I went to dinner at the "Sip and Chat"
2910 Avenue D
Brooklyn, NY 11226
(718) 675-4377
sipnchat.net
On the outside it looks like it might be one of the "nicest" restaurants in the area. It was ok. Service was decent. The place was above average in terms of decor for the area. The food was, well I had goat for the first time, so it's hard to make a comparison judgment to other places, but I'd have to say average to a hair below average relative to the price. They have a lot of interesting mixed drinks on the menu. It may be a good place for a drink, and currently is the only bar/lounge I know of in the area. The fish tank is nice, but being from Florida I've seen much nicer.
I do not recommend it for eating, but say that if you need a place to eat it's not terrible.
I do recommend it for drinking if you're so inclined, but it's no "dive bar" if your alcohol to dollar ratio is your primary concern.
I think overall this place is dead tied for a yay or nay rating, but I really like the name, especially saying it real fast. I generally like places with names that include instructions on use, so that pushes it ever so slightly to the overall yay... maybe.
BTW, with regard to "first restaurant review": despite having regrettably eaten there, I will not be reviewing McDonald's.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rent increase ALERT!
I don't know when it happened, but today I was looking at the website and the new rental scale for new tenants is:
$900 - Studio (2.9% increase)
$1100 - 1 Bed (7.3% increase)
$1350 - 2 Bed (12.5% increase)
$1550 - 3 Bed (Though I don't believe these actually exist). (11.1%)
Several things of note:
1. Should have signed a 2 year lease, as I plan on staying at least another year.
2. There is a pretty significant % disparity in the above.
3. My first reaction is: 12.5% in this economy!?! Are you kidding?!? But then I realize, it's probably this economy that is driving even more people out of Manhattan and into Flatbush Gardens.
Seems like a lot.
http://flatbushgardens.net/ (see the "apply now" tab for numbers)
$900 - Studio (2.9% increase)
$1100 - 1 Bed (7.3% increase)
$1350 - 2 Bed (12.5% increase)
$1550 - 3 Bed (Though I don't believe these actually exist). (11.1%)
Several things of note:
1. Should have signed a 2 year lease, as I plan on staying at least another year.
2. There is a pretty significant % disparity in the above.
3. My first reaction is: 12.5% in this economy!?! Are you kidding?!? But then I realize, it's probably this economy that is driving even more people out of Manhattan and into Flatbush Gardens.
Seems like a lot.
http://flatbushgardens.net/ (see the "apply now" tab for numbers)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Follow me to the promise land.
So I logged in and saw I had a "follower". Thanks Axis for "following" my trickling blog. This new information has positively affected my self-esteem far more than I believe is normal.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Why is Flatbush Gardens so great?
Well, great may be an overstatement. "A viable option"? Because of this:
http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=940654 (link is dead, see image below).
350 sqft with one window facing the back ally for $375,000.
This is the neighborhood I lived in when I first moved to NYC 15 months ago; the neighborhood I broke a lease in to move to Flatbush Gardens. I went down there to see this place for something to do on a Sunday (not because I have anything close to the $37.5k you'd need for a 10% down payment (assuming one could get a 90% loan these days)). It's "cute as a button" as my grandma would say, but 350 sqft, and one window facing the back ally. Maybe, MAYBE, if it had a street view, but even then the other side of Court street is a boring cookie-cutter office building.
Anyway, they won't get more than 300k for this place, but the point is, 1000 sqft for 1200/month flat, or 350 sqft for whatever the crazy rent on a place with this "value" would be.
http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=940654 (link is dead, see image below).
350 sqft with one window facing the back ally for $375,000.
This is the neighborhood I lived in when I first moved to NYC 15 months ago; the neighborhood I broke a lease in to move to Flatbush Gardens. I went down there to see this place for something to do on a Sunday (not because I have anything close to the $37.5k you'd need for a 10% down payment (assuming one could get a 90% loan these days)). It's "cute as a button" as my grandma would say, but 350 sqft, and one window facing the back ally. Maybe, MAYBE, if it had a street view, but even then the other side of Court street is a boring cookie-cutter office building.
