installation of HVAC equipment, louvers or vents in historical buildings that serve commercial, retail or warehouse uses should meet the following criteria (excerpt):

1. The louver or vent will be mounted flush with the sash or directly behind the sash; and
2. The louver or vent will be finished to blend into the fenestration pattern; and
3. No significant architectural feature of the building will be affected by the installation.

Since One Girl Cookies’ new location is part of a landmark, Casale has to put a vent in one window to seek appproval by LPC, which is costly and time-consuming.

According to Chef Macdonald, buildings in DUMBO have especially high ceilings. Ventilation has to be built either through the centre of the high space or up alongside the building, which require landlords to put in large investments to modify the space.

Given LPC regulation and the cost of modification, landlords are inclined to rent out spaces to non-restaurateurs. Take, for instance, the recent new retail space on Adam Street and Water Street owned by Two Trees could not be used as restaurants [currently occupied by Grammercy Park Flower Shop]. “We are looking at other options at this time. The space does not have any ventilation.” Bos said.

In addition to these hurdles, DUMBO’s unique demographics are a third challenge: most people who work there do not live there and vice versa. In the day time, DUMBO is energetic. Businesspeople walking on the street are like sharks. If you stop moving, they might bite your head off.

But after 5p.m., DUMBO is sleepy and bereft of night life. Wandering around might be the last thing you dare do. [Ed: Hmm, maybe in Stabbe alley.]

“There’s not very good food in DUMBO, so we usually buy sushi or soup in the market and eat in office.” said Katie Kaps, a business analyst from Tough Mudder, a DUMBO-based marketing company. Like Kaps, these commuters are usually stingy with time for food. Sandwiches, pizza and sushi are their daily choices.

In spite of this, restaurateurs are optimistic about the food traffic, because they believe the community is clamoring and ready for more food options. “More and more families will surge into this neighborhood. In the day time, we have workers. When they leave, we have residents who come back from work…” Casale believed DUMBO offered a seamless shift of two groups of customers.

When Casale looks forward to families, Chef Macdonald expects a bunch of creative consumers. “Cutting-edge designers, CEOs and artists in DUMBO appreciate value and are hungry for decent restaurants.” he said. Chef Macdonald who used to get trained at world-class restaurants Noma and Per Se will bring an exquisite chef-menu to DUMBO. He hopes that his 45-seat bar can become a destination restaurant.

“DUMBO needs another option no matter what it is, but the only thing it does not need is another pizza joint.” Chef Macdonald laughed.

Pete’s Downtown restaurant at 2 Water Street (next to Ignazio’s Pizza and across The River Cafe) has closed, according to a worker who has emailed us. Brooklyn Eagle first reported that the restaurant is not only closed, but it has cleared its space, after being open since the 1980s. It’s too bad for a restaurant that has been a fixture in the neighborhood for a long time. Pete’s served Italian food with popular dishes like penne vodka, baked ravioli, veal parmigiana, and shrimp scampi, according to online review websites.

Calls were not returned, and there are no updates on its Twitter (@petesdowntown) or Facebook pages, and their website, petesdowntown.com is offline.

According to a Fulton Ferry resident, Pete Thristino the owner has told patrons that the lease was not renewed, and the landlord is seeking a high end restaurant to take over the space. The location is a prime space, given the view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, and would attract a higher lease. A restaurant there would make a lot of ‘friends’ from residents in the area if the food quality is high, but is also a destination location for outer borough visitors.

The Brooklyn Eagle writes: “Pete’s was one of the first businesses to move into the area after it began to be redeveloped. The first signs of this redevelopment came in 1977, when BargeMusic and the River Café opened. Pete Thristino, owner of the restaurant, told this reporter in a 2008 interview that even in the early 1980s, “This was known as an area that when it snowed, there were no footprints…The building, on the corner of Water Street, was known as the Franklin House Hotel in the mid-1800s. It was an important hotel and restaurant in the days before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, when the ferry area was the gateway to Manhattan and visiting merchants, clerks, seamen and farmers needed someplace to stay.”

Pete’s Downtown (Closed as of Dec 29, 2011)
2 Water Street (at Old Fulton Street), Brooklyn, NY 11201

If you haven’t subscribed to Brooklyn Magazine and you’re a fan of Brooklyn, I recommend it for the articles. In the latest issue (Winter 2011), there’s an article about Brian Leth, Vinegar Hill House’s executive chef since 2009. We love the fresh ingredients in the dishes there, so it makes sense that writer Aleksa Brown follows him one day from the farmer’s market to the restaurant to watch him create one of his signature dishes, day boat hake. Vinegar Hill House is one of our favorite things around Dumbo. Dinners are well known, but they have an excellent brunch on the weekends too.

