Who: Young and Kenneth
What: The Winey Neighbor, a boutique wine shop
Where: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Sometime last year I noticed work had begun on an empty storefront on Washington Avenue in my neighborhood of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. My curiosity piqued—Man, please let it be something cool and not another boring real estate office—I was encouraged when I saw a blue and white polka dot awning go up, with a cheeky name: The Winey Neighbor. A wine shop with a sense of humor? Sign me up.

It would still be many months before I'd meet the owners, husband-and-wife duo Kenneth and Young, or attend one of their community wine tastings, or buy a killer bottle of wine (for around $12) based on the type of music it'd pair best with. (We'll get to that). In the meantime I watched the ins-and-outs of construction workers on that storefront, caught glimpses of movement behind the brown-papered windows, and waited for opening day. More

When I had my baby, after fifty hours of unbelievable labor, I came home to a kitchen that was not quite through a remodel and a pretty empty fridge.

Blissed out and hungry, we assumed there would be a parade of lasagna and casseroles — isn't that how it goes in the movies? — but alas, the goods never arrived. After that, I swore that from then on I would always cook for my friends when they had babies and that is how my famous Taco Box evolved.
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We all know the hardships of cooking and eating alone. It can be hard to make an effort to cook a full meal and eat it gracefully, sitting at a table with a napkin and a fork. But the rewards are great; some of my favorite cooking memories were formed in my tiny solo kitchen. And there are other advantages as well: Luxury dinners that we think of as expensive are actually quite economical when cooking for just one. Here are five of my own favorites. More

Specialty: Syrups, preserves, and garnishes
Price Range: ($) Budget

Looking to swap out the cola for fresh sodas or spread something other than basic grape on your morning toast? Take your cocktails and concoctions to a whole new level with The Stand's inventive array of syrups, garnishes, and spreads. More

Specialty: Aprons from old tees
Price Range: ($) Budget - ($$) Mid-Range

Most aprons we come across fall into one of two categories: utilitarian or frilly vintage feminine. Skirt Work Crafts bridges the gap: cool old t-shirts get upcycled into funky creations for those looking for something different. More

Specialty: Inspired touches for your kitchen and beyond
Price Range: ($$) Mid-Range

The trend toward curated shopping makes me happy. I love discovering a new site with a smaller selection of charming objects that tell a story about the owner. Leif's story is that it's those little touches that bring big personality to a space. We couldn't agree more.
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Specialty: Small-batch sauces and spices aged in repurposed bourbon barrels.
Price Range: ($$) High-End

Bourbon Barrel Foods is a small artisan food company located in Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country. But they don't make bourbon; rather, they repurpose bourbon barrels to craft small batches of bourbon-infused gourmet sauces and spices, like Worcestershire and soy sauce, sorghum vinaigrettes, even barrel-smoked paprika and sea salt. More

Specialty: Perfect touches for cooking & sharing
Price Range: ($) Budget

You may know Rachel Ball from her blog and jewelry shop, Elephantine. Mignon Kitchen Co. is her newest venture, where she brings her sweet, simple style to the realm of cooking.
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Specialty: Tableware and linens with clean lines and fun patterns
Price Range: ($$) Mid-Range

Huset is the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish word for "house," and that's exactly what you get — timeless Scandinavian design to make your house a home.
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Specialty: Offering raw, unfiltered varietal honey for the American table.
Price Range: ($$) Mid-Range ($$$) High-End

Honey can elevate a cheese plate, fruit bowl or recipe to desert status. Needless to say, as a dedicated appetizer enthusiast with a serious sweet tooth, I consume quite a bit. Bee Raw takes this sweet treat and turns it into a true experience More