Anyway, they won't get more than 300k for this place, but the point is, 1000 sqft for 1200/month flat, or 350 sqft for whatever the crazy rent on a place with this "value" would be.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
More news on the laundry front.
Management left a flier today. Did anyone else get this today? I ask, because it's dated November 10th. Anyway, it reads:
"Dear Tenant(s):
It has come to our attention that some tenants have installed a washing machine and or dryer in their apartment, which is illegal and a direct violation of the lease.
Please take notice that if you, or any tenant, is observed with a washing machine or dryer installed, Management will commence legal action to have it removed.
A washing machine or dryer causes severe damage to the entire building. Any cost incurred by management as a result of a washing machine or dyer [sic], will be charged to the tenant.
We would like to remind you, that management provides a state of the art laundry facility which all tenants are welcome to use.
Thank you for your cooperation."
First, hilarious. I actually considered this myself. Mostly as an exercise in engineering. It's very difficult to install a washer and dryer in an apartment that isn't set up for it. So, kudos to those who managed it.
Second, regarding "state of the art"; I refer you to my earlier post. It's difficult to feel "welcome to use" machines that don't work.
Third, I find their implied concern for the safety of their building dubious at best. Since it took them 4 days to fix the water coming out of my ceiling, and stop the water coming out of my radiator that was no doubt coming out of my downstairs neighbor's ceiling.
Fourth, months ago; several months ago; they delivered a memo similar to this about satellite dishes. They said if they weren't removed, management would remove them. What kind of threat is that? Why would anyone take them down if the consequence is someone else will do the work for you? Anyway, point is, there are still dishes up and those are A LOT easier to spot than washing machines and dryers.
Management vs. clean clothes... let the battle begin.
"Dear Tenant(s):
It has come to our attention that some tenants have installed a washing machine and or dryer in their apartment, which is illegal and a direct violation of the lease.
Please take notice that if you, or any tenant, is observed with a washing machine or dryer installed, Management will commence legal action to have it removed.
A washing machine or dryer causes severe damage to the entire building. Any cost incurred by management as a result of a washing machine or dyer [sic], will be charged to the tenant.
We would like to remind you, that management provides a state of the art laundry facility which all tenants are welcome to use.
Thank you for your cooperation."
First, hilarious. I actually considered this myself. Mostly as an exercise in engineering. It's very difficult to install a washer and dryer in an apartment that isn't set up for it. So, kudos to those who managed it.
Second, regarding "state of the art"; I refer you to my earlier post. It's difficult to feel "welcome to use" machines that don't work.
Third, I find their implied concern for the safety of their building dubious at best. Since it took them 4 days to fix the water coming out of my ceiling, and stop the water coming out of my radiator that was no doubt coming out of my downstairs neighbor's ceiling.
Fourth, months ago; several months ago; they delivered a memo similar to this about satellite dishes. They said if they weren't removed, management would remove them. What kind of threat is that? Why would anyone take them down if the consequence is someone else will do the work for you? Anyway, point is, there are still dishes up and those are A LOT easier to spot than washing machines and dryers.
Management vs. clean clothes... let the battle begin.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Rainy days. In my bedroom.
I came home to my bed soaked with a couple gallons of water.
My ceiling leaks. My radiator leaks too, which no doubt causes my downstairs neighbor's ceiling to leak. I called emergency maintenance 4 days ago to have them fix it. The security guy said he'd put me on the list. I said that's fine, but he should understand that the water will cause serious damage to their building. He said he understands that but there's nothing he can do. Needless to say they didn't show up.
