Who Has The Best Pizza in Park Slope?

Luke Constantino | January 23, 2010

After talking to a number of people, I narrowed down the list of pizzerias to the five places most mentioned. After going on this quest, I had to double my time in the gym, but it was worth it. Don’t get bent out of shape if your place isn’t here, I’m only one guy with two feet and one stomach. If you have another place, that’s great - let me know. Here are the five from my list. At each place, I tried the regular slice.

Joe’s Pizza - 137 7th Ave

This is the kind of street pizza I grew up with. It’s not the gourmet stuff you’re going to get at some other places. It’s just a good slice that will satisfy you. To walk into a neighborhood pizza place and grab a regular slice was damn good. I like the feel of the place too: “It’s Brooklyn.” A slice, a soda and you’re good to go!

Pino's La Forchetta - 181 7th Ave

This pizza was very similar to Joe’s pizza but tasted a little better. The service there was really good, even though they were very busy when I was there. The atmosphere in Pino’s was pretty nice and I like the neon lights on the windows.

Nice place, nice slice.

Roma Pizza - 85 7th Ave

If you like cheesy pizza, this is the place. They give you a nice cheesy slice with a hint of oregano. For me, it was a dull and forgettable slice. It could use a little salt, some garlic and a little more sauce. In my opinion, you’re better off going to Pino’s or Joes if you’re on 7^th Avenue. I honestly don’t know how three pizzerias that are so close together stay in business. I guess it's better than bringing your baby to the bar (local inside joke).

LaVilla - 261 5th Ave

I’m doing slices…

They only sell pies.

Smiling Pizza - 323 7th Avenue

This was an old hang out of mine when I was a kid. We knew it as “Smilies,” as do a lot of people in Park Slope. My friends and I would always get a slice at “Smilies” when we came off the F train from Manhattan. I never said or will say it was great pizza, but this slice holds memories for me. They say “pizza is like sex… Even if it sucks, it's OK.”

They must have been talking about “Smilies.”

Pepe’s Pizza and Panini - 597 4th Ave

I put a smile on as soon as I walked in the place. How come I never heard of this place? I was so tempted to try the Margherita slice but… I’M WORKING ON A REGULAR SLICE HERE!!! ~ Crowded, yes. Smell? Awesome! ~ Slice? This was an excellent slice! I hear the place is fairly young compared to the pizza places that have been out there and a little further down the way, but make no mistake; this place is the best in Park Slope! OK… I sneaked a square in, it was also very good!

Me and "The Pizza Maestro" himself: Peppe!

I’m going to sneak back for the Margherita pie later. I heard it’s amazing!

Let’s face it: Park Slope is never going to be famous for its pizza like Bensonhurst is, but it’s a great place to live and was one of the best places to play stickball when I was a kid. You can’t beat the people and its unique variety of shops and stores. I’ve seen it go from a just getting by kind of place in the 70’s to the beautiful cosmopolitan neighborhood it is now. Can the pizza be better? Yes, but you cannot find a better place in Brooklyn.

Luke Constantino
Commercial | Residential
REMAX PARK SLOPE
Direct: (212) 300-3919 | Fax: (360) 368-0098
Email: LukeConstantino@aol.com
http://LukeConstantino.com

Litchfield Villa - Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY

Luke Constantino | January 23, 2010

Prospect Park, a beautiful place to go jogging, walk the dog or just enjoy yourself. There are many historical sites throughout the park like Litchfield Villa.

Litchfield Villa was build before Prospect Park existed on a hill (named “Grace Hill, after his wife), It stands 280 feet above sea level. This one square mile parcel of land was purchased by Edwin Litchfield, a railroad magnate and real estate developer in 1852. It extended all the way down to the Gowanus Canal.

Litchfield Villa is now the headquarters for of the NYC Department of Parks and offices of the Prospect Park Alliance. In 1911 and addition was added. A two story annex designed by Helmle, Huberty and Hudswell. In 1966, Litchfield Villa was designated a New York City Landmark.

I walk my dogs through the park and see Litchfield Villa almost every day. A lot of New Yorkers take these beautiful historical properties around us for granted and don’t know much about them. I believe everyone should take a little time to learn about the beautiful things around us.

