In New York City, a place known for its chaotic, fast-paced environment, I have found peace in my quiet, brownstone-lined neighbourhood of Carroll Gardens. The streets brim with babies in strollers and well-trained dogs, and you will find a plethora of gourmet shops, French bakeries and French families, cozy ma-and-pop restaurants, and secret foraging opportunities everywhere. Best of all, early in the morning and late at night, the scent of baking baguettes wafts down the street from La Bicyclette, one of Brooklyn’s best bakeries.
My name is Abby Kirn, and I am a chef based in Brooklyn, New York. I’m slipping on my Merry People Billie Clogs and setting out on a culinary tour of my favourite New York neighborhood – and I’d love you to come along.
Without further ado, here's my recipe for an ideal Brooklyn day:
- Step 1: Start with a shot of espresso at this small neighborhood café
- Step 2: Sprinkle in a visit to this gem of a Brooklyn bakery
- Step 3: Whisk yourself away along breathtaking Brooklyn views
- Step 4: Fold in cheesy goodness at this gourmet cheese shop
- Step 5: Top the day off with a sweet treat at this restored 1920s apothecary
Step 1. Poppy's
Of course, the morning must start with coffee and a snack. I often find myself at 8 AM run-walking to Poppy’s on Degraw Street, delighted to see what new and seasonal pastries they’ve baked that day.
Poppy’s is a small neighborhood café offering breakfast and lunch. If you’re in the neighborhood, do yourself a favor and order any of the pastries and the breakfast sandwich. Featuring a flaky, house made Portuguese bun, Calabrian chili oil, and fresh arugula, it’s seriously hard to beat. Plus, they have a reputation for strong cold brew. Good morning, New York!
Step 2. Brooklyn Granary & Mill
A long-awaited, absolute gem in the neighborhood. The moment Brooklyn Granary and Mill opened its doors this summer, I was flying through them. Simply put, Brooklyn Granary & Mill is a truly special and rare experience. The chef and owner, Patrick, ran the bread show at the legendary restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns. He sources regional grains and mills onsite, using traditional stone mills.
The focaccia sandwiches feature their very own fresh-milled flour, resulting in a soft and chewy bread, filled with fresh and zesty seasonal ingredients. I often catch Patrick at the farmers' market shopping for the highest quality, locally grown ingredients because they pledge to serve nothing but the best.
Hot tip – the “biscone” is more than it appears on the surface; it will send your head spinning with the flaky, crumbly texture and layers of nutty, buttery layers. Not to mention, they serve some of the best coffee roasted in NYC: Driftaway, which is run by a darling couple with incredibly high standards and high integrity.
Step 3. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Filled to the brim with a healthy balance of gluten, sugar, and caffeine, I then head down to the waterfront of Brooklyn Heights. On route from Carroll Gardens, I pass by meticulously cared-for, historic brownstones. A truly iconic landscape, the ability to touch water and trees in one's neighborhood is considered one of the ultimate NYC luxuries and coming here for the view will make you look and feel like such a local.
Within the more nature-heavy parts of the waterfront, I forage for pine needles, beach rose, and other hidden gems. I’m never quite sure if this is permitted, but my wilful ignorance peaks in NYC parks!
Step 4. Cheese Plate
Carroll Gardens is home to an array of gourmet shops, from Italian, Spanish, French, Japanese, and so on. Cheese Plate is, remarkably, a cheese shop. Their staff is knowledgeable, kind, and won’t judge you for circling back to the free samples! Pack up some tri-state cheeses, grab a baguette from La Bicyclette, and continue to our final step.
Step 5. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Because we’ve had such a healthy day, it’s time to end with a fudge sundae in this restored 1920s apothecary.
They serve “egg creams,” seats that spin when that sugar hits your bloodstream, and a team of people who will happily perform ice cream stunts for your entertainment. They also serve large sundaes, milkshakes, and savory options. If you want to feel like a kid again, or like you’re in an episode of Riverdale, this is where to go.
A Pinch of Parting Advice
My Top Dinner Tip: If you're looking to eat a fantastic dinner in the neighborhood after bakery hopping, check out local favorites like Bar Bete, which serves dishes including marinated feta with tarragon and pickled blueberries, or Osaka, where you’ll find well-priced and incredibly delicious sushi.
My Top Style Tip: I paired this culinary adventure with the Billie Clogs in Rust. As a chef and NYC resident, where a typical day involves walking 10 miles and standing for way too many hours, I have no patience for an impractical shoe. Worn with a pair of Thrills jeans (Australian!), I feel fashionable and invincible on the city streets, waterfront, and in the kitchen. Love my Merry People, love my Brooklyn!
To see this day in action, watch my video with Merry People here.
