During my afternoon stroll this Sunday (today) I happened upon a few new and nifty things.

A&A Spice: 532 Court between Huntington and 9th street.

The first is a new little spice/grocery market at 532 court called A&A Spice. They are still stocking the shelves and packaging up some bulk items such as almonds and chocolate pretzels, but the little shop promises to have a few interesting spices for your kitchen. They specialize in Middle Eastern spices. I picked up some kabob marinade, some mediterranean spiced crackers and also some chocolate spread. (something like nutella but without the hazelnut flavor - just not a big fan of hazelnut). It seems like a very sweet family owned store and I even got a few pointers for tonight’s kabob marinade.

Cafe Scaramouche: 524 Court Between Nelson and Huntington

My second news item is to announce what I believe is the Best Cookie in Carroll Gardens. The award goes to Cafe Scramouche ’s Dulce de Leche cookie! This delicious cookie sandwiches a thick caramel-y gooey interior between two soft shortbread-esq style cookies. They then coat the outside in coconut. There is also a chocolate coated variety, and a mini-variety - all exceptionally delicious but a sweet tooth is required.

Enjoy your cookie at the cafe even, it is a relaxed, low-key kinda place (away from the standard coffee shop hustle and bustle!)

Perhaps it was bad timing with our spring snow storm this week, but last weekend I went down to Gowanus Nursery (102 3rd Street)to get some plants for my box at the 2nd place Transit Garden.

I was pleasently suprised to see that they are open this summer (I belive there were rumors last year that they weren’t going to be open). The folks there are always extremely helpful and tolerant of my lack of plant IQ. Anyhoo, they hooked me up with an Allium Globe Master. This large purple onion ball of fun is the only reason I got this box, so i really hope the snow didn’t kill it!

Allium Globe

Earlier this week my older brother announced his bid for the Connecticut State Senate. And then, unfortunately, he had to retract it.

Inspired by the book Fantasyland, I’ve decided to join my husband’s fantasy league and give him a run for the money. It is now two days into the season and I can tell you that the Legion of Doom is NOT at the bottom of the league. Ok, 7th place (out of 10) isn’t fantastic but I’ll take what I can get.

In what I think is an ingenious strategy, based on one of Sam Walker’s Tout war opponent’s strategy, I’ve decided to only draft guys 30 and under. But that’s not all, when available I also made a point of drafting players who wear their socks up. This is of course, an undeniably brilliant strategy that I’m sure will pan out in the end. The 30 and under rule will hopefully limit my injuries this season and provide me with some sleeper picks. The socks-up rule ensures I’ve got some traditionalists who are all about the game.

So here is my team (look for the handful of socks-up players - they weren’t easy to find in google images. I need to watch a few games to confirm the others - let me know if you see any good socks-up players!)

Batting:
R. Hernández (Bal - C)
N. Swisher (Oak - 1B,OF)
C. Figgins (LAA - 2B,3B,OF)
E. Chávez (Oak - 3B)
J. Reyes (NYM - SS) Socks Up
C. Crisp (Bos - OF) Socks Up
J. Lane (Hou - OF)
M. Bradley (Oak - OF)
R. Canó (NYY - 2B)
M. Holliday (Col - OF) Socks Up
T. Helton (Col - 1B)
W. Taveras (Hou - OF)
M. Barrett (ChC - C)
W. Peña (Bos - OF)
J. Jones (ChC - OF)

Pitching
K. Escobar (LAA - SP,RP) Socks Up
Jo. Santana (Min - SP)
Fr. Rodríguez (LAA - RP)
D. Turnbow (Mil - RP)
M. González (Pit - RP)
J. Putz (Sea - RP)
D. Haren (Oak - SP)
J. Valverde (Ari - RP)

Trade news: I offered my first trade today. Arod for JJ Putz. The trade was declined.