I thought it was just my radiator (that leaked water and steam) causing it, and that I fixed it myself. However, I was mistaken. I awoke to a new drip drip drip in my bed. So I went down there to ask why they haven't fixed this serious problem yet. I was nice at first, then we fought. Having gotten nowhere, I next fought with the middle supervisor. These things are never successful, but for some reason it was this time. They sent someone over. My radiator still doesn't work 100% but it no longer leaks, and most importantly to me, the ceiling no longer leaks.
So, that's enough for me to call this a win.
My ceiling leaks. My radiator leaks too, which no doubt causes my downstairs neighbor's ceiling to leak. I called emergency maintenance 4 days ago to have them fix it. The security guy said he'd put me on the list. I said that's fine, but he should understand that the water will cause serious damage to their building. He said he understands that but there's nothing he can do. Needless to say they didn't show up.
I thought it was just my radiator (that leaked water and steam) causing it, and that I fixed it myself. However, I was mistaken. I awoke to a new drip drip drip in my bed. So I went down there to ask why they haven't fixed this serious problem yet. I was nice at first, then we fought. Having gotten nowhere, I next fought with the middle supervisor. These things are never successful, but for some reason it was this time. They sent someone over. My radiator still doesn't work 100% but it no longer leaks, and most importantly to me, the ceiling no longer leaks.
So, that's enough for me to call this a win.
Bubble - a drip from the bubble did most of the damage. There were several.
More damage was done when the bubble bust (insert wall street joke here).
And the resulting bed.Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A single female's persective.
[The below "comment" is being upgraded to its own "post" without the permission of the author.]
As a single white female living here I thought my opinion might be of value. I come home after dark every night, sometimes as late as 3-4 am. I don't really feel afraid walking home seeing as it is well lit and I'm really close to the train. I go the first entrance to the complex b/c I figure if someone wanted to mug me, it would be less likely if I were on fbg property with the cameras and all.. I do get the occasional sexual comments but that happens everywhere. Like it has been mentioned before, the violence you hear about does not seem random. I've only heard a couple fighting in their apt one time, never anyone fighting outside, or anything worse.
The only complaint I have is that there's nothing to do around here and the grocery store kinda sucks. So I don't really hang out in the neighborhood. Also, I feel like I don't have much in common with the other tenants. I'm single, childless, educated, have a white collar job... So I feel like I don't fit the profile described in the news story, and don't really relate to a majority of the tenants, at least the ones I've encountered. All the tenants in my building have been here for years and years, so there's a nice sense of community, and they've all been very nice to me.
But I witnessed some dirty tricks by fgb on Sunday. Since the water problem over the weekend, apparently all the apartments on one side of my building had water running down the walls all day sunday (not my apt) and no one from maintenance bothered to come over. I know that they keep only one maintenance person working on the weekends so there is no way he can get to everything in a reasonable amount of time. But an emergency like that is serious and the excuse that there is only one person working is ridiculous and more people must at least be on call. One tenant accidentally turned on the bathroom light and things started sparking so the fire dept came. At this point water was leaking for 15 hours.
There was an informal tenant meeting going on in the hallway after this and I overheard a woman talking about how she has had her belongings in trash bags for the past 2 years b/c leaking water is an ongoing problem that has been ignored. She was very angry and said they are ignoring her b/c they want her out so they can rent her unit for $1500. Unfortunately she's exactly right and tenant abuse is a problem all over the city, not just here. But so far, my needs have not been ignored. I've had to call maintenance a few time for urgent things and they came over w/in 2-3 hours, and sometimes within minutes. As a whole, I like it here.
My apt is huge, no roaches (!), and it's quiet which is important to me. But if you can afford a similar sized apt in a nice neighborhood, I would go for that. I wish I could have something in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights but it's just not possible. $1000 rent is unheard of in places like that.
As a single white female living here I thought my opinion might be of value. I come home after dark every night, sometimes as late as 3-4 am. I don't really feel afraid walking home seeing as it is well lit and I'm really close to the train. I go the first entrance to the complex b/c I figure if someone wanted to mug me, it would be less likely if I were on fbg property with the cameras and all.. I do get the occasional sexual comments but that happens everywhere. Like it has been mentioned before, the violence you hear about does not seem random. I've only heard a couple fighting in their apt one time, never anyone fighting outside, or anything worse.
