Brooklyn Brine

The First Peck Slip Pickle Festival

2011-11-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

Photos courtesy of the New Amsterdam Market

Watch video of the event here courtesy of The Pickle Club.

Brooklyn Brine Featured on History Channel's Modern Marvels: Built by Hand Episode

2011-11-27T12:54:00.001-08:00

Brooklyn Brine is featured on the History Channel's Modern Marvels cable TV show in an episode entitled Built by Hand next Tuesday, November 29 at 11:00 p.m. Check your local listings for the cable channel in your area.

Best of NY: The finest pickles in the city

2011-11-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Pickle Guys, Hundred Acres, Brooklyn Brine, Your Two Cents, and 2nd Avenue Deli were featured in the New York Daily News.

BROOKLYN BRINE CO.

Available at multiple retail outlets

photo by Jacob E. Osterhout

"The Brooklyn Brine Co. understands that a good pickle is crisp, tasty and comes from New York. With four types of pickles ($10-$12 a jar), plus pickled asparagus, beets, carrots and saurkraut — this two-year-old company, based out of Brooklyn, will pretty much pickle anything. And the flavors are outstanding. The signature whiskey sour pickles are made with Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Rye Whiskey and pack a powerful punch, while the Damn Spicy pickles are, well, as advertised.

The bad news is that there is no Brooklyn Brine storefront. The good news is that New Yorkers can swing by Murray’s Cheese, Williams-Sonoma and Dean & Deluca, amongst many other shops, to pick up a jar."

- by Jacob E. Osterhout & Amanda P. Sidman

Calling All Pickle Lovers!

2011-11-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

The inaugural Peck Slip Pickle Festival takes place Sunday, Nov. 13 at the New Amsterdam Market featuring more than 20 pickle and fermented food producers.

Peck Slip Pickle Festival
Sunday, Nov. 13
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All this and more, as well as New Amsterdam Market's vendors featuring regional produce, meats, dairy, bread, charcuterie, and seasonal market fare.

Thank You, Seattle!

2011-10-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Shamus Jones)

A jaw-dropping display of Brooklyn Brine pickles at the Whole Foods Roosevelt Square welcomed Shamus to Seattle on the second day of his tour of the Pacific Northwest where he started his culinary journey years ago.

Saveur.com Features Brooklyn Brine as One Good Find

2011-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Mackenzie Smith)

Last year at New York City's annual International Pickle Day celebration, I tried a pickle I'd never encountered before: a lavender-brined asparagus spear from Brooklyn Brining Co., a small New York pickling company known for their unconventional flavor combinations and devotion to seasonality. I was hooked after a bite: they had the perfect blend of vinegar flavor, sharp spice, and a wonderful floral quality from the lavender. From there, it was just a few more bites until I fell for their fennel beet and chipotle carrot pickles; I love the idea of setting out all three with a spread of charcuterie and some good bread for a simple weekend lunch — or just eating them all in one sitting, straight out of the jar.

- by Allison Poindexter

Whiskey and Bourbon Brines a First of their Kinds

2011-09-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Some things are just meant to go together like apples and cinnamon, chocolate and peanut butter, nachos and salsa, and macaroni and cheese.

The sweet and tart Maple Bourbon Bread & Butter pickles made with caramelized onions, organic New York State maple syrup, and McKenzie Bourbon Whiskey debuted locally last August. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Brooklyn Brine has taken that idea to a new level with the introduction of its brand new Maple Bourbon Bread & Butter pickles made with Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Bourbon Whiskey, and signature Whiskey Sour Pickles made with McKenzie Rye Whiskey, which debuted just over a year ago.

Finger Lakes Distilling McKenzie Bourbon Whiskey is made from raw whole grains from local New York State farms and aged in new charred oak barrels. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

"It's great to partner with a company that is equally committed to using local, high-quality ingredients to make hand-crafted products," said Brian McKenzie, co-founder of Finger Lakes Distilling.

Finger Lakes Distilling overlooks Seneca Lake in the heart of the Empire State's wine country. (photo courtesy of FLD)

The distillery, located in Burdett, NY, began producing a variety of handmade spirits made in small batches, as well as sweet liqueurs, in 2007.

The buttery, smooth McKenzie Bourbon Whiskey is aged in 10-gallon barrels for 12 to 18 months then transferred into Chardonnay casks from local wineries to breathe. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

"I was interested in the barrel-curing process, which gives a unique flavor and is just a cool way of making pickles," said Shamus Jones, founder of Brooklyn Brine. "The charred barrel and tannins imparted from the oak gives (the Whiskey Sour Pickles) a smokey flavor."

Brooklyn Brine's signature Whiskey Sour Pickles received a nod from Time Out NY magazine as a critic's pick. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Jones, a former vegetarian chef, said using spirits is very common in cooking, like deglazing a pan with whiskey. "Taking that into a shelf-stabilized jar version just made sense intuitively. And the name whiskey sour just works together," he said. "It's our love letter to Brooklyn."

McKenzie Rye Whiskey, likely the oldest type of whiskey produced in America, is made from local rye grain from fields located across the lake from the distillery, aged in new charred quarter casks, and finished in sherry barrels from local wineries. (photo courtesy of FLD)

It's great to see people discovering how wonderfully spicy rye whiskey can complement a damn fine pickle," McKenzie said.

Thomas Earl McKenzie, Brian's business partner (no relation), describes the rye whiskey on FLD's website as "A fine, old-fashioned rye — spicy and full of character."

