236392 Fri May 25 23:57:34 -0700 2001 2 19 Outer Boroughs 0 1253306 Hello- After living for some amount of time in many of the main - "hip" NYC places. I find your neighborhood to be the most beautiful, down to earth, and relaxing place in the NYC area. I am intent and desperate to find an apartment in and to be a contributing part of this community. If anyone has any suggestions or leads I would greatly appreciate it. I am looking in the $1200 and under range - which I know might be asking too much, but I understand is possible. You have my word that I am resposible and will somehow repay any favors. Thanks- Steve 917-806-6814 Fri May 25 23:57:34 -0700 2001 0 Steven Moyer 1 1253335 If you're truly interested in good food--and I presume you are or you wouldn't be looking at Chowhound--why would you seek an apartment in Carroll Gardens, when you could live in Astoria, Jackson Heights, or basically any neighborhood along the 7 train line? Especially if you're on a budget!? I'm sure my answer here will spark debate, and that's exactly my intention. Sunset Park and Flatbush have their draw, but whatever is the appeal of the yuppie Brooklyn nabes as far as chowhounding is concerned? Please don't say Smith St....a pale imitation of haute cuisine for people too tired to trek to Manhattan. Tue May 29 12:31:50 -0700 2001 1253306 0 Sue Cummings 2 1253738 Sadly, no one has accepted your throw down. Perhaps the Brooklynites know that they can't compete when it comes to chow. I've been in Queens (Jackson Heights)for only 2.5 years now, but I'd have to say that we boast some of the most outstanding chow around. But there is also a downside to Queens eating: For one, it's hard to find a good deli or supermarket. In Manhattan or Brooklyn, for example, you are never far from a good place to get a salad or sandwich. Another problem: bad chow. Despite its riches, Queens seems to have more than its share of really bad places that would not survive in other areas. And I have learned the hard way that 'authentic' does not always translate into 'good'. Just cuz an Indian place has three taxis parked in front of it, that doesn't guarantee that you will get a good meal. Another annoying thing is bad service. While we are thankfully free from those smarmy waiters who attack you with "fresh ground pepper", we have plenty of waiters who think it's OK to give you dirty flatware, sneeze on your food, or start clearing the table while you are still eating. I'd have to say that Queens chow is still something of a crap shoot, and not for the timid. I can easily understand why less adventurous eaters would want to live in Brooklyn. Joe O'Brien Sat Jun 23 15:09:13 -0700 2001 1253335 0 Joe O'Brien