The only complaint I have is that there's nothing to do around here and the grocery store kinda sucks. So I don't really hang out in the neighborhood. Also, I feel like I don't have much in common with the other tenants. I'm single, childless, educated, have a white collar job... So I feel like I don't fit the profile described in the news story, and don't really relate to a majority of the tenants, at least the ones I've encountered. All the tenants in my building have been here for years and years, so there's a nice sense of community, and they've all been very nice to me.
But I witnessed some dirty tricks by fgb on Sunday. Since the water problem over the weekend, apparently all the apartments on one side of my building had water running down the walls all day sunday (not my apt) and no one from maintenance bothered to come over. I know that they keep only one maintenance person working on the weekends so there is no way he can get to everything in a reasonable amount of time. But an emergency like that is serious and the excuse that there is only one person working is ridiculous and more people must at least be on call. One tenant accidentally turned on the bathroom light and things started sparking so the fire dept came. At this point water was leaking for 15 hours.
There was an informal tenant meeting going on in the hallway after this and I overheard a woman talking about how she has had her belongings in trash bags for the past 2 years b/c leaking water is an ongoing problem that has been ignored. She was very angry and said they are ignoring her b/c they want her out so they can rent her unit for $1500. Unfortunately she's exactly right and tenant abuse is a problem all over the city, not just here. But so far, my needs have not been ignored. I've had to call maintenance a few time for urgent things and they came over w/in 2-3 hours, and sometimes within minutes. As a whole, I like it here.
My apt is huge, no roaches (!), and it's quiet which is important to me. But if you can afford a similar sized apt in a nice neighborhood, I would go for that. I wish I could have something in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights but it's just not possible. $1000 rent is unheard of in places like that.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Packages and Produce.
Romy wrote:
Hey, great blog. I'm thinking about checking this place out, and I'm wondering if you or anyone you know has had experience with the package drop-off/pick-up facility and procedure there. Does that function smoothly? If so, that totally rocks!Also, it looks like FreshDirect delivers to your zipcode. Does anyone in the area/complex use it? This would be a major selling point for me, but if no one is using it, I don't know what the scheduling will be like. Thanks!
To which, I post:
You know, I thought I posted something about that, but I can't find it. The package room is only open Wed. morning/afternoon (9-3 ish, maybe) and Saturday midday, I forget. The package room is I believe run by the US postal service. Fedex and UPS don't know about it, and I tried to get them to deliver there once and they tried pretty hard but couldn't figure it out. So the deal is, it's fairly great for getting USPS packages. I believe (though I've never actually gotten a package) that no matter what day a package comes to you via USPS, it will be held in the room for you to pick up Wed. or Sat. This is good. They also said they would accept packages from UPS and Fedex etc. but you're on your own in terms of trying to time the Fedex/UPS delivery during package room hours. Also, I noticed a sign the other day that said "The package room is for SMALL packages only." I don't know what that means.
To me, other than incoming USPS packages, it's fairly worthless.
Also, a little annoyed that's one more thing FBG leasing lied about. They said it was open Monday to Saturday. I have most things delivered to work unless I'm sure it's coming USPS.
If you're used to a "full service" mailroom, either from work or a more "luxury" building... this is not that, or even close.
I've never tried FreshDirect at the apt, and I've never seen a truck outside (but I'm rarely home). I don't eat at home much and my post-church trip to key foods on newkirk is sufficient for me. The problem I have calling cars to take me to JFK is that the buildings are very poorly labeled. FD may have a hard time finding your building, and you may have to "guide them in" via phone, but I suspect delivery would go smoothly. There's lots of double parking room for a truck in the area, so that's not an issue.