FLD founders Thomas Earl McKenzie, far left, and Brian McKenzie, right, (no relation) inspect bottles of their rye whiskey. (photo courtesy of FLD)

Jones experimented with different brands of whiskeys for months, but it wasn't until the owner of the Black Rabbit bar, Kent Lanier, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, invited him to a tasting of the distillery's spirits and was given a sample of their rye whiskey, which he took home and made a test batch with. "I thought it was astounding," Jones said of the tester.

A 4,000-pound pot still, which can hold 300 gallons of bourbon mash, and rectification column made by Holstein in Markdorf, Germany is the centerpiece of the distillery. (photo courtesy of FLD)

"We started selling the (whiskey sour) pickles in our tasting room," Brian said, shortly after its debut in late August 2010. And immediately "sold through more than 25 cases," he added. "We're incredibly excited to be working with Brooklyn Brine."

- by Maria Manliclic

Brooklyn Brine Pickling Kit Now Available @ Williams-Sonoma.com!

2011-09-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma)

If you've ever wanted to make your own signature pickles at home, our easy-to-use pickling kit is now available at select Williams-Sonoma locations and at williams-sonoma.com.

All you have to do is choose your favorite produce. Go ahead — pickle it!

2nd Annual Brooklyn Brine Pickle Eating Contest (photos)

2011-08-22T13:04:00.001-07:00

Jars of Damn Spicy, Whiskey Sour, and NYC Deli Style pickles line up the patio of the Black Rabbit bar for 20 contestants competing for a $100-cash prize. (photos courtesy of The Village Voice)

The crowd cheers contestants on as they dig in. (photos courtesy of The Village Voice)

A winner emerges. But wait, he's drinking the brine! (photos courtesy of The Village Voice)

The race for 2nd place isn't over yet. (photos courtesy of The Village Voice)

For more photos of this year's event, visit The Village Voice on Facebook!

Brooklyn Brine's Second Annual Pickle Eating Contest August 20!

2011-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Illustration by Dennis Rakauckas of the Village Voice

Brooklyn Brine and The Village Voice present the Second Annual Whiskey Sour Pickle Eating Contest at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 at the Black Rabbit bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

A cash prize will be awarded to the contestant who eats the most pickles in five minutes. To enter, sign up at the Black Rabbit by 7 p.m. on August 20.

Brooklyn Brine Pickles Are Now Available @ Williams-Sonoma.com

2011-07-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Find your favorite Brooklyn Brine pickles at williams-sonoma.com and in the Williams-Sonoma catalog.

• Lavender Asparagus
• Fennel Beets
• Damn Spicy
• Whiskey Sour Pickles
• NYC Deli Pickle

Fried Pickles This Sunday at the New Amsterdam Market!

2011-06-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Lindsay Wilson)

We're fryin' up some tasty beer-battered Whiskey Sour Pickles with preserved lemon aioli and dill this Sunday, August 7 at the New Amsterdam Market!

Brooklyn Brine's own Shamus Jones skillfully batters NYC Deli Pickle chips with one hand and dredges them in whole wheat flour with the other, while Neil (in black) fries them to a golden perfection. (photo courtesy of Tasting Table)

New Amsterdam Market
Sunday, August 7
South Street and Beekman Street (the old Fulton Fish Market) in lower Manhattan
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Brooklyn Brine Pickles Named As One of Time Out New York's "Summer BBQ Essentials"

2011-06-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

(photo by Krista Schlueter)

Brooklyn Brine Pickles
"Unconventional ingredients make these preserved veggies stand out from the pickling pack. Lavender asparagus, chipotle carrots, and fennel beets make fine burger accompaniments, while whiskey-barrel sauekraut (fermented in rye-whiskey barrels) does right by hot dogs. Available at Murray’s Cheese, 254 Bleecker St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-243-3289). Lavendar Asparagus 16oz $9.99 Fennel Beets 16oz $9.99; Chipotle Carrots 24oz $6.99; Whiskey Barrel Sauerkraut 16oz $9.99."

- By Mari Uyehara

Brooklyn Brine Pickles at Brat Pop-Up Shop in The Landmark in Hong Kong: June - August

2011-06-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Brine's NYC Deli Pickle, Whiskey Sour Pickles, and Damn Spicy cucumber pickles will be sold exclusively at Brat's pop-up restaurant at The Landmark Central in Hong Kong beginning in June and through the month of August.

(photo courtesy of Hong Kong Fashion Geek blog)

(photo courtesy of Hong Kong Fashion Geek blog)

The Landmark, well known as a large commercial complex and shopping mall, houses international luxury brands and is a popular destination for well-heeled shoppers.

(photo by Maria Manliclic)

(photo by Maria Manliclic)

For more information about Brat and The Landmark, click on the following links:
• Hong Kong Fashion Geek blog
• Time Out Hong Kong

Brat's hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily

Brooklyn Brine Now Available at C-Town Williamsburg, Brooklyn

2011-05-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Brine's Chipotle Carrots, NYC Deli Pickle, Whiskey Sour Pickles, and Damn Spicy cucumber pickles are now available in C-Town grocery store at 330 Graham Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

(photo courtesy of Joshua Bright for The New York Times)

For more information about C-Town Williamsburg, visit the store on Twitter.

Janeane Garofalo + Brooklyn Brine = Priceless

2011-05-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo takes the time to stop by Brooklyn Brine's table at BUST Magazine's Craftacular and Food Fair, and purchases a jar of some damn fine pickles.

