Fort Greene with Estelle & Brendon Babenzien

ESTELLE BAILEY-BABENZIEN & BRENDON BABENZIEN
Estelle: Co-Founder of NOAH, Creative Director & Interior Designer at Dream Awake; Brendon: Fashion Designer, Co-Founder of NOAH, and J Crew Men’s Creative Director. Find them at @theDreamAwake and @noahclothing

Why Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is the most fun, diverse and dynamic part of the USA. You have everything here. It’s a neighborhood that feels eclectic and special — the styles, the community. The perfect imperfection. Innovation starts in Brooklyn. 

Best thing about your area?
For me, Fort Greene Park and its surrounding streets are more like a social club for our community. 

Favorite Brooklyn memory?
I remember partying all night in the streets when Obama won the election and the police joining in…. Same thing happened when Biden won — we celebrated Trump losing. We found out around lunchtime on a gorgeous sunny weekend afternoon, the cheering lasted for 30 minutes, and the whole of Brooklyn turned into one big street party. 

Our Brooklyn…
Sounds like Hip Hop – Especially Biggie & Jay Z, of course… and early 90’s RnB
Smells like BBQ & Soul food. Some of my best memories are at BBQ’s in BK
Tastes like a spicy margarita with a salted rim
Feels like home

Our favorite spots
Dick and Jane’s Cocktail Bar
Evelina Restaurant
Fort Greene Park
Alamo Draft House
The walk from DUMBO to Brooklyn Bridge Park and along the water to Pier 6 Park
The Brooklyn Flea Market — changes locations, but always great finds
DUMBO House’s roof/outdoor restaurant for summer dining with great views
Saraghina for pizza
Bakeri for amazing bread and baked goods
Rhodora for good natural wine selection

Click here for our more Brooklyn guides by local insiders and, of course, our favorite Brooklyn Hotels