Babies and brownstones: These are typically the first images that come to mind when one mentions Park Slope. But moving beyond the obvious you’ll find a thriving neighborhood with no shortage of bars, restaurants, bakeries, and bookstores–not to mention being in walking distance of the stunning Prospect Park. For a little behind the scenes info on the ins and outs of Park Slope, we spoke to the snark-masters at Fucked in Park Slope about their small, but potent, neighborhood.

How many of the FIPS crew are Park Slope natives?

None of us are BK natives. Benjamin is from the UWS, Erica is from lawng guy-land and Greg hails from the blustery shores of NJ. But, for better or worse, we all now call Park Slope home [insert whimsical sigh]

A few months ago I was at a media party with some friends where I met an aspiring lawyer who grew up in Brooklyn all her life–in Park Slope, specifically. Somehow this lifelong Brooklynite–who touted the greatness of her borough–had never heard of Lincoln, Dewey, or Midwood High schools, where several of us attended in our teen years. Is this bubble-like existence common for Park Slope residents?

Well, probably, but I gotta say: I don’t think this is unique to Park Slope. I think we’re all busy…and stressed…and addicted to our laptops…and comfortable with our routines. And, as a result, I think most peeps probably don’t explore their nabes as much as they’d like to. I mean, we live in N. Slope and there are a shitload of restaurants/bars/stores, etc that I just never haul my ass over to because I’m lazy. So if we’re not out there exploring our own nabes, you can bet your ass I don’t know the first thing about the best pizza place in Midwood or the alterna-Target at the end of the 2/3 line.

The FIPS crew claims that its members aren’t vegans, members of the food co-op, locavores, or, generally, crunch-chewy types. How come the angry villagers haven’t stormed your brownstone and tossed you into Sunset Park?

Au contraire…we’ve had (and continue to have) our share of “angry villagers.” Thankfully, we’ve never printed any of our addresses anywhere, so I think we’re safe (for the time being) from any neighborhood sieges. However, we do get our fare share of incensed commenters who mostly tell us: we suck, we’re stupid, we’re whiny, we suck and we suck. Luckily, its seems like the FIPS love is way more free flowin than the FIPS hate so far.

A number of New Yorkers hate on Park Slope for being the den of the modern yuppie, cultivating a suburban blandness, or being massively overpriced. How much are these criticisms warranted vs. simple jealously?

Uhm…these criticisms are mostly pretty well warranted, though I take issue with the “suburban blandness” comment. You ever been to NJ?? Park Slope might be the “suburbs” of Manhattan, but its pretty wildly different from your average mind numbing suburb. There are def a shitload of yuppies here, or SILTHS (Slopers I’d Like To Hurt) as we like to call em, but also that’s cause this IS a pretty kick ass neighborhood. I mean, its beautiful here, and we have great restaurants and shops and bars and a gorgeous mini-Central Park. So, yeah…we think there might be a teeny bit of jealousy too.

Are there Park Slope traits that the rest of Brooklyn should adopt and vice versa?

For better or for worse (and sometimes, it IS for worse…but mostly its for better) we do think the sense of community in Park Slope is pretty amazing. Also, people just leave stuff they don’t want out on the street for you to take! Like cool books…and old records. That’s something we think more people should do in all parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan: leave cool stuff we can have on the street!

A friend of a friend once commented that Astoria is the Park Slope of Queens. Your thoughts.

We’d tend to agree – the objective structural parallels are undeniable: both places have been invaded by yuppies and are latte oasises surrounded by disenfranchised natives.

What’s your take on Ditmas Park, specifically the main shopping strip on Cortelyou? Between The Farm on Adderly, Vox Pop, Sycamore, and MiMis, there are whispers that Cortelyou is becoming the new 7th Ave. Have you checked out the area?

No clue. We’re SILTH’s…whaddyou expect? We’ve literally never set foot on the other side of the park. Benjamin drove around in a zipcar once, and kept the doors locked and the windows rolled up. Apparently he missed the strip of gentrification you’re referring to.

Which subway lines cut through your neighborhood? Do you have a preference for one above others?

My jam is the Q 7th ave stop mostly. Sometimes I hit up the 2/3 GAP stop to mix it up. I have a love/hate with the Q because its always packed and I never get a seat…but its mostly pretty reliable and very fast. Benjamin hits up the F. The R/M and also roll through, but nobody on our crew rides em much.

How much for a 1BR? Have rental prices fallen given the sorry state of the economy?

Well, we own now, so I have no clue. Back before the recesh, one of us was paying $2600 for a fairly big 1bdr with a backyard and a washer/dryer…its prob way cheaper now.

Park Slope seems to have birthed or attracted many creative types–what is it about the area that fosters or draws this star power?

Lots of free internet coffee shop options? Once again, this phenomenon can be traced back to economics: It all started because artists are poor and couldn’t afford Manhattan. Simultaneously, they were too white and scared to live in deeper cheaper Brooklyn, so Park Slope’s artist population surged.

Every neighborhood has a hidden gem or two that only the residents are truly familiar with–what’s Park Slope’s?

Well, its not *that* hidden, but 7th Ave Donuts is always on our list. Best donuts we’ve ever had in our life, bar none. AND super duper cheap. Blue Apron is a great little gourmet shop on Union and 7th that sells English/European chocolate (both Benjamin and I are obsessed with chunky kit kats…and they don’t sell them in a lot of places in this country). Save on Fifth should also not be missed. It’s this awesome, cheap, home goods store on 8th street and 5th ave. Trust me: if you ever move to Park Slope, you will be hittin up this place on move-in day.

No related posts.