Thanks, Janeane!

Brooklyn Brine Now Available at Hankyu's Umeda Flagship Store in Japan

2011-05-22T15:47:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sakai Foods, several Brooklyn Brine pickle products — NYC Deli Pickle, Whiskey Sour Pickles, Damn Spicy, Chipotle Carrots, Lavendar Asparagus, and Curried Squash — are now available at Hankyu's Umeda flagship store in Japan as part of its New York Fair 2011.

(photo courtesy of Sakai Foods Blog)

(photo courtesy of Sakai Foods Blog)

Open since 1929, Hankyu is one of Japan's leading department store chains with stores in Osaka, Toyonaka, Kawanishi, Kyoto, Kobe, Takarazuka, Tokyo, and Yokohama.

To read more in Japanese, please visit:
Hankyu's Brand Index page
Sakai Foods' blog

Brooklyn Brewery Blog's Eat This: Two Salads from The Brooklyn Kitchen's Harry Rosenblum

2011-05-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Harry Rosenblum/Brooklyn Brewery)

"Spring is when the greens come in and we remember why it was worth waiting through the dark months for delicious local produce. A poached egg makes the salad either decadent as a starter or filling as a light meal. Make a bunch of the crispy onion bits, trust me."

(photo courtesy of Manfred Koh/Cooking Light)

To see the recipes for Harry's spring salads, one of which includes Brooklyn Brine's Fennel Beets as an ingredient, click here.

Red Hook Lobster Roll Now Served with Brooklyn Brine NYC Deli Pickle

2011-04-25T21:56:00.001-07:00

(Screen grab of footage courtesy of Chowhound on NY1)

The Red Hook Lobster Pound sources its "fresh-catch" lobster directly from lobster boats in Maine and brings it to New York City to make their juicy and delicious lobster rolls, which now come with Brooklyn Brine's own NYC Deli Pickle.

(photo by Maria Manliclic)

For more information on the lobster roll at The Red Hook Lobster Pound, watch the following video report by Chowhound Contributing Editor Alex Van Buren at the following link: NY1

Rollin' Out Whiskey Barrel Sauerkraut

2011-04-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hand-cut cabbage fermented with preserved lemons and spices, and aged in Finger Lakes Distilling oak whiskey barrels. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

We're bottling 1,500 pounds of sauerkraut aged in oak whiskey barrels, which impart a smokey, sweet and complex whiskey flavor.

Alex saws into one of the oak whiskey barrels from Finger Lakes Distilling, located in Burdett, NY.
(photo by Shamus Jones)

Brooklyn Brine Whiskey Barrel Sauerkraut is now available at the Bedford Cheese Shop, and will soon be available on the menu at Eastern District and The Brooklyneer.

Brooklyn Brine at The Village Voice's 4th Annual Tasting Event: Choice Eats

2011-03-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Come join us, along with more than 65 restaurants from all five boroughs, at Choice Eats, The Village Voice's 4th Annual Tasting Event at The 69th Armory next Tuesday, March 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Guests sample delicious and tasty cuisines from more than 35 nations. (photo by Daniel Krieger)

The Village Voice food critic Robert Sietsema (Fork in the Road and Counter Culture) handpicked more than 65 restaurants featured in this year's event, uncovering "hidden gems of New York City's diverse culinary landscape."

Choice Eats takes place at the historic 69th Armory where the Modern Art movement was presented in 1913.
(photo by Daniel Krieger)

For more information, visit: http://choiceeats.villagevoice.com/2011/

Complimentary craft beer pairings, wine and cocktail beverages will be served. (photo by Daniel Krieger)

68 Lexington Avenue @ 26th Street

Tuesday, March 29, 2011
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Our pickle factory EXPOSED!

2011-02-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

pictured above: bulk pickle production 10 p.m. - 8 a.m. style

Thanks to Christina Scotti and Fox Business News for this amazing video of us making pickles! It's incredibly exciting to have a "factory" we can give tours of, teach classes at, and work out of during waking hours. http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/4529203/young-guns-brining-in-brooklyn/

Learn How to Pickle and Help Out Japan: Wednesday, March 23

2011-02-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

(photo by Maria Manliclic)

Brooklyn Brine will host a special pickling class on March 23, 2011 at its factory in Gowanus, Brooklyn at 574A President Street.

The 2 1/2 hour class takes place at 7:30 p.m. and costs $40. All proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to assist with relief efforts in Japan.

Participants have the opportunity to make and take home three jars of umeboshi vinegar-based slaw made with daikon and carrots.

(photo by Maria Manliclic)

Brooklyn Brine Pickles at a Williams-Sonoma Near You March 1st

2011-02-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

(photo by Shamus Jones)

We did it!
• 45,000 Pounds of pickles
• 22,000 Jars
• 3 1/2 Weeks

Brooklyn Brine's Whiskey Sour Pickles, NYC Deli Pickle, Fennel Beets, and Damn Spicy pickles will be available nationwide in all Williams-Sonoma specialty retail stores beginning March 1, 2011.

You can also find them in the Williams-Sonoma Catalog.

Fennel Beets Make a Sweet Valentine's Day Treat

2011-01-30T13:31:00.001-08:00

Beets with fresh tarragon, mustard seeds, coriander, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and chili flakes sit before a brine is added. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Give the gift of love to your favorite foodie with Fennel Beets, awarded in Cooking Light magazine's 2010 Taste Test Awards: Artisanal Category Winner in the Best of the Rest: New York.

