The motherload
LORENZO BONGIOVANNI • Mr. Flood’s Party
CULTURE & LEISURE • Friday Routine
LORENZO BONGIOVANNI • photographer/writer/creative consultant • Mr. Flood’s Party
Neighborhood you live in: Fort Greene
It’s Friday afternoon, how are you rolling into the weekend?
I’ll be locked in and writing for a few more hours — music on the speakers, incense burning, afternoon coffee within reach. I’m working on an exciting piece for Off-Menu Magazine about Hot Soup & Bad Larry’s Sandwiches. I’m also writing about Ha’s Snack Bar on my Substack this week, which is a fun challenge because they’re getting tons of press, so I’m approaching it from a different angle than my usual write-ups. After I wrap, I’ll hit the gym before meeting friends for drinks. I’m a big believer that a lot of New York’s beauty lies in the unplanned, so I like to anchor my weekend around a few great meals but leave plenty of space for spontaneity.
Where are you drinking or dining this weekend?
We’re getting things rolling at Hartley’s in Clinton Hill. It’s my favorite bar and they pour the best pint of Guinness in the city. We’ll see where the night goes, maybe Doris for a bit. Tomorrow, I’m going to grab coffee at Villager before heading to Ridgewood to check out Salty Lunch Lady’s Little Luncