Moving to New York / St. Johns

Subject: Places to go around New York and St John's

Regarding the trains, I use both President (2,5) and Nostrand (3 and, 4 late night) pretty interchangeably. I try not to use the trains really late, but until about 10pm its usually okay. I'd avoid Nostrand Avenue late at night because there is a fair amount of drug activity, but it seems to be confined to north of St John's so you may not see as much of it. Places to hang out include Tavern on Nostrand (Nostrand and Union) which is clean and quiet and serves both decent food and drinks and even sometimes has live jazz. Across the street is Bagels and High Tea (owned by the same guy) which we use as a weekend brunch stop. I'd advise you to grocery shop at the Foodtown on Brooklyn and Herkimer. Although its a bit of a hike, the food is fresh and nice meat unlike either the Met or the Key Food on Nostrand.

There are a million chinese food, roti shops, and Jamaican restaurants. You may have to try a couple to see which one you like. My favorite cheap Chinese food place is actually in Bed-Stuy (Tak Hing on New York and Fulton) but they deliver here. Chefys on Park is my call for best West Indian.

Other than that, you really do need to head west of Nostrand to Washington, Vanderbilt etc. You can read some of the other posts for advice on bars and stuff, but most of them are not in the neighborhood, but a bit of a hike.

Subject: St. Johns and NY York

You're lucky in that you're near the greatest block association in Crown Heights. They cover much of your area and own their own brownstone at NY and Lincoln Place. They had a great holiday party this year at the house which was attended by David Yassky - who's running for Major Owens seat in the House -- and by the newly elected assemblyman for the area who lives nearby. They've been great about getting out support for the community -- from getting the police to pay attention to crime in the area to turnning out at meetings of the Crown Heights North Associaition.

Their president is Jesse Hamilton and his phone number is 718-802-3625. Give him a call and tell him to got his number from me.

Regarding the trains, you can take the #3 to Nostrand or the #2 to President.

Welcome.

Greg Todd