(photo courtesy of Manfred Koh/Cooking Light)

2010: A Year In Pickles

2010-12-31T13:13:00.000-08:00

From the introduction of The Whiskey Sour Pickles and a Cooking Light magazine artisanal taste test award to a debut on the cable network Cooking Channel and a move to a new facility in Gowanus, Brooklyn, this year was filled with exciting moments.

Along with all the positive media and press attention Brooklyn Brine has received this year, we are equally as excited, thankful and proud of the following:

January 2010

• Jan. 15, 2010
- Last C hance Foods: Brooklyn Brine on WNYC with Amy Eddings
• Jan. 26, 2010
- The New York Daily News: Midwood man finds himself in a pickle, then creates Brooklyn Brine business

March 2010

• Whole Foods pickle bar featuring McClure's Pickles, Rick's Picks and Brooklyn Brine in all 22 of the tri-state area locations

April 2010

• Leonard Lopate of WNYC tries a NYC Deli Pickle
• Production of pickled seasonal ramps from Blooming Hill Farms, as well as garlic scapes and fiddle head ferns
• April 13, 2010
- Pickling: Just in Case You Hate Condiments in Esquire magazine
• April 20, 2010
- Seasonal pickling class at The Meat Hook
- Green Week: Brooklyn Brine video on NBC New York

May 2010

• Seasonal pickling class at The Meat Hook
• Brooklyn Brine is available at Green Aisle Grocery in Philadelphia
• Brooklyn Brine is available at edmart in Pikesville, Maryland
• May 21, 2010
- 2010 Eat Like a Man Grilling Awards in Esquire magazine (play slideshow to view)

July 2010

• One-year anniversary
• Summer produce pickling of Saffron Lavendar Fennel, white kirby cucumbers, lemon cucumbers, and garlic scapes

August 2010

• Summer produce pickling of Curried Squash featuring heirloom pattypans from Hepworth Farms
• Pickling Primer: Tips from Brooklyn Brine on the Cooking Channel website
• Pickling at Brooklyn Brine (view photos) with Aida Mollenkamp on the Cooking Channel website
• Aug. 23, 2010
- Cable network debut on the Cooking Channel's FoodCrafters show with show host Aida Mollenkamp (click here to view)
• Aug. 31, 2010
Introduction of The Whiskey Sour Pickles made with McKenzie Rye Whiskey from Finger Lakes Distilling

September 2010

• Sep. 23, 2010
- Cooking Light magazine: 2010 Taste Test Awards: Artisanal Category Winners from small-production food artisans
• Brooklyn Brine is available at Dean & Deluca

October 2010

• Oct. 1, 2010
- Brooklyn Brine & The Village Voice present the First Annual Pickle Eating Contest (click here to listen)
• Oct. 8, 2010
- The Village Voice "Grand Tasting Table" at The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
• Oct 14, 2010
- Time Out New York magazine's Critics' pick: Pickles that pack a punch
• Oct. 15, 2010
- The Huffington Post: Nothing and Everything -- What Consumers Expect from the New Normal
• Oct. 17, 2010
- The Tenth Annual New York City International Pickle Day
• Oct. 19, 2010
- Brooklyn Brine interview by author John Gerzema in the book Spend Shift
• Brooklyn food artisans featured in the October 2010 issue of Cooking Light magazine: The New Adventures of Generation F: Handmade Food
• Brooklyn Brine moves to a new production facility in Gowanus, Brooklyn

Pickle paradise in Gowanus, Brooklyn

(photo by Shamus Jones)

Large Marge (left), a 60-gallon steam kettle, sits unwrapped in the Gowanus, Brooklyn location.

Two hundred pounds of beets (right) are boiled in Large Marge on a Sunday night. (photos by Shamus Jones)

November 2010

• Real Simple's Holiday Gift Guide: 33 Creative Stocking Stuffer Ideas

December 2010

• Brooklyn Brine now available at 29 Williams-Sonoma specialty retail stores around the country (nationwide in all Williams-Sonoma locations in March 2011)
• Dec. 12, 2010
- Shamus meets Amy Sedaris

The Brooklyn Brine team would like to thank everyone we've had the opportunity to meet and work with this year, and those who've tried our pickled vegetables by purchasing them at a store or online through our blog for making 2010 an incredibly fun and exciting year.

- by Maria Manliclic

Brooklyn's DIY Chic: The Real Deal

2010-12-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of Joshua Bright for The New York Times)

It's hard not to notice all the media exposure Brooklyn artisans have received this year from blogs and e-mail newsletters to mainstream food and culture+entertainment magazines, and even cable and national television.

And some of Brooklyn's finest are featured in today's Dining & Wine section of the New York Times.

Amy Sedaris + Brooklyn Brine = Priceless

2010-12-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

(photo by Shamus Jones)

Hostess extraordinaire Amy Sedaris took time out from signing her new book Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People to say hello to Shamus near the Kings County General Store pop up shop at the BUST Holiday Craftacular in New York City!

Brooklyn Brine Now Available At Select Williams-Sonoma Stores (Nationwide In March 2011)!

2010-12-05T23:18:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma Inc.)

Twenty-nine Williams-Sonoma specialty retail outlets in the country's highest profile shopping districts now carry Brooklyn Brine's Whiskey Sour Pickles, Fennel Beets, Lavender Asparagus, NYC Deli Pickle, and Damn Spicy pickles.

