...goes to Williamsburg

So many amazing things, to share, all new to me, about the hipster hideaway in Brooklyn, NY that is Williamsburg. Just a quick drive down the FDR and over the Williamsburg Bridge and BAM!, you're smack dab in the middle of everything plaid.

My excuse for the trip was tickets to see the Temper Trap at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.
First order of business? Food, naturally.


It's no secret that Diner, on the corner of Broadway and Berry, is, well, quite literally a diner. Though, the food is anything but. The restaurant is housed in a 1920's diner car, fully equipped with a vintage counter and booths. We sat outside, though, and started with a pair of pilsners, on tap. Coolest thing about Diner? The menu changes daily. The waitstaff sit down right next to you and elaborately describe the daily dishes, writing the items on the paper table covers. The daily menu changing was established to reflect what is fresh and in season. There were only a total of about 10-12 items on the menu, not including 3 desserts. My choice? A house made pork shoulder and white bean ravioli in a brown butter sauce topped with pignoli nuts and parmeggiano reggiano cheese. My vegetarian friend had a spinach salad tossed with grapefruit and toasted almonds with a side of probably the best french fries I've ever had, salty and perfectly fried with creme fraiche to dip. Oh! And here comes my tacky, star sighting moment. The stunning Lake Bell walked right up to our table street side to chat with our waitress, a friend I assume. It's safe to say it was the best "diner" experience I've ever had.

While walking to the venue, the universe diverted us with a film crew, closing the street ahead of us. This detour led us directly to the most unbelievable music store I've ever laid eyes on. Main Drag Music, on Wythe Avenue at S 1st, pretty much took our breathe away. Take a look for yourselves:






Now to Music Hall of Williamsburg, my new favorite venue. It's intimate in the style of Bowery Ballroom, but even smaller. It's the absolute perfect place to see a show. If only major acts played there. (sigh) Still, Temper Trap rocked and I was personally blown away by the live sound of the lead vocalist. You may be familiar with their single "Sweet Disposition" that was featured in the film 500 Days of Summer starring velvet voiced Zooey Deschanel, but I promise their album is way more than what's featured on that track. Definitely worth a listen. Here are a few pics from the show:








After stumbling out of the show, we realized that we were mere blocks from the hipster funhouse that is Brooklyn Bowl. Equipped with 16 bowling lanes, each with a projection screen tv, leather couch and table, and a kitchen run by Manhattan favorite Blue Ribbon, Brooklyn Bowl is an awesome date spot, but also perfect to bring a crew to knock down some pins and brews. They also have a pretty large stage for live acts that perform nightly. And did I mention every Thursday in April, questlove of The Roots will be spinning? Check out their website to see what acts are scheduled.