Those of us who live in the Bay Area may think we've got it covered when it comes to local, sustainable food (we are on Alice Water's terroir, after all), but Jordan Colón of EAT in Brooklyn takes locavore to a whole new level.
Colon took over the erstwhile coffee shop/record store in 2006; since then, he has transformed the space into a low-key neighborhood hangout offering locally sourced food—served on made-on-site pottery (fired in a kiln in the basement), and furnished with tables and chairs made by friends. It all embodies a handmade lifestyle that could unfold from the pages of Kinfolk magazine. What's great about Colón is that he allows us to see what what's possible, nudging us to think differently and reminding us with his daily culinary offerings that eating locally and seasonally is an attainable goal. EAT is located just off Greenpoint Ave. in Brooklyn; for further details, go to EAT.
Above: A handmade cart stands at the ready for local deliveries, including house-made bread. Cooking classes meet weekly on Mondays when the restaurant is closed. Photo via Inhabitat.
Above: A table at EAT, set with pottery made by Arla Bascom and vintage flatware and jelly-jar glasses.
Above: A seasonal salad of greens, seeds, and radishes.
Above: All the pottery is available for sale.
Above: Strands of drying peppers and herbs create instant decor and can be used throughout the year when out of season.
Above: Hand-made mugs in the retail section.
Above: A potted plant and local flowers complement the natural color of the clay.
Above: All the furniture was made from locally sourced woods by friends.