The hand-packed, all-natural pickled vegetables will be available nationwide in all Williams-Sonoma specialty retail stores in March 2011.

(photo courtesy of GO: AirTran Inflight Magazine/Sam Polcer)

The Brooklyn Brine team is excited to be one of this premier specialty retailer's newest additions. Thank you, Williams-Sonoma!

Let The Holiday Shop-a-Thons Begin!

2010-12-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

Maximize your holidays with Brooklyn Brine pickles, which can be found at the following seasonal markets:

(photo courtesy of Cool Hunting)

Cool Hunting For Gap
A pop up store in Gap's project space featuring locally-sourced goods
680 5th Avenue
Nov. 19, 2010 through Jan. 2, 2011
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

BUST Holiday Craftacular
Kings County General Store pop up shop at the BUST Holiday Craftacular
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street
Sunday, Dec. 12
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Admission: $2

Kings County General Store holiday markets
Southpaw
125 Fifth Ave., Park Slope
Sunday, Dec. 19
Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market III
Venues: 2 great spaces, 5 minutes from each other in Park Slope
- Littlefield Performance Space
- Textile Arts Center
Saturday, Dec. 18
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 19
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Time Of Year For Some Holiday Cheer

2010-11-30T20:11:00.001-08:00

Kill Devil Hill (170 Franklin St.) is hosting a holiday throw down and fundraiser for the Greenpoint Library this Friday, Dec. 3 at The Diamond bar.

Enter the raffle for a chance to win some sweet prizes from local merchants.
Word
Old Hollywood
Alter
The Parlor Brooklyn
(2 complimentary hair cuts)
In God We Trust
Dandelion Wine
Brooklyn Brine
(whole set of pickled vegetables to 1 lucky winner)
Julia James Boutique
Unleash
(1 complimentary day of day care)
Dalaga
Kill Devil Hill
The Diamond

All proceeds go to the Greenpoint Library (107 Norman Ave. at Leonard St.).

Real Simple Features Fun Stocking Stuffer Ideas

2010-11-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Brine's (from top left to right) Fennel Beets, Chipotle Carrots, Moroccan Beans, and Lavender Asparagus. (photo courtesy of Charles Masters/Real Simple)

For "those who live for sour, spicy, salty goodness," infused pickled vegetables "with unexpected companions, like lavender and fennel" are featured as one of 33 creative stocking stuffer ideas in Real Simple's Holiday Gift Guide on newsstands now.

Williams-Sonoma Artisans' Market

2010-11-12T04:05:00.001-08:00

Please join us at Williams-Sonoma at Columbus Circle for a special artisan's market from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 and sample the following Brooklyn Brine pickles.

Brooklyn Brine Fennel Beets (photo courtesy of Manfred Koh/Cooking Light)

Lavender Asparagus (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Whiskey Sour Pickles (photo by Maria Manliclic)

NYC Deli Pickle (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Damn Spicy (photo by Maria Manliclic)

"The Food Lover's Fall Pantry: Don't Stay Home Without Them"

2010-11-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Valetmag.com)

(photo courtesy of Valetmag.com)

According to Valetmag.com, Brooklyn Brine pickles, like Fennel Beets and the new Whiskey Sour Pickles, are one of 10 fall food pantry essentials no home should be without.

"What's So Funny about Greenpoint" Comedy Benefit

2010-11-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

Please join us at the What's So Funny about Greenpoint Comedy Benefit for the Greenpoint Alliance at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Polonaise Terrace located at 150 Greenpoint Avenue to raise funds for holiday decorations and lights for the neighborhood, and enjoy some damn fine pickles.

Featured comedians include Eugene Mirman, Todd Barry, Bobby Tisdale, and Heather Lawless.

Admission: $20 includes two free drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and an after show dance party!

The North Brooklyn Compost Project: Heroes in Our Backyard

2010-10-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

(photos courtesy of Kate Zidar/The North Brooklyn Compost Project)

Congratulations to our friends and neighbors The North Brooklyn Compost Project (NBCP) in McCarren Park, Brooklyn for being selected as one of ioby's (in our backyard) 2010 Heroes In Our Backyards!

(photo courtesy of The North Brooklyn Compost Project)

Their outstanding work as a volunteer-run compost pile that helps their 400-plus members reduce waste and improve soil by composting their fruit and vegetable scraps will be highlighted at ioby's First Annual Gala: A Benefit In Our Backyards on November 11, 2010.

This past summer, NBCP was able to raise much needed funds with the help of ioby for site improvements, tools, and a fence.

Thank you NBCP for all your hard work in the community!

Why not drink a better soda!

2010-10-30T11:17:00.001-07:00

(photo courtesy of Anton Nocito/P&H Soda And Syrup Inc.)

Please help support our friends at P&H Soda And Syrup Inc. build out a kitchen through Indie GoGo to produce their all-natural delicious syrups, including a 12-ounce ginger syrup (shown above left) and a 12-ounce hibiscus syrup (shown above right).

P&H Soda And Syrup Inc., makes seven delicious syrups using mostly organic ingredients (photo courtesy of Anton Nocito/P&H Soda And Syrup Inc.)

"The New Adventures of Generation F: Handmade Food"

2010-10-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn's finest — including Mast Brothers Chocolate, McClure's Pickles, Breucklen Distilling, SCRATCHbread, Fine & Raw Chocolate, and Brooklyn Brine — are featured in the current issue of Cooking Light magazine on newsstands now.

