LAND THAT I LOVE

Spent one of the best days of my life Wednesday. I spent it in the land of the mystic borough, the ‘Borough of Churches’, the ‘Borough of Trees’ the borough of Defonte’s great sandwiches.

As we lined up places that will be hearing from us to discuss our book: A PLACE CALLED BROOKLYN, Frank and I decided to stop at the location that the stories were built around and the sandwich deli that is located at the same location for 100-years and mentioned in the book. The family that started this deli is in the same location from day one, and the quality is so good, the ownership a hard-working man who puts his big heart into every sandwich made, and hospitality that makes one feel that this is a second home.

Nick Defonte is a pro, his staff, dressed in red hats and shirts that illustrate his wares, proudly and it seems loyally demonstrate that loyalty by the way they work, hard, dedicated and with a smile.
Brooklyn is undergoing a wonderful renaissance, the streets are cleaner, the businesses are prospering, great looking eating seems to be the norm as it still retains its old-time flavor while building a future with the young and upcoming people that populate it. The streets are bustling in the business districts and as you travel through the quiet streets and residential areas, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and life is beautiful.

My partner and I spent our day visiting the places that will see us signing books, and talking about the neighborhoods and people of the great borough of Kings County. We visited the waterfront, spent time on a boat talking to PortSide New York about the impact of the waterfront on the area of Red Hook and the docks and loading points that make the area so vital. We visited Books Are Magic and Barnes & Noble about our book signing and promo for the book. We got bread and biscuits from local bakeries and as two Italians, just salivated as we passed restaurant after restaurant.

At one time, Brooklyn was its own incorporated city, and I think it is time for it to succeed from the union with NYC and show the world what it is made of on its own.