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Morningside Heights Explores Red Hook, Brooklyn!

Last week, we had the incredible privilege of hosting the residents of Morningside Heights Retirement and Health Services for a day of exploration in the vibrant neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. It was a day filled with delicious food, fascinating history, and a wonderful sense of community.

Itinerary

Our day began with a stop at Mark’s Red Hook Pizza. This wasn’t just any pizza; the group enjoyed classic slices and delicious garlic knots, all served with a side of authentic Red Hook charm. The staff were fantastic, and the comfortable seating and clean restrooms made for a perfect first stop.

Beyond the food, the day was enriched by meaningful experiences. We were fortunate to have a private tour of the Mary Whalen Boat, a historic ship with an incredible story. Our guests helped each other aboard and the boat’s crew presented an installation about the maritime response to 9/11. This was especially timely as the ship was preparing for a memorial session on the anniversary of 9/11. The photographer who documented the 9/11 maritime response, Carolina Salguero was a part of the crew, sharing her story and photos from that day. It was a powerful reminder of how New York came together during a time of crisis.

Next, we ventured to Hometown BBQ. This was a huge success with the group! The team at Hometown went above and beyond, providing an incredible feast of brisket, ribs, and a wide variety of delicious sides. The warm hospitality and great atmosphere made everyone feel right at home.

We visited Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie. The group absolutely loved the tartlets, which were the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. For some, it was their first time trying Key Lime Pie! The stunning views of the Statue of Liberty from the waterfront were a beautiful bonus.

To cap off our day, we visited the Red Hook Winery, where the group was treated to a private tasting with managing winemaker, Christopher Nicolson. Christopher’s story is as unique as the wines he creates; he’s not only a celebrated winemaker with experience from Tuscany to California but also a commercial fisherman from Bristol Bay, Alaska, with deep family roots in the indigenous community there.

He explained his winemaking philosophy, which is all about translating the “place and time” of the vineyard into each wine. The group enjoyed a guided tasting of three of his wines, offering a perfect, enriching end to a day of delicious food and good company.

It was truly a pleasure to share the stories and flavors of Red Hook with such a wonderful group. The day was a resounding success, leaving everyone with full bellies and unforgettable memories.