MNU Love List: Brooklyn!

 Today our Love List is courtesy of the fab BK GrrlGenius, who is taking us on a tour of her faves in her hometown. Hello Brooklyn, New York!

Brooklyn has become a mecca of outdoor activities. The (1) Brooklyn Bridge Park offers several piers. Pier One offers water taxis and ferries to other parts of New York, but if you round the corner, you’ll find not only spectacular views, there are several lawns that offer seats to outdoor movies, concerts and free exercise classes. 

Pier Two opened this summer offering handball, basketball, swings, a roller skating rink and more. It is a fun and amazing way to spend time with large groups being active and enjoying the view of Manhattan. 

Ever wanted to play soccer facing The Statue of Liberty? This is where to go! Pier Five offers up a public soccer field and leagues are available to join through the park. There are public grilling areas up for grabs as well. Don’t want to cook? Pier Six offers a water park and swing alley for kids, outdoor pizza and bar Fornino and volleyball courts. 

When it’s time for a date you can’t go wrong meeting up at (2) The Chocolate Room now in Cobble Hill and a new store in Park Slope. Even Oprah has endorsed their chocolate brownies. Aside from the handmade chocolates, share a fondue or the black bottom butterscotch. I’m getting a sugar rush thinking of their chocolate covered macaroons. Delicious.  

How can you go to Brooklyn and not participate in the search for the best pizza? Keep the sense of adventure up and head to (3) Roberta’s (261 Moore Street). They offer more than pizza for anyone who likes options. Fun with a group and always an interesting scene. They also have a garden and a radio station on the patio. 

For a cocktail, head to Atlantic Avenue’s coolest cocktail bar (4) The Long Island Bar which opened in January 2014. Owner Toby is a mixologist who kept the exterior intact for the original owners, but inside you’ll find yourself in a cozy, refurbished warm and inviting space complete with a polished wooden bar and housemade ginger juice.  A limited, but interesting bar menu is available Wednesday-Sunday. If like talking whiskey this is the place to be with offerings from Japan to Brooklyn’s own Widow Jane. 

Finally, you’ll need some fresh pie. Yes, you will and so you will find yourself heading to the sister owned (5) Four and Twenty Blackbirds at 439 3rd Avenue for salted honey pie. The odder the pie names, the better they taste. Their recipe book is organized by American seasons which means you’ll always have new recipes to master but Emily told me at a pie and whiskey tasting, the crust is the most important part to master. 

Follow Colleen’s blog at http://ramblingsofagrrlgenius.wordpress.com and see her previous feature article for MyNewUsual here.