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Just a Day in Gowanus

I've lived and worked in Gowanus for almost a decade. I've raised my girls here. I've started and built a company here. I've seen a lot of change in the neighborhood and I'm proud to call it home. From a local cafe for a fresh pastry in the morning before work to the Whole Foods rooftop where I'm a regular and a relaxed dinner in the evening, this guide is a collection of a few of the spots I regularly find myself at on a normal day at work bouncing between the Curious Jane office and a few neighborhood favorites.

Samantha Razook

Samantha is the Founder of Curious Jane - an educational content company for girls ages 6 to 11 – with projects and curriculum revolving around science + engineering + design. In addition to being a Founder and a Mom to her two daughters, Samantha knows Gowanus, having run her business in the neighborhood for over 8 years and counting.

Runner & Stone

Neighborhood spot with housemade breads & pastries plus seasonal New American fare & cocktails.

(718) 576-3360 website

285 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Runner & Stone is open Breakfast through dinner, and is known for their outstanding "baked on premises" breads and pastries. The breakfast and lunch service is at the counter (super tasty options, sunlit space, a touch of "upscale" in The Gowanus, without being fancy). Dinner is table service with an excellent menu, and lovely cocktail and wine list.

Curious Jane

Summer camps and a national magazine feature DIY projects for girls

(718) 369-6320 website

400 3rd ave, brooklyn, ny, 11215

Curious Jane runs summer camps for girls ages 6 to 11, all project based and revolving around science, engineering, and design. We run these programs in schools around NYC and a couple other cities. Our 'HQ' office is a sunny space where we host weekend birthday parties like our Spy Science, Kitchen Chemistry or DIY Design parties.

During the week the space is a brilliant sunny spot to photograph and design our in-print, ad-free maker magazine...cover to cover. The magazine can be found in Barnes & Noble Newsstands or sent straight to your door with our annual subscription.

The Roof at Whole Foods - Gowanus

Industrial hangout atop Whole Foods Market serving pub grub & craft beers, with terrace seating.

(718) 907-3622 website

214 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

The rooftop cafe is a regular stop. The have a nice (rotating) beer and wine selection, and a big screen for all the major sporting events you might need to catch. World Cup, U.S. Open, you name it!

Olivier Bistro

Classic French bistro fare for breakfast, lunch & dinner in a charming location with a small bar.

(718) 768-6600 website

469 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Classic french bistro with a great vibe and delicious food. It's a casual restaurant open breakfast through dinner, perfect for any combination of family and friends. The owner, Olivier, has truly created a destination on a busy, industrial stretch of 4th Ave and right near the 4th and 9th street train stop.

In the morning stop by their coffee window and grab a pastry. In the evening enjoy a carafe of house wine and a bistro steak as well as the lovely music trio that often performs on the weekends.