Khoollect Explores: An Author’s Guide to Brooklyn, New York

New York, New York here we come! You might hear Manhattan calling, but Brooklyn is the new happening neighbourhood. Here you’ll find everything from ethnic eats, to bespoke boutiques, and plenty of less-heard-of places frequented only by locals in-the-know. Amy Thomas, author of Brooklyn in Love: A Delicious Memoir of Food, Family and Finding Yourself, shares her favourite nooks and crannies around that famous neighbourhood beginning with ‘B’.

Top three Brooklyn foodie spots

• Olmsted – an outstanding neighbourhood restaurant that has received lots of acclaim.
• Ample Hills Creamery – an amazingly decadent and fun ice cream shop that is poised to be the new Ben & Jerry.
• Cacao Prieto – a small chocolate and rum factory. What a combo.

Tell us your favorite Ample Hills memory for a chance to win a copy of the newly released Brooklyn in Love-(which includes a chapter on Ample Hills!), a memoir from author Amy Thomas. #brooklyninlove #giveaway #AmpleHillsmemories

A post shared by Ample Hills Creamery (@amplehills) on Apr 9, 2018 at 11:35am PDT

Best place for coffee

I’m not a big coffee connoisseur but hear Bluestone Lane and La Columbes are great.

Most beautiful outdoor space

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Feeling a little Alice in Wonderland in #brooklyn.

A post shared by Amy Thomas (@godiloveparis) on May 15, 2016 at 8:58am PDT

Best rainy day hangouts

Embrace the rain, pop on your favourite playlist and roam the streets of Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge). With the sloped cobblestone streets, views of Manhattan, vintage carousel and subway rattling on the bridge overhead, it’s the perfect moody environment.

Ready for the weekend! #brooklynheights

A post shared by Amy Thomas (@godiloveparis) on Nov 18, 2016 at 2:53pm PST

Best nook for daydreaming

I recently hung out in the lobby of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. It has views of the bridge, a two-story living wall, and lots of art books — the perfect place to daydream.

Most chilled spot to spend a Sunday morning

Out in the streets, walking. It’s one of the only times the city is relatively calm and peaceful. There’s a whole different energy when businesses are shuttered and you have the sidewalks to yourself. Then, if you’re lucky, you can go home and read the newspaper while eating a bagel afterwards.