"Colm Dillane shakes up NYFW as Brooklyn's Arts Ambassador!"

Trivia Question❓

In 1883, what famous bridge was completed connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan in New York City?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Inside the Brooklyn craft store turning everyone into a DIY pro | New York Live TV

Colm Dillane named first-ever Brooklyn Arts Ambassador, mentors emerging designers at NYFW runway show.

Colm Dillane, the first Brooklyn Arts Ambassador, showcased designs from five emerging talents at a special event at Brooklyn's Borough Hall during New York Fashion Week.

Dillane's goal as a mentor was to help the designers create viable careers by combining their creative vision with informed business decisions.

With the support of his colleagues and a raised outdoor catwalk, the designers presented their capsule collections to the delight of guests like Lauryn Hill and A$AP Ferg.

This partnership between Dillane and the Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso, aims to support young designers from Brooklyn and launch their careers in the fashion industry.

Chef Jonathan Waxman has brought his acclaimed Barbuto eatery to Brooklyn Heights, officially launching Barbuto Brooklyn on September 17, 2025.

Set within 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, the new 210-seat restaurant blends airy industrial design with lush greenery for a welcoming vibe near the waterfront.

Guests can enjoy Waxman’s signature California-Italian fare, including favorites like JW Pollo al Forno, iconic kale salad, and homemade gnocchi, while new dishes such as the Pizza Brooklyn with smoked salmon and Pasta Bambini add fresh twists.

The Barbuto Garden offers outdoor dining, a unique bar bites menu, and 16 draft beers for al fresco gatherings.

Meanwhile, the team from The Dead Rabbit debuts San Patricios in Jersey City on September 19, blending Irish and Mexican flavors in food, drinks, and atmosphere.

Together, these openings showcase New York’s vibrant and ever-expanding culinary scene.

This newsletter sponsored by

Olmsted (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

If you haven’t yet checked out Olmsted in Williamsburg, it’s a spot worth your next dinner out.

With visionary cooking under Chef Greg Baxtrom, it strikes a rare balance: dishes that feel inventive (think lamb porchetta, carrot crepe with clams, decadent chocolate mousse) but without breaking the bank - many entrees land under $25.

Add in the lush back-garden seating, warm, intimate atmosphere, and creative seasonal menu, and Olmsted becomes that perfect go-to for date night, casual gathering, or just treating yourself.

A 25-Year-Old Brooklyn Dive Bar Is Saved

The beloved Pencil Factory Bar in Greenpoint will reopen after facing closure due to a lease non-renewal in July 2025.

New owners Tony Ismail and David Doyle—known for Café Alula and Café Balearica—are spearheading the bar’s revival at 142 Franklin Street.

Though full renovation plans remain undisclosed, the pair are focused on honoring the bar’s welcoming, local spirit that made it a neighborhood favorite for nearly 25 years.

Outdoor seating, a familiar touch for patrons and community gatherings, is expected to return.

Sports fans will see new TVs, but the space will maintain its original vibe, avoiding a shift to a sports bar atmosphere.

The bar’s reopening awaits liquor license approval, with hopes of welcoming guests back by late 2025, underscoring Greenpoint’s commitment to its unique, cherished venues.