Luke Constantino
Commercial | Residential
REMAX PARK SLOPE
Direct: (212) 300-3919 | Fax: (360) 368-0098
Email: LukeConstantino@aol.com
http://LukeConstantino.com

Big Nick’s Discount Store – 1669 Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11214

Luke Constantino | January 23, 2010

Big Nick's 99 Cent Discount 1669 Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11214-4509

It’s the middle of the day, you’re hungry, but you don’t feel like pizza or Chinese food… Where do you go in Bath Beach? Nick’s Discount Store! No, I’m not crazy, this guy has everything! Go in and ask for a “Big Nicky’s $5.50 special” which consists of any kind of hero sandwich you want (Boars Head cold cuts, meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, etc), a soda and a bag of chips!

Nicky bagging a gallon of milk for a customer

You’re not going to find a place that sells a gallon of milk for $2.69 that easy, unless you come here. From cookies, ice cream and Italian bread to stationary, tools, household items and cleaner Nicky has been a fixture in The Bath Beach area for many years. Everyone comes here from the neighborhood. If you haven’t been to Nick’s Discount store, you don’t live here!

It’s amazing how he knows almost everyone’s name that comes through the door, young and old. Nicky gives out candy in front of his store every Halloween to the neighborhood children (And adults), hot dogs and potato salad on The Fourth of July and makes his good friend Eugene (A well known neighborhood guy) dress up as Santa Clause for the Christmas season.

Usually there’s a conversation about sports, a current event or what’s new in the neighborhood going on anytime you walk in. Some people stay and never want to leave! Not only do you get really good deals here, you get a sense of what Bath Beach is all about. Nicky lets you know it’s all about good food, good discounts and the most important thing, good people.

So drop by sometime, grab a cup of coffee and say hello. You’ll be glad you did!

Luke Constantino
Commercial | Residential
REMAX PARK SLOPE
Direct: (212) 300-3919 | Fax: (360) 368-0098
Email: LukeConstantino@aol.com
http://LukeConstantino.com

Inexpensive, Unique Pre War 2 Bedroom Co-op in a 16 Unit Building

671 47th Street, Brooklyn, NY

Bright airy 2 bedroom coop located on the 3rd floor of a beautiful 4 floor Pre war building includes hardwood floors throughout, new windows; eat in kitchen and laundry facility downstairs. This unique, 16 unit building in the middle of Sunset Park has all professional occupants. Low maintenance. Functional but can use a little TLC. Pets welcome.

Pre approved buyers.

Submit all reasonable offers.

Buying Houses in Brooklyn

Luke Constantino | Friday, March 06, 2009

Brooklyn has quickly become one of the most desirable boroughs to live in New York City. There is a vast majority of neighborhoods and different ethnic backgrounds here which makes it (in my opinion) the greatest place to live. You have a majority of ethnic restaurants, museums, entertainments and parks that outweigh Manhattan by far. Why Brooklyn than Manhattan? It's less expensive and more residential...


It's a place where people live.

(Some kids playing "Stickball" on a residential street in Brooklyn)

Before buying or renting a place in Brooklyn:

"DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!"

One of the best sites that I have found to give you a great description of an area you're thinking of moving into is "PropertyShark"

http://www.propertyshark.com/mason/nyc/index.html

It gives you graphs and descriptions on everything from property size, household income and age distribution! If you wanted to be in a neighborhood that has a lot of children, younger crowd or more adults they have a graph that shows you!

A typical Broolkyn Street

Here are some other sites that might help you:

http://www.trulia.com/

http://www.zillow.com/

And the all time famous "Craigslist" (Great for finding apartments too!):

http://newyork.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/apartments.cgi

There are many things here that make Brooklyn one of the most famous places in the world. I was born and raised here, seen it change a lot and can honestly say...

Luke and Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President at a neighborhood function.

It has changed for the better.

You will also need an experienced Realtor. One who knows Brooklyn inside and out, who can help you. There are alot of very beautiful things here only a native (like myself) can show you. Experience counts now more than ever in this ever changing market.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, I WILL GET THE LOWEST PRICE WHEN WORKING FOR A BUYER...

