Hittin’ Up Boutiques in Greenpoint

A few weeks ago Tom and I went to Greenpoint Brooklyn to buy a table. We wanted a long table for our dining area because we like to have friends over for dinner and there’s nothing sadder than a bunch of adults crowded around an “expandable” Ikea dining table that was originally meant for your 300 sq. ft. studio.

We had our sights set on a handmade beauty by Mark Jupiter, which was for some reason listed on a random, lying website as ranging from $1200-$1500, but when we got to Mark’s workshop in Dumbo, were informed by Mark himself, a very handsome, rugged looking fellow, that he had “never made a table less than $6000.” He said this in a friendly yet matter-of-fact tone, and we, staring at his beautiful creations, could only agree and say, “Someday, someday.”

We still wanted something that looked handmade but wouldn’t leave us on the streets living under our table, and a friend told us about From the Source, which features sustainably sourced, handcrafted furniture and which has two showrooms – a small one in Chelsea and a much larger “flagship” in Greenpoint.

I’ve never had any reason to go to Greenpoint. I just knew that it was vaguely far and out of the way, like the Upper East Side. But one balmy sunny day a few weeks ago we made it out there and discovered Greenpoint was, despite certain rundown pockets, quaint, quiet and charming. Before we knew it we had wandered through a half dozen boutiques, stopped for a drink, and then found a place for a lovely early dinner. Here are my reasons to go back (mostly for the cake and more furniture, should we need it).

Recap:
Home Goods: From the Source; Home of the Brave
Apparel: Wolves Within (“thoughtfully curated” clothes for men and women); Pas Mal (Not featured here, but in the neighborhood and worth checking out. I follow the proprietress – a very chic Korean lady – on Instagram).
Food and Drink: Ovenly for good coffee and baked goods; I’m going back for their Salted Chocolate Chip cookie; Mrs. Kim’s for an early afternoon drink or two; Anella for American (New) fare in a pretty garden. According to reviews, brunch is the time to go.