Let’s look back on the week that was here in Brooklyn and beyond, shall we? If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well aware that I cover a lot of ground in my freelance writing pursuits, from spirits to menswear, watches and more. I also keep an eye on the New York City cocktail and restaurant scene, checking out hotspots new and old — including Bar Madonna, as seen at the top of the page.
I had the chance to visit the elegant yet accessible space earlier this week with my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary, and we can’t say enough great things about the just-opened cocktail and small plates haven
Bar Madonna takes an ingenious approach, pairing a refined aesthetic with splashes of colorful, vibrant art — including a massive bar-themed mural. The deeper story behind its artsy look and feel? Its partnership with Brooklyn artist and designer KidSuper, who serves as the art director for the space. How cool is that?
Yes, in addition to truly delicious cocktails like the bourbon, fernet and coffee liqueur Brooklyn Special, the location also has its own art director, placing it a cut above in a crowded Brooklyn cocktail scene.
As to its selection of small plates and shared bites, the grilled baby romaine salad (with bacon and wild boar!) was a delight, as was the grilled octopus. Oysters topped with a spicy dash of giardiniera were also a huge hit, as was the vibrant 68th and Harrow drink with citrus-infused vodka. Reader. to make a long story short: The next time you find yourself in Williamsburg, or in New York City in general, mark down Bar Madonna as a must-visit space.
Accordingly, I also dressed in spring-ready style — with a rain jacket for a blustery evening — so let’s dive into a few reading and shopping selections I’ve had my eye on as of late.
- Here’s one for all the auto and watch enthusiasts out there: Seiko just added to its line of Prospex chronograph timepieces with three elegant, road-ready and rugged options, each with triple-chronograph functionality and striking good looks. Pricey though they might be, you can add these watches to your wish list via my latest for Maxim.com.
- Let’s dive into another prime nod to the season, shall we? Over within the digital confines of my good friends at Huckberry, the retailer just debuted a suitably breezy, sunny and very aptly named selection of the best summer menswear. And what exactly is on tap in the Huckberry Sun Shop? Colorful printed short-sleeve buttondown shirts, finely tailored shorts, lounge-ready pants and linen blazers, plus plenty of breezy, ultra-soft T-shirts. Amp up your seasonal dressing ASAP with Huckberry, my friends.
- I don’t know about you, but I assuredly look forward to lazy days by the pool or the beach as this time of year rolls around — and that’s where my new AskMen guide to the best summer sandals for men enters the equation. Although I much prefer stylish leather loafers or woven slides like an espadrille-style shoe, the best sandals for guys are sometimes a necessity. And helpfully, there’s a way to score a pair made with plenty of style and craftsmanship in mind, rather than cutting corners. Take a look and see for yourself, folks.
And now, I’m going to bring down the curtain on this late spring edition of the Friday Read. Hopefully, you’ve got a few reading and shopping selections primed for a spring weekend, yes? If you happen to be in Brooklyn visiting Bar Madonna, feel free to drop me a line — and if there are any brands or categories you’d like to see covered here on The Style Guide, drop me a line in the comments below. Cheers to the weekend, my friends!
The Style Guide 