Brooklyn Magazine also has a “Neighborhood Power Rankings” piece. There are more than 20 neighborhoods in Brooklyn, but they also mean this to be a fun tongue-in-cheek way to show what’s going on in certain neighborhoods. Their disclaimer: “A 100 percent true and scientific analysis based on various and sundry criteria.”

They said this about Dumbo in this issue: “The repaving of Washington Street with new Belgian blocks is finally, finally finishing up, but now Phase II begins: more street work on Front Street near York, and the demapping of Anchorage Place to enlarge the Pearl Street Triangle.”

 [+]

Ok, go subscribe at Brooklyn Magazine.

From the Brooklyn Borough President’s office:
On Tuesday, December 20, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, elected officials and hungry patrons for the ribbon cutting and official grand opening of Brooklyn’s first Shake Shack at 409 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn.

“Foodies rejoice – the wait is over! The Shake Shack to end all Shake Shacks is open in Brooklyn. I have no doubt this will be the most successful outpost yet with the revitalized Fulton Mall, colleges and universities, courts, government offices, the BAM Cultural District, the soon-to-be-completed Barclays Center and new residents in Downtown Brooklyn all lining up for Shake Shack’s delicious burgers and world-famous shakes,” said BP Markowitz. “Danny Meyer has Shake Shack locations across Manhattan and at Citi Field in Queens, as well as Connecticut, Miami, Washington, DC and even the Middle East—but now he’s finally hit the big time in Brooklyn. Kudos to Union Square Hospitality Group for really ‘shaking up’ the Downtown Brooklyn food scene!”

(Photos by Kathryn Kirk)

The Brooklyn Shake Shack (409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn NY (b/t Willoughby & Adams)) is open seven days a week.
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
P: 718.307.7590
shakeshack.com

[UPDATE Sat Dec 17: Grimaldi's has opened at 1 Front Street.]

We saw yesterday that Grimaldi’s Pizza is now closed. But there seems to be a lot of activity on 1 Front Street (now that the stop work order has been resolved) to prepare for the opening of the new Grimaldi’s location. Meanwhile, a Juliana’s Pizza sign is in the window of 19 Old Fulton Street. A placeholder for Juliana’s website is live at julianaspizza.com.

(Thanks to reader Kathleen for the photo.)

[UPDATE Sat Dec 17: Grimaldi's has opened at 1 Front Street.]

The Grimaldi’s location at 19 Old Fulton Street closed yesterday. The new location will be opening next door (1 Front Street), but there’s no opening date at this time. The move to 1 Front Street was originally scheduled for November 29, but was delayed due to a stop work order for an illegal coal oven install. @FultonFerry posted the above photo on Twitter with the caption “Priceless: The look on tourists’ faces when they see what remains of Grimaldi’s”.

Meanwhile, we have not heard back from Patsy Grimaldi, the original owner of Grimaldi’s before he sold the restaurant, and owner of Juliana’s Pizza, the incoming pizza place taking over the coal oven location on a new open date for his new restaurant. Before the delayed Grimaldi closing, the original open date was scheduled for March 2012.

Related:
{Grimaldi Pizza Move Delayed, 29Nov2011}
{Patsy Grimaldi’s Coming out of Retirement to Take Over Original Pizza Location}

The Real Good Truck (twitter: @realgoodtruck) is the latest food truck to station itself in Dumbo. They were in Dumbo yesterday and are here today at the corner of Washington and Front Street. They are a waffle / lunch hybrid with items on the menu such as waffle dogs, grilled cheese waffles, BBQ Beef Wafflewich, burgers. They also have waffle fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings. Of course they have sweet waffles too.

Let us know what you think of the food. If you like them, let them know you found them on DumboNYC and tell others so they’ll keep coming back to Dumbo!

Grimaldi’s move to 1 Front Street is delayed due to an untimely death in the family and the Department of Buildings has issued a stop-work order at the 1 Front Street location. According to the BOD website, the stop work order issued on 11/28/2011 is for “illegally installed coal burning oven @ 1st floor done w/o propper approvals & presents a potential danger to patrons”.

Russell Ciolli, son of Frank Ciolli, both owners of Grimaldi’s Pizza, died last Wednesday at 39. Our condolences go out to the Ciolli family.