I should try freshdirect though. Honestly, the produce in this area sucks. The big produce store is ok, but not air conditioned, full of flies, rarely has lettuce, and the smell of their dried fish section (which people actually buy from) makes me sick. They do have some decent fruit I buy, but not vegetables. Key foods usually has ok stuff. Standard urban grocery store quality. I used to make 12 salads with all kinds of stuff from the produce stand to take to work with me. After moving here, I tried, but it's just too hard to put together a salad worth eating with this stuff. So, yeah, I should try FD too.
Hey, great blog. I'm thinking about checking this place out, and I'm wondering if you or anyone you know has had experience with the package drop-off/pick-up facility and procedure there. Does that function smoothly? If so, that totally rocks!Also, it looks like FreshDirect delivers to your zipcode. Does anyone in the area/complex use it? This would be a major selling point for me, but if no one is using it, I don't know what the scheduling will be like. Thanks!
To which, I post:
You know, I thought I posted something about that, but I can't find it. The package room is only open Wed. morning/afternoon (9-3 ish, maybe) and Saturday midday, I forget. The package room is I believe run by the US postal service. Fedex and UPS don't know about it, and I tried to get them to deliver there once and they tried pretty hard but couldn't figure it out. So the deal is, it's fairly great for getting USPS packages. I believe (though I've never actually gotten a package) that no matter what day a package comes to you via USPS, it will be held in the room for you to pick up Wed. or Sat. This is good. They also said they would accept packages from UPS and Fedex etc. but you're on your own in terms of trying to time the Fedex/UPS delivery during package room hours. Also, I noticed a sign the other day that said "The package room is for SMALL packages only." I don't know what that means.
To me, other than incoming USPS packages, it's fairly worthless.
Also, a little annoyed that's one more thing FBG leasing lied about. They said it was open Monday to Saturday. I have most things delivered to work unless I'm sure it's coming USPS.
If you're used to a "full service" mailroom, either from work or a more "luxury" building... this is not that, or even close.
I've never tried FreshDirect at the apt, and I've never seen a truck outside (but I'm rarely home). I don't eat at home much and my post-church trip to key foods on newkirk is sufficient for me. The problem I have calling cars to take me to JFK is that the buildings are very poorly labeled. FD may have a hard time finding your building, and you may have to "guide them in" via phone, but I suspect delivery would go smoothly. There's lots of double parking room for a truck in the area, so that's not an issue.
I should try freshdirect though. Honestly, the produce in this area sucks. The big produce store is ok, but not air conditioned, full of flies, rarely has lettuce, and the smell of their dried fish section (which people actually buy from) makes me sick. They do have some decent fruit I buy, but not vegetables. Key foods usually has ok stuff. Standard urban grocery store quality. I used to make 12 salads with all kinds of stuff from the produce stand to take to work with me. After moving here, I tried, but it's just too hard to put together a salad worth eating with this stuff. So, yeah, I should try FD too.
Laundry Day!
Ok, so I've done laundry several times before now, but always forget to bring my camera.
First, the laundry facility (near the mail room) is quite large, with many machines. This is a good thing, because many are often broken. Also, I scoped out the private laundrymat, and they're a little more expensive. I remember when I first did laundry, I was impressed with the number of machines (in how it implies I'll never have to wait), and the size of the machines. By my count, there are 21 1x machines, 34 3x machines, and 5 5x machines. The 1x machines are pretty small. A little smaller than your usual small apartment washer. I'd say 4-5 towels or jeans, or 8-10 shirts and you've maxed out. Then of course the 3x are about 3 times that size, and the 5x five times the 1x size. The prices are not proportional, as the 1x is like 1.50, and the 3x is like 2.00, and the 5x is like 2.50. So, bigger is better for cost savings.
Please keep in mind as you read the below complaint (which is fairly outrageous) that I have done laundry at least 4 times already without having to wait for a machine.
