Smith Canteen on Smith Street To Close At End Of June

Sad news over the week-end.  Kerry Diamond, the owner of Smith Canteen at 343 Smith Street has announced that she will close the popular café at the end of June.
In a recent Facebook post, Diamond explained:
"I have some news to share. I've decided to sell @smithcanteen. We’ll be closing on June 30th. It was an incredibly hard decision because I love the Canteen and have put my heart and soul into it for the past year as the sole owner. But I had to be honest with myself that I just don’t have the bandwidth required to take this very special place on this magical corner in Carroll Gardens where it deserves to go. Even though the past year has kicked my ass and exhausted me, I'm grateful for every minute of it. I’ve always had a huge amount of empathy for people in this industry, but now I have it tenfold after a year of washing dishes and floors, figuring out a scheduling system, working the POS, making coffee (I still can’t pull a great espresso tho), and acquiring some light plumbing skills. I have so many people to thank for their generosity, patience, advice, and hard work, but I’ll save that for another post. It’s hard to close a chapter on one’s life, but here I go. (I could quote “Closing Time” here, but I’ll spare you.) For all of you addicted to the lemon-poppy seed muffins (or the blueberry ones, or the cookies) don’t worry. We’ll be sharing the recipes online next month. Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of the Smith Canteen story for the past eight years. It’s been amazing."

Since it opened 8 years ago, Smith Canteen has always drawn a huge crowd and no doubt, it will be missed by many. Perhaps a new owner can continue the café as is. It certainly is a great location and the interior of this former pharmacy lends itself perfectly to that use.

To Kerry, we are sad to see Smith Canteen go, but wish you luck in your future ventures.

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Nightingale 9 Makes Way For Sans, A New Vegan Eatery On Smith Street

Many in the neighborhood were a bit surprised when Nightingale Nine suddenly closed its doors at 329 Smith Street a few weeks ago. The Vietnamese restaurant, founded by chef Robert Newton and partner Kerry Diamond, had been one of the more popular places in Carroll Gardens.

Reader Tim reached out to say:
"I will miss Nightingale 9 and Wilma Jean. I am surprised the people running these place didn't sell what seemed to be successful businesses rather than shutting them down. Do you know the reasons why?"

Emmanuelle, another Carroll Gardens reader, wrote:
"Do you have any insight on what happened to the Pho place on Smith Street by Carroll Park? They shuttered down without any “vacation sign”
or without a farewell to the community. Twitter, Fb, Instagram etc. : as if nothing happened. When you call, message says that they’re closed for a vacation but says nothing about reopening. A new logo has appeared on the front with the word “Sans”. Sans what? Cuisine sans beurre? Fermeture sans management? Sans rien dire?"

SANS, a new vegan restaurant from Champ Jones, the former sous-chef of Eleven Madison Park, did indeed just opened its doors in Nightingale 9's space, The  eatery is currently offering a $65 five course tasting menu, that can be paired with wine for an additional $45.

According to Eater, "Jones has partnered with longtime colleague Robert Newton, chef and owner of the now-closed Nightingale Nine and Seersucker restaurants, for a short-term “residency” of sorts. The restaurant will be a one-year project, Jones tells Eater, a way to test drive the menu specializing in dishes using ingredients only derived from plants."

In the meantime, those who miss Rob Newton's food, will have to travel South. The Arkansas native just became the executive chef at Gray & Dudley in Nashville.  Luckily,  Kerry Diamond continues to run Smith Canteen,  the wonderful coffee place on the same Carroll Gardens block as the new Sans.

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Picture Of The Day: Corner Café

When it is cold outside, nothing is more inviting than the warmth of a neighborhood café.

Smith Canteen on Smith Street

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PS 58 First Graders Celebrate Carroll Gardens

Sunny Bettles, Age 6, First Grade Class 213

"Fun in PS58th School Yard

Laura DePaolo, Age 6,  First Grade Class 211

"Ice Cream At 16 Handles"

Dylan Scott, Age 7,  First Grade Class 209

"Smith Canteen"

Ulan Velayoyan, Age 7, First Grade Class 213

"Sliding In Carroll Park"

Zayan Adame, First Grade Class 213

"On the swings"

Edith Harrington, Age 6, First Grade Class 213

"Painted Pot"

Dylan Marotta, Age 7, First Grade Class 227

"Skateboarding on my block"

Jacob Sheldon, Age 7, First Grade Class 209

"Spring"

If you happen to walk by Assemblywoman Joan Millman's district office at 341 Smith Street, make sure to take a look at the very sweet drawings made by first grade students of P.S. 58., which are hanging in the window.    The drawings all share one theme: "Celebrating our neighborhood."
A volunteer who helps out in the Assemblywoman's office organized this special art project with PS 58's art teacher. The result is super adorable.  It is also interesting to see what the students love most about Carroll Gardens.  Obviously, Carroll Park plays a big part in the children's lives, but so do the Painted Pot, 16 Handles and Smith Canteen.



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