BROOKLYN GUIDE

Fort Greene with Estelle & Brendon Babenzien

The celebrated designers share why they love and celebrate Brooklyn plus their favorite spots in and around their home in Fort Greene

Estelle-brendan-A-Hotel-Life-Brooklyn-Guide

ESTELLE BAILEY-BABENZIEN & BRENDON BABENZIEN
Estelle: Co-Founder of NOAH, Creative Director & Interior Designer at Dream Awake; Brendon: Fashion Designer, Co-Founder of NOAH, and J Crew Men’s Creative Director. Find them at @theDreamAwake and @noahclothing

Why Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is the most fun, diverse and dynamic part of the USA. You have everything here. It’s a neighborhood that feels eclectic and special — the styles, the community. The perfect imperfection. Innovation starts in Brooklyn. 

Best thing about your area?
For me, Fort Greene Park and its surrounding streets are more like a social club for our community. 

Favorite Brooklyn memory?
I remember partying all night in the streets when Obama won the election and the police joining in…. Same thing happened when Biden won — we celebrated Trump losing. We found out around lunchtime on a gorgeous sunny weekend afternoon, the cheering lasted for 30 minutes, and the whole of Brooklyn turned into one big street party. 

Our Brooklyn…
Sounds like Hip Hop – Especially Biggie & Jay Z, of course… and early 90’s RnB
Smells like BBQ & Soul food. Some of my best memories are at BBQ’s in BK
Tastes like a spicy margarita with a salted rim
Feels like home

Our favorite spots
Dick and Jane’s Cocktail Bar
Evelina Restaurant

Fort Greene Park
Alamo Draft House
The walk from DUMBO to Brooklyn Bridge Park and along the water to Pier 6 Park
The Brooklyn Flea Market — changes locations, but always great finds
DUMBO House’s roof/outdoor restaurant for summer dining with great views
Saraghina for pizza
Bakeri for amazing bread and baked goods
Rhodora for good natural wine selection

Dumbo House with classic NY views
Dumbo House with classic NY views
Alamo Draft House bringing you the silver screen to your neighborhood
Alamo Draft House bringing you the silver screen to your neighborhood
Only the good stuff at Evelina Restaurant
Only the good stuff at Evelina Restaurant
You know you want a slice of the Saraghina Pizza
You know you want a slice of the Saraghina Pizza
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