Ramblings of a Crown-less Heights Newbie

I hold no crown in Crown Heights.  No Foursquare mayorships - that is.  I am new here.  And before I stake my ground (by my tomatoes of course), just a few random reflections on my shiny ‘new’ neighborhood.

My pup, Nate (known on the street as Nate Dogg), is almost as new as I am to the neighborhood.  And yet he seems to be making more friends than me. He has his 6 a.m. admirers seemingly stationed solely for him along his walk – grinning and waving at his haphazard trot (much to his owner’s chagrin).  And I have become their admirers, in turn.  Up at that hour for reasons other than having a puppy …

I don’t need an iPod in my neighborhood. The soundtrack is there for me: double-parked car  radios at full-blast, giving a backdrop to the locals chewing the fat – sometimes literally – on the sidewalk.  And if not a car radio, one placed deliberately in a window, giving a beat to the footsteps below.  It somehow makes the walk to my front door feel like I’m cool.

The buzz of presides over my street, despite their signage attempt to “respect the neighbors.”  Frank-lin-y, I’d feel disrespected if I were the reason a group of mirthful friends had to keep quiet over cold beers.  Frank-lin-y speaking.

One time I stumbled upon a late-night jam session of peculiar instruments burrowed in the heart of the gallery across from my apartment. I felt like I had discovered a secret society imagined only in a Dan Brown novel.  Not the case.  But!  Equally cool: a performance and art space I had previously deemed another car garage within feet – not myles – of my den.

There’s no glitz and glam here (yet).  No upscale spas or chain retails stores.  No coffee shops employing the lure of a smiling mermaid to net my wallet.  The only thing this neighborhood “runs on” is the local brewings of the Breuklyn Coffee Shop or the Glass Shop.  And at a decent price, might I add.  

Franklin boasts a lot of new additions.  Chevela’s mexican joint just moved over, seasoning the avenue some more and complimenting its kid cousin – Dutch Boy Burger – all the same.   Bob & Betty’s Food Market recently reopened, offering a smattering of local foods and, most importantly, a wide selection of microbrews (to look at, not buy of course).  All while Nam’s market continues to be the authority on hummus.

Prospect Park. Brooklyn . . Place on the corner where Cheerios costs $2.99.  I mean – what more could I ask for at my fingertips?  (other than an orange slice in line at ?)

Oh – and the best part? When I turn off my bedroom light?  I actually have darkness.  Not “Manhattan darkness.”  Darkness.  A New York luxury you can, actually, afford.

So no, no crowns yet.  But I sure am enjoying the privileges my kingdom affords.   And as far as Nate Dogg is concerned, chicken wings on the sidewalk are fine by him.