GUARANTEED.

I would be glad to help anyone who seriously wants to move into one of the greatest places in the world...

Brooklyn, NYC.

***********

My name is Luke Constantino...

And this is my home.


Luke Constantino
Commercial Residential
RE/MAX AT THE SLOPE
Direct: (212) 300-3919 Fax: (360) 368-0098
http://lukeconstantino.com/

*********************************************************

BE PREPARED! - What Every Renter Should Know To Step In Front of the Line

BE PREPARED! - What Every Renter Should Know To Step In Front of the Line

Luke Constantino September 9, 2008


I deal with a lot of buying and selling of property in NYC, but along with that, I also deal with rentals. Renting an apartment can be a pretty big job. Going to different sites on the internet, newspapers and just finding that decent location that coincides with your lifestyle can be very stressing. For me, rentals often bring on new home buyers later on. Here are some of my sure-fire tips on how to get in front of the line and be the best candidate for a rental in NYC:
5 TIPS ON WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE THE BEST CANDIDATE:


• Have a credit report ready from all three credit bureaus in hand. This is the most important thing you will need. You don't need perfect credit, but the higher your credit score the better. Anything above 580 is an open door, no questions asked. If a student loan or medical bill has brought your credit score down (and nothing else), you should point this out.
Best credit report: Creditreport.com
• Photocopy of your driver's license, social security card, 2 pay stubs from your employer and W2/1099. You have to draw a picture of who you are and how substantial you are to the person from whom you are renting.

• A letter from your employer. A letter from your employer (on the company's letterhead) stating how long you have been employed by that company and anything else that might be useful (Like the "He/she is an exceptional part of our team" statement, etc.).

• Do a "background check" on yourself (Optional). I do this on every renter I deal with along with a statewide U.S. Party/Case Index court check. This makes the person you are renting from very comfortable about you.
"Integrascan" background check: http://www.integrascan.com/

• First impressions count! When meeting with the person whom you will be renting from, dress nicely, be on time and bring all the information you have assembled. The bottom line; They want to know who you are on paper and that they are going pay them the rent in a timely manner.

Provide the person who you will be renting from all these assurances and you will move to the front of the line!


Luke Constantino has been a realtor for over 12 years and is currently employed by Remax Metro in NYC. He has also been quoted in the April 08' issue of " Time Out New York" magazine on "How to be the perfect candidate - Tips for renters" along with many other publications.

Luke Constantino

Commercial Residential

RE/MAX at THE SLOPE

Direct: (212) 300-3919 Fax: (360) 368-0098

http://LukeConstantino.com

Buying Real Estate in Brooklyn

These are trying times we live in now. There are over one million property owners in New York that are either in or in jeopardy of going into foreclosure. The 700 billion dollar bailout from the government will make things better, but it's going to take time for the market to regulate. A lot of people may not know this, but it is the best time to buy!


There is also a trend going on slowly among homeowners... They are buying down. Homeowners are re-evaluating their budgets. I'm starting to see people from Manhattan buying in parts of Brooklyn like Park Slope, Greenpoint and Williamsburg. The people from these areas are buying in Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Midwood. Everybody is trying to save money.

There are a lot of great deals on property now, more than ever before. I have literally seen some houses drop $135,000 below market value! Yes, this is on most of the high end properties here but I know one thing for sure:

"You will never find these prices ever again."

If you are an intelligent buyer and are looking to buy anywhere in Brooklyn, please, do your homework. There are sites out there which can help you with your search like: Zillow.com, Trulia.com and PropertyShark. They pretty much show you the demographics, schools and points of interest around the area you are looking in. One of the most important features of these sites is that they give you a general ball park figure of what the fair market value is for that specific area.

Get yourself a good Realtor also. Even though these sites may answer some of your questions, a good Realtor will be able to answer many more. A good Realtor will be able to help you make the best decision based on your needs and also should have a few inspectors, lawyers and mortgage people who can help your transaction run smoothly. I believe that experience counts now more than ever and I hope you will give me a call.

Luke Constantino
Commercial Residential
RE/MAX at THE SLOPE
Direct: (212) 300-3919 Fax: (360) 368-0098
http://LukeConstantino.com