"Competitive pickle eaters put brind on the mind" (Audio)

2010-10-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Contestants attempt to be the first to eat six jars of Whiskey Sour Pickles in Brooklyn Brine's First Annual Pickle Eating Contest. (photo courtesy of The Village Voice)

If you missed Brooklyn Brine's First Annual Pickle Eating Contest earlier this month at the Black Rabbit in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, don't hesitate to listen to all the action by Ania Maria Jakubek in The Columbia Journalist.

Brooklyn Brine Interview Appears in the New Book "Spend Shift"

2010-10-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Author John Gerzema interviews Shamus Jones of Brooklyn Brine for Spend Shift, released Oct. 18, 2010

Free Whiskey Sour Pickles on the Tenth Annual New York City International Pickle Day!

2010-10-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

This week's Time Out New York's "Critics' pick" is Brooklyn Brine's new Whiskey Sour Pickles (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Join us this Sunday for the Tenth Annual New York City International Pickle Day at The Lower East Side on Broome Street between 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and be one of the first 500 people to try a FREE Brooklyn Brine Whiskey Sour Pickle!

First come, first-served so come early!

Whiskey Sour Pickles Chosen in Time Out New York's "Critics' pick"

2010-10-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Brine's new Whiskey Sour Pickles, available at Murray's Cheese and The Brooklyn Kitchen, makes Time Out New York's Critics' pick (photo courtesy of Jolie Ruben/Time Out New York)

Tenth Annual New York City International Pickle Day

2010-10-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Join us for the Tenth Annual New York City International Pickle Day from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. next Sunday, Oct. 17.

The event, which is free and open to the public, features activities for adults and children of all ages and takes place in the parking lot on Broome Street (between Essex and Ludlow), as well as on Broome Street (between Orchard and Ludlow).

Sample pickles from around the world, including the following from Brooklyn Brine.

Brooklyn Brine's Fennel Beets (photo courtesy of Manfred Koh/Cooking Light)

Brooklyn Brine's Lavendar Asparagus pickles (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Brooklyn Brine's new Whiskey Sour Pickles (photo by Maria Manliclic)

The Village Voice "Grand Tasting Table" at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival

2010-10-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Join us at The Village Voice "Grand Tasting Table" for the third annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival this Saturday at Pier 54 and try our new Whiskey Sour Pickles!

Brooklyn Brine's Whiskey Sour Pickles are available at Murray's Cheese Shop (Bleecker Street & Grand Central)
(Photo by Maria Manliclic)

Brooklyn Brine on FoodCrafters (Cooking Channel)

2010-10-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

If you missed Shamus' debut on the Cooking Channel 's (Food Network) show entitled FoodCrafters with show host Aida Mollenkamp, don't hesitate to watch the video clip below of that episode.

Brooklyn Brine on FoodCrafters (Cooking Channel TV) from shamus Jones on Vimeo.

First Annual Pickle Eating Contest... Oh What A Night!

2010-10-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

(photo by Shamus Jones)

A set of six jars per person of Brooklyn Brine's Whiskey Sour Pickles were set up in the courtyard of Black Rabbit in Greenpoint, Brooklyn for Brooklyn Brine's first annual pickle eating contest.

(photo courtesy of New York City in 60 Seconds)

Twenty contestants chowed down for a grand prize of $100.

(photo courtesy of New York City in 60 Seconds)

Elliott Maruffi, photographed above in a gray T-shirt, polished off all six jars of pickles in nearly 13 minutes.

Elliott Maruffi wins Brooklyn Brine's first annual pickle eating contest. (photo courtesy of New York City in 60 Seconds)

Brooklyn Brine Now Available at Dean & Deluca!

2010-09-30T12:20:00.001-07:00

(photo courtesy of Dean & Deluca)

Dean & Deluca now offers Brooklyn Brine pickles, which are also mentioned as New & Noteworthy in The Gourmet Food blog by Emma Murphy.

The Brooklyn Brine team is excited to be a part of this purveyor's fine food selection. Thank you, Dean & Deluca!

FIRST ANNUAL PICKLE EATING CONTEST!!!!!

2010-09-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 1st Brooklyn Brine and The Village Voice are hosting the first annual "Pickle Eating Contest" at the Black Rabbit (91 Greenpoint Ave). A $100 prize goes to the person who eats 6 jars of our "Whiskey Sour Pickle" first. Pickle Mongers can sign up at brooklynbrine@gmail.com or at Black Rabbit.

Brooklyn Brine’s Fennel Beets Makes Cooking Light Magazine’s 2010 Taste Test Awards

2010-09-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of Manfred Koh/Cooking Light)

After conducting a blind taste test of nearly 200 foods available in major markets nationwide, judges of Cooking Light magazine's 2010 Taste Test Awards named Brooklyn Brine's Fennel Beets one of the best-tasting products in the Best Of the Rest category.

The winners, featured in the October issue on newsstands now, were chosen from 32 grocery store and artisanal categories.

The Brooklyn Brine team is thrilled and honored to be a part of Cooking Light's first-ever taste test awards.

Thank you, Cooking Light!

Old Time Drink Night Presents Whiskey Sour Pickle at Kill Devil Hill

2010-08-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

Join us for Old Time Drink Night to celebrate our year-long awaited Whiskey Sour Pickle, made with McKenzie Rye Whiskey from Finger Lakes Distilling in the heart of New York State's wine country, at Kill Devil Hill this Tuesday night from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at 170 Franklin Street. Pickle back shots will be served!