Related:
{Patsy Grimaldi’s Coming out of Retirement to Take Over Original Pizza Location}
{Grimaldi’s Move POSTPONED Due To Death In The Family, Gothamist}
{Grimaldi’s Coal-Oven Troubles At New Location, HuffPo}
{Tragic News for Grimaldi’s, Grub Street}
{City blocks new Grimaldi’s from opening over illegal oven, Brooklyn Daily}

Less than a week after news broke about Grimaldi’s moving next door to 1 Front Street, the NY Post published an article that Patsy Grimaldi will come out of retirement to open, or rather re-open, a pizza restaurant next to the newly moved Grimaldi’s Pizza. Patsy Grimaldi, the founder of Grimaldi’s sold his restaurant to current owner, Frank Ciolli in 1998. This is not the first time Patsy has come out of retirement. In 2006, he temporarily opened a pizza location at Aviator Sports & Recreation complex at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. The 80 year old Patsy told the NY Times in 2006 that “I’ve been retired — it was a big mistake.” In today’s NY Post article, Patsy tells them “A year after I sold Grimaldi’s, I was very sorry,” Grimaldi told The Post. “So when Mr. Waxman called me and asked if I wanted to come back, I thought I was dreaming. I couldn’t say ‘yes’ fast enough.” Mark (and Dorothy) Waxman, the landlord at 19 Old Fulton Street decided not to renew Ciolli’s lease. Last year, Ciolli and the Waxmans had a falling out over back taxes and lost his right to renew his lease.

The new Patsy Grimaldi restaurant will be called Juliana’s, after his late mother and plans to open in March 2012. Patsy plans to be at the restaurant daily. More importantly, Patsy will take over the coal-fired brick oven, which is said to give pizza a unique smokey flavor and a crisp crust that is just not possible with gas, convection, or wood ovens. Ciolli on Monday told the Post “he welcomed “competition” and would apply for city permission to acquire another coal-fired brick oven”. However, “environmental regulations also make it hard to build new coal ovens. Nowadays in New York City, coal ovens can only be rebuilt or replaced under an environmental grandfather clause — not installed from scratch. Pizza makers have become architectural historians, seeking out spaces that once housed a coal-burning oven, like old bakeries or restaurants.” (ref. NY Times, 10 June 1998) A list of coal oven pizzerias on the Slice list include Grimaldi’s and Totonno’s in Brooklyn.

While the Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s pizzerias will be neighbors in Fulton Ferry Landing, both Frank Ciolli and Patsy Grimaldi seem to welcome a friendly competition. Patsy says “There’s enough business in that area for three Grimaldi’s to do well,” and Frank tells the Post that “he welcomed competition”. With Wild Rise Pizza (68 Jay Street), Ignazio’s (4 Water Street), and Front Street Pizza (80 Front Street) in Dumbo, the pizza game will be on!

Patsy Grimaldi (left) and Frank Ciolli (right) (Photo by Brigitte Stelzer, The Brooklyn Paper)

[UPDATE: Patsy Grimaldi to take over the original Grimaldi Pizza location, to open in March 2012.]

According to a story by The Brooklyn Paper, Grimaldi’s pizza will be moving next door to 1 Front Street next week. 1 Front Street was built in 1869 as Brooklyn’s first safety deposit bank. The cast iron building currently houses a restaurant/bar on the ground level and a dance floor on the second level.

As The Brooklyn Paper noted, last year, the landlord of Grimaldi’s tried to evict them for falling behind on rent and city taxes. “Instead, a judge ordered her to accept late payments and keep Grimaldi’s open. Waxman’s son Mark, who handles the property, vowed to boot the beloved joint as soon as its lease expired on Nov. 30.”

Grimaldi’s will serve its final pie at its current location on Nov. 28, then open one day later open in 1 Front St. The 1 Front Street location is bigger and will no doubt still attract a lot of tourists. What do you think about the move?

(Photo by New York Big Apple Images)

For more info on current restaurants, go to grimaldisnyc.com and no1-frontstreet.com.

One Front Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(at Old Fulton Street in Fulton Ferry Landing)

Spring, the design and art studio established in 2003 by Anna Cosentino and Steve Butcher, has teamed up with Broolyn based Chef Heather White to launch the first of many special events, introducing locals to the gallery’s new offerings. The inaugural event will take place on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 6:30 PM — 8:30 PM and include a wine and food pairing and tasting, presented by Chef Heather White, who has joined Cosentino and Butcher to develop menus for special events in coming months.

What started out as thank you lunches — documented and posted on the website daily — for interns and assistants turned into potluck dinners with artists and designers as a way of socializing over delicious food and art.

With the goal to nurture social interaction, engage conversation and most importantly, source and support locally, spring will begin offering their space for entertainment, experiential food events, wine tastings, sit-down dinners, creative meetings, product launches, design showroom, exhibition space, book signings and more. As a Brooklyn community-based small business, spring is dedicated to the slow-food way of living – whether it is design or food – sourcing locally and collaborating with local businesses.

(a potluck event at spring)

RSVP for the event on Wednesday by calling 718.222 1054 or email location@spring3d.net.

spring (spring3d.net)
126A Front Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201