So I checked out the Brooklyn Flea over the weekend, and even though we got a little lost driving around trying to find it (we heard it was along Lafayette Ave, for some reason) I didn’t regret it one bit. For winter, the flea is held in the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank Building, now restored, redeveloped and known as Skylight One Hanson.
It’s such a lovely space – and not only because it’s indoors (warmth, oooh!) – now a cavernous event space composed of the Romanesque Beaux Arts Bank Hall and the Art Deco Vault. Yes, I’m such a sucker for history and classic structures, and I really appreciate how great care was taken to preserve the architectural prestige of the marble floors, carved teller stations, magnificent vaulted ceiling and the huge mosaic of New York on the main wall.
That’s me rather chuffed (and hence smiling stupidly) at finally finding the flea, getting out of the cold, and finding it to be such a lovely space.
All manner of vintage clothing to be had (went mad!) and knick knacks galore.
Kermit acting all biker and hanging out with Piggy, Scarecrow from the land of Oz, Snoopy, and the rest of the motley crew.
There was art by local artists, and a lot of handmade stuff by local artisans. If you like Etsy, you’ll also go crazy at this place. I had to resist buying pieces of really cool furniture! 
Another draw of the Brooklyn Flea is the great food to be had! If you a a java addict like some of my friends are, you’d have enjoyed the freshly brewed Brooklyn coffee. There was also this cute little shop called Butter & Scotch that sold smores pies, green chile & tequila caramel corn, hot chocolate and all manner of sweets and craft cocktails. Pretty sweet (pun fully intended).
Also worthy of mention was this ramen shop, Yuji Ramen, that has been getting some press (here too)of late. Now, being Asian, and a huge ramen lover myself, I was pretty skeptical – this must be some watered-down, Americanized version of noodles tweaked to please the local palettes. I do pride myself on keeping an open mind though, so made sure to have a taste.
He does mazemen style ramen, which means the noodles are served dry & tossed, rather than in hot soup. I tried both the Spicy Tuna as well as the Uni ones. Expectations were low, especially for the tuna one, but it turned out that the tuna one was super delish! No pictures unfortunately, because I devoured them both like the glutton that I am. Sorry! =p Am going to head down to try his omakase dinner at Whole Foods this weekend, and help him raise money to start his own restaurant in the meantime.
Will update on that soonest!
Pretty snowdrops in the park. So lovely!
Plucky duckies taking a swim.
And that’s me looking extremely pleased with myself! (And flouting the no-mobile-phone-no-bag-on-the-ice rule, heh.)