Yesterday, I went to do my laundry and couldn't because 88.5% of the machines were broken! That seems like a lot. Actually, 78.3% of the machines were broken, but since only smaller machines worked, 88.5% of the capacity was broken.
By my count, 0 of 5 large (5x) machines were working, 2 of 34 medium (3x) machines were working, and 11 of 21 small (1x) machines were working. You can see that with 60! machines (totalling 148x (i.e. 5x5 + 34x3 + 21x1 = 148) there's quite a supply for people to use. However, with the outrageous level of almost 90% broken, it's not that convenient.
As I was in there counting some FBG employees started asking what I was doing. I said "counting". They said the machines were almost all down, and I said "yeah, are you going to fix them?" They said, something to the effect of "we don't fix them, the contractor has to come fix them." Another employee came up and said "what are you doing, are you with the contractor?" I said "no, I just count." We exchanged some banter, as I continued to give ambiguous and semi-smart-alic responses, and they continued to say the contractor screwed up the installation and needs to come fix it. One either called or pretended to call security, apparently not believing I was a resident and though maybe I was from the news (as if any news gives a crap that we don't have laundry machines). I was done counting so I left, but probably should have stuck around to see what would transpire if I kept counting and taking pictures. I do love confrontation, but the guys were appearing to be jovial during our "confrontation" so I didn't feel defensive and just went about my business (i.e. going to work when I was done counting).
Update: I went by the next day to take some pictures (which I'll post once I get them off my camera), and they were back to their usual 75% availability. So all is well again in the land of cheap laundry. Let the cleaning begin!
First, the laundry facility (near the mail room) is quite large, with many machines. This is a good thing, because many are often broken. Also, I scoped out the private laundrymat, and they're a little more expensive. I remember when I first did laundry, I was impressed with the number of machines (in how it implies I'll never have to wait), and the size of the machines. By my count, there are 21 1x machines, 34 3x machines, and 5 5x machines. The 1x machines are pretty small. A little smaller than your usual small apartment washer. I'd say 4-5 towels or jeans, or 8-10 shirts and you've maxed out. Then of course the 3x are about 3 times that size, and the 5x five times the 1x size. The prices are not proportional, as the 1x is like 1.50, and the 3x is like 2.00, and the 5x is like 2.50. So, bigger is better for cost savings.
Please keep in mind as you read the below complaint (which is fairly outrageous) that I have done laundry at least 4 times already without having to wait for a machine.
Yesterday, I went to do my laundry and couldn't because 88.5% of the machines were broken! That seems like a lot. Actually, 78.3% of the machines were broken, but since only smaller machines worked, 88.5% of the capacity was broken.
By my count, 0 of 5 large (5x) machines were working, 2 of 34 medium (3x) machines were working, and 11 of 21 small (1x) machines were working. You can see that with 60! machines (totalling 148x (i.e. 5x5 + 34x3 + 21x1 = 148) there's quite a supply for people to use. However, with the outrageous level of almost 90% broken, it's not that convenient.
As I was in there counting some FBG employees started asking what I was doing. I said "counting". They said the machines were almost all down, and I said "yeah, are you going to fix them?" They said, something to the effect of "we don't fix them, the contractor has to come fix them." Another employee came up and said "what are you doing, are you with the contractor?" I said "no, I just count." We exchanged some banter, as I continued to give ambiguous and semi-smart-alic responses, and they continued to say the contractor screwed up the installation and needs to come fix it. One either called or pretended to call security, apparently not believing I was a resident and though maybe I was from the news (as if any news gives a crap that we don't have laundry machines). I was done counting so I left, but probably should have stuck around to see what would transpire if I kept counting and taking pictures. I do love confrontation, but the guys were appearing to be jovial during our "confrontation" so I didn't feel defensive and just went about my business (i.e. going to work when I was done counting).
Update: I went by the next day to take some pictures (which I'll post once I get them off my camera), and they were back to their usual 75% availability. So all is well again in the land of cheap laundry. Let the cleaning begin!
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