FoodCrafters' Show Host Pickles with Shamus

2010-08-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

Shamus and FoodCrafters' show host, Aida Mollenkamp, brine a batch of Lavendar Asparagus. (photo courtesy of the Cooking Channel)

If you missed Shamus' debut on the Cooking Channel 's (Food Network) show entitled FoodCrafters, don't hesitate to check out the photos of that episode.

Click on the link below to view photos:
Photos: Pickling at Brooklyn Brine

- by Maria Manliclic

Cooking Channel (Food Network) to Feature Brooklyn Brine on FoodCrafters!

2010-08-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Damn Spicy pickles sit hand-packed in jars waiting to be brined. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Brooklyn Brine will be featured on the Cooking Channel's (Food Network) show FoodCrafters this Monday, Aug. 23. The episode, entitled "Grow: Aida visits Brooklyn, then goes to check out seeds that haven't seen dirt in years" will air at 10:30 p.m. on channel 51 (Time Warner Cable).

Join us for a special screening at the Black Rabbit in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and sample some damn fine pickles!

In the meantime, don't hesitate to check out some of Shamus' pickling tips at Pickling Primer: Tips from Brooklyn Brine: How to: Cooking Chanel.

- by Maria Manliclic

Produce in season!

2010-08-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Shamus shows off heirloom pattypans from Hepworth Farms. (photo by Maria Manliclic)

Washington's Green Grocer proudly displays Brooklyn Brine's Whiskey Pickles, Saffron Lavender Fennel, Curried Squash featuring heirloom pattypans, Damn Spicy pickles featuring baby heirloom white kirby cucumbers, and One-Year Anniversary Garlic Scapes. (photo courtesy of Washington's Green Grocer)

Enjoy some delicious Curried Squash, featuring heirloom pattypans from Hepworth Farms in Milton, NY, which are currently available in 24-ounce jars. And Fennel Beets, featuring heirloom beets from Norwich Meadows Farm in Norwich, NY, are also in season.

- by Maria Manliclic

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY!!!!!!

2010-07-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

BROOKLYN BRINE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY THIS SATURDAY AT BLACK RABBIT (91 Greenpoint ave) IN GREENPOINT, COME CELEBRATE ONE FULL YEAR OF "DAMN FINE" SEASONAL PICKLE MAKING!!! FREE WHISKY PICKLES, BACK YARD GRILLING AND DRINK SPECIALS!!!! AMAZING POSTER PROVIDED BY THIS LADY: www.papaermountains.net (would type this in all caps but it would probably direct you to something weird, she rules nonetheless)

The chickens and worms eat our pickles!

2010-07-13T03:59:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 months our neighbors at the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm have been taking all of our produce scraps for compost.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday farmer Annie Novak and crew walk 50 plus pounds of carrot peels, beet skins, and various other produce scraps to their nearby farm.

Thinking about how amazing it is to be in the largest city of North America with a farm 2 blocks away that houses chickens and worms who eat our pickle scraps leaves me at a loss for words. On a personal note I try to run this business and my life in a manner that can be summed up in one word, reciprocity, and this is such.

Thank you rooftop farmers, you're all now honorary members of the Brooklyn Brine team which means we can give you the daily award simply entitled "CHAMPION", normally it's a dubious distinction, but not for you.

Music we've been pickling to:

Cock Sparrer

Blitz

Discordance Axis

Explosions in the Sky

MF Doom

Brooklyn Kitchen our second home, Foodcrafters, PHILLY, BATLIMORE

2010-05-07T03:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the Brooklyn Kitchen for providing their beautiful kitchen space for the food network to film us, and the whisky for my impacted wisdom tooth! I will write more about this closer to the airing of a new show Foodcrafters on the cooking channel.

Speaking of the Brooklyn Kitchen, come join us on 5/11 for our monthly seasonal pickling class, this week I will be pickling fiddlehead ferns in a South East Asian influenced brine. Sign up for the class here:

http://www.thebrooklynkitchen.com/web-store/classes/2834-511-pickling-class-tuesday630pm-may/

Then on 5/16 we will be back at Brooklyn Kitchen for our seasonal tasting (alongside Sixpoint, Meat Hook, Formaggio Essex) of 5 flights influenced by spring. Each flight will be categorized by the following:

Savory

Sweet

Spicy

Sour

Salty

http://www.thebrooklynkitchen.com/web-store/classes/2869-516-tasting-event-sunday-200pmmay/

We are excited to announce that we're now available in Philly at Green Aisle Grocery

http://greenaislegrocery.com/

And in Baltimore at Edmart

http://www.edmartdeli.com/

This past week we've been on a Weezer kick, but only the first 2 records.

NBC!!!

2010-04-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hey Mom we're on NBC!!!

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/station/as-seen-on/Green_Week__Brooklyn_Brine_New_York.html

Also, since NBC pointed out that we are all musicians, we're mandated to post links, sort of.

Our first contribution comes from King C.B. with Ghastly City Sleep, look for a Ghostface Killah collaboration in 2011!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZcPnqd6ano&feature=related

Here's Johnny ('s band)..... Pygmy Lush is hands down one of the best bands that you don't have to wear earplugs to, love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mprUs0quRs&feature=related

And my band Psychic Limb:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXJEdueHrZY

Music we've been pickling to:

The Boss has been on steady rotation, in fact that's pretty much been it.

