Mission: Ethnographic Study of Taste
Destination: Downtown Brooklyn
I’m not a world renowned chef. My knowledge of food culture does not compare to Anthony Bourdain’s, however, I can assure you that Downtown Brooklyn is the food destination you have been yearning for. Here you have a choice: your favorite chain restaurant or the notable mom-and-pop shop that was recently featured on BuzzFeed? Downtown Brooklyn is the place to eat. Don’t believe me? Take a look below to read about my ethnographic adventures in the area.
On April 19, 2015 at 4:40pm I set out on a thirty minute train ride to my destination: Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center.
Many, many trains stop here so its only natural for “Atlantic” to be a food hub.
5:09 pm
Exit the Barclays Center
Food places visible: chain stores
Stop & Shop
-$$, enormous, popular chain, good neighborhood grocery store
Shake Shack
-$$, crowded, popular chain, good service, good burger
Don Chingon
-$$, Mexican, specialty: guacamole, burritos, tacos
5:20pm
Specific Destination: Bastille’s Artichoke Pizza
Hmm. Let me take an alternative route down 4th Avenue.
Not many food places. I have to really search.
There’s one. “No Pork Chinese Halal Kitchen” Eat in. Take out. $. A.
Wow. That name…straight to the point. Halal chinese food is such a rarity. I need to come back and eat here. Lemme take a closer look. Very crowded. Lengthy menu. Owned by Muslims. Sign on wall “Free Quran Available”
Across the street: Another Chinese Restaurant
China Wok: serves pork, $, not as crowded with people
Hmm. Food serving the preferences of different people. Reflective of the demographics.
Don Pepe Restaurant: $, Latin American
Next door is “Canteen Delicatessen Cafe”
I want to eat here. Looks new. Smells like sandwiches. Colorful, varied food choices.
I take pictures of the numerous chalkboard menus for subsequent analysis.
At this point, my indiscreet photography skills draw the attention of a man coming outside the cafe.
“What’s up little girl?”
“I’m doing a study on taste in this neighborhood”
“Oh really? Well, what have you tried so far?”
“This is preliminary. Nothing yet. Though, I saw those Chinese restaurants over there.”
“See the no pork one. Thats new. I tried it. Its good.”
“Which Chinese restaurant would you say is better.”
“Well it depends. Do you want pork or not. One has no pork. The other does. But if you’re studying food…there’s no restaurants over here. Go over to Atlantic Ave…everything is halal. Go over to fifth avenue. You got sushi over there. You got key foods. And artichoke pizza. And Mexican.”
“I will. So, would you say these restaurants are new?”
“Yes. They recently popped up. See this sandwich shop. It used to be a Mexican cafe.”
“Oh really. How long ago would you say?”
“Hmm. Five years ago.”
“Would you say these new restaurant openings are related to the opening of the Barclays Center?”
Man looks skeptically. “No. Go down on fifth ave. So many places to eat. So many places hiring.”
Man turns to answer ringing phone. I end the conversation.
“Thank you so much. Have a nice day.”
Continue towards destination: Bastille’s Artichoke Pizza
This part of Bergen street is completely residential. Turn onto 5th Ave…bombarded with food places. So many places. Trendy places.
–Slope Natural Food: Frozen food, deli, grocery, health & beauty aid 24hrs
–Bk9. Basically empty.
–Dale’s Pale Ale Bar. Empty. Maybe accommodates night life.
–Alchemy Restaurant and Tavern
–5ive spice
I cross the street.
–The Montrose
–The Chocolate Room. Fancy.
–Brooklyn Bagels – closed
So many options. I want to try them all.
5:40pm. Arrival at Destination.
I walk in. The pizzeria is empty. Small. Three tables in total. Six Chairs. Three stools. All empty. Strange decor. Chandelier. Leg lamp. Homie. Minimalist. People come for the food. Not the ambience.
I am not in the mood for artichoke pizza. So I order a slice of the Margherita from one of the two visible workers.
Food on display. Slices already made. Reheated. Many non-pizza items.
Notable: Once slice of specialty pizza is five dollars. One pie is thirty dollars. Anyone buying more than three slices and not a box is a fool…unless you want various pizza toppings.
I sit down on a stool with my slice. I admit…i’m a bit lonely.
Family comes in. Older son with two parents.
Mom orders one artichoke. Father and son order three each. Woah.
I have had artichoke pizza multiple times. One slice is a sufficient meal. Tastes best fresh. And is truly worth the five dollars. But…
Damn this is probably the best Margherita pizza I’ve ever had. On point. One slice is sufficient.
6:05pm. Pizza devoured. I am satisfied.
Next Destination: Ample Hills Creamery
What I see on the way:
Japanese cuisine
Wasan
Sun in Bloom Kitchen
Coffee
Gino’s Pizzeria and Restaurant
Doughnut Plant Brooklyn
Burgers
Koto Sushi
Another pizzeria
Chinese food
-Bergen street and 6th ave
Chick Pea
So many places to eat.
Entering a more residential area.
6:24pm: Ample Hills
Only two other customers inside. Many tables. Three staff. Agh. What do I order.
“Strawberry”
:Oh fudge (vegan) w coconut”
I ordered an untouched ice cream. Takes two workers to scoop it out.
Sit down at empty table. Watch. Enjoy.
Shopkeepers recommending.
“This is my favorite”
Happy to give samples.
Kids coming in mostly.
Suddenly very busy.
Nice.
Entire group of six guy friends walk in.
Poppin.
Funk music in background …welcoming and happy.
Much deliberation about flavor.
Very very good
I’ve had a lot of strawberry ice cream. This is number one.
It’s funny that I feel lonely…when this is a community ice cream parlor.
Exit: 6:51pm
