A Moment Back in Time: Who Remembers Rainbow Market And Aiello's Food Store On Court Street

A while back, I came across this great photo of Court Street between Union and Sackett Streets, which still show two stores that were in business when I first moved into the neighborhood in the mid-80s.
There was Rainbow Market, a produce store where Charlie, one of the employees, would flirt with all the female customers.  The store is now occupied by the Brooklyn Strategist
Then there was Aiello's Food Store, a large delicatessen, that once belonged to an Italian family, but which had been taken over by a Russian couple, who did not have the best people skills and ended up running the business into the ground.
In the photo, one can also detect the old pharmacy, Renaissance, which was run by two lovely ladies.  It closed about ten years ago.
The blue and white building on the right hand stands pretty unchanged today.  It belonged once to the Longshoremen's Union, but has houses a Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.
Who remembers these businesses and the people who ran them?

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P•D•Q : A New Carroll Gardens Spot That's Neighborhood Café And Cocktail Bar In One

Regina Myers, owner of P•D•Q

P•D•Q may occupy one of Carroll Gardens' smallest storefronts, but this new place is not only a café, but also a cocktail bar. This means, of course, that one can stop by P•D•Q to grab a cup of coffee in the morning and a drink on the way home at night. If you need a bite to eat, P•D•Q can accommodate you at any time of the day.

This new café/bar, located at 359 Sackett Street,  is the latest venture of Carroll Gardens residents (and newlyweds) Regina Myers and Tyler Maganzini, who also own Union Grounds, Bar San Miguel, and Black Mountain Wine House in the neighborhood.

P•D•Q is shorthand for 'Pretty Damn Quick'. In fact, several prints of old-fashioned typewriters and vintage photos of secretaries adorn the walls. As the name suggest, Regina and Tyler aim to provide quick service for those who want to just make a quick stop, but nothing prevents customers to linger a bit at the long communal table. WiFi is provided for free, so P•D•Q is a perfect spot if you need to do some work.

The food menu is small but everything is made fresh at the café. Try the yogurt with granola or one of the sandwiches including 'Regina's bacon, egg and cheese' . In the evening, pair a glass of wine with a meat and cheese platter.

The drinks menu features cocktails like the "Tiki Time", a blend of Amontillado, Velvet Falernum, Maraschino and Cinnamon Simple. The "Italian Dream" is made with Campari, Cappaletti and sweet vermouth.

Like a Parisian neighborhood café, P•D•Q will become a place were local residents stop by throughout the day. Regina told us that recently, a customer stopped by in the morning before a job interview. On the way home, she stopped by again to let Regina know how it went. A group of friends come in on a regular basis to sit at the large table to play board games.

P•D•Q is just that kind of a place and has that kind of community vibe.

P•D•Q

359 Sackett Street

Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

Open:

Monday-Friday 9am to 11pm

Saturday-Sunday 10 to 11pm

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