4/20 Pickle Class, Esquire Radness, and RAMPS!!

2010-04-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

WNYC host Leonard Lopate eating our NYC Deli Style pickle!!!

Come join me on 4/20 at the Brooklyn Kitchen/Meat Hook where I will be teaching the art of pickling ramps. This will be the first of a bi-monthly class featuring seasonal produce from Blooming Hill Farms.

http://www.bloominghillfarm.com/

http://www.thebrooklynkitchen.com/web-store/classes/2860-420-rescheduled-pickling-class-tuesday-630pm-april/

A while back I received a very enthusiastic call from one of the editors at Esquire Magazine raving about our pickles. Francine Maroukian picked my brain about our pickling process, choice of ingredients, and processes we use to ensure the natural crispness of our what we're pickling. She has since deemed our pickles "The Best Pickle" in a product spotlight for the May issue, but you can find the article here:

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/endorsement/the-best-pickles-041310

This is incredibly humbling, and I would like to express the utmost gratitude to Francine for taking time to write about our products and not about tattoos. Thank you lady!

And RAMPS RAMPS RAMPS!!!! We're receiving our first delivery from Blooming Hill Farms tomorrow, along with heirloom sunchokes for our newest line "Mace Sunchokes". Spring's an exciting time for us as many micro-seasonal items will be popping up, we will be making small batches that will be available at speciality food stores around NYC and from us on-line.

And lastly, the aforementioned problematic pickler from our last post, Jeesie, has been put on a daily dose of Wu-Tang and all affiliated members solo records to teach him a vindictive lesson for playing every Creedence song while pickling.

Music we've been pickling to:

Neal Young

Born Against

Filth

Inspectah Deck

Ghastly City Sleep

Creedence Carrots! Greenpoint Food Market! 4/20 Meat Hook Class!

2010-04-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

While peeling, chopping, and pickling 500# of carrots last night, Jessie's penchant to play music that bums everyone else out became clear. 43 songs by Creedence topped with the emotional caterwauling of Jeremy Enigk was enough to drive anyone crazy, more so than peeling, chopping, and pickling 500# of carrots at 3am.

So, in a consolidated effort from the rest of the Brooklyn Brine crew to stop this musical assault, we offer you the most embarrassing picture of said pickler we could find.

Also, we will be at the Greenpoint Food Market this Saturday selling Lavender Asparagus, Fennel Beets, Curried Squash, both jar pickles, and bulk pickles in quart containers.

APRIL 10th
NOON - 5PM
CHURCH OF MESSIAH
129 RUSSELL ST
BROOKLYN, NY 11222

I'll write more in the next post about the upcoming Brooklyn Brine pickling class I will be teaching at the Meat Hook on 4/20 and beyond. In short, twice a month I will be going through the steps of pickling micro-seasonal produce that's sourced locally, first up will be Ramps! To sign up call (718) 349-5033 Please note that you will get a couple jars to take home with you from the class.

Music we pickled to last night that redeems this new section entitled "Music we pickle to"

Nirvana- Incesticide

Lavender Asparagus, Whole Foods, Food Network, and Brisbane!!

2010-04-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

First things first, we sincerely apologize for a lack of blogging on our end, pickles need to be made leaving little time for life.

With the spring and summer approaching look out for a whole slew of new product, as well as our main line of:

-Fennel Beets

-Damn Spicy Cucumbers

-NYC Deli Style Pickles

-Curried Squash

-Chipotle Carrots

First 2 out of the gate are Ras El Hanout Eggplant and Lavender Asparagus, the latter you can read about here: http://wejustdid.blogspot.com/2010/04/dont-remember-if-its-on-that-page-of.html and purchase at Urban Rustic, Bedford Cheese Shop, and Marlow and Daughters

Ramps, Kefir Lime Fiddle Head Ferns, Garlic Scapes, and Saffron Pepper Relish are a few of the many things to come.

Secondly: We, alongside our buddies McClures, Ricks, and a couple others, are being featured in the specialty foods department of Whole Foods on a PICKLE BAR! Hell yeah a pickle bar! Along with some of our jars this is going to be featured in all 22 of the tri-state area locations.

Third: A ton of press has been raining down lately, Brisbane daily, Channel news Asia, SF.eater, etc. We also recently filmed for NBC news, and will be filming for the food network on the 1st for a 10 minute segment, links to all these will be posted later. What does this mean? DAMN FINE PICKLES, ha. Exciting and tiring times as we have been working around the clock to keep up on this with only a small crew of 4.

So moving forward expect more posts, and a new section entitled: Music we pickle to!

So far this month in no particular order:

Nirvana

Jay-Z

Misfits

Tragedy

Drive Like Jehu

the 4 skins

Carcass

NAS

Gorguts

Brooklyn Brine in NY Daily News!

2010-01-27T22:53:00.001-08:00

We were featured in the New York Daily News!
Check out the full article here!

"People are starting to appreciate finer, artisanally made products," said Jones, who refers to what they do as "getting nerdy with food."

Mmmm... I hope they are ready to appreciate nerdiness to a seriously nth degree. We are just getting started.

Hello there!

2010-01-18T10:05:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the new Brooklyn Brine blog. We are looking forward to telling you all about our upcoming events, products, recipes and at-home pickling tips!

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like to hear about, please let us know. We are excited to share our news with you!