One of Red Hook’s best treats is the weekend fare at the soccer fields (around the corner from the pool). There are a number of vendors there selling a delicious and affordable selection of South and Central American dishes. Some vendors go as far as to provide shade, seating and music.

A band arrives and take requests. The food vendors turn down their stereos for the occasion.

Coconut, Lime, Cantaloupe, Pineapple and Watermelon Juice. All fresh!

I ordered a pork and cheese papusa which I then smothered in picked onions. Some cabbage salad and fried plantains on the side.

This was a new one for me - fresh mango sprinkled with salt, chili powder, paprika and lime. THIS IS REALLY GOOD!

I can’t think of a better way to finish off the afternoon.

Meet Little Girl, my most favorite of all shop cats in the neighborhood- I happily give her the “Best Shop Cat of the Nabe” award. She helps run the show at a local luncheonette, greeting customers, saving a chair for her favorite folks or playing with her good friend Zeus (Chihuahua). If you run into her, she’ll much appreciate a good rub under her chin.

Ain’t she the cutest? I’m also told “she loves plastic!”

Little Girl sleeps in on weekdays mornings, staying clear of the traffic in her box above one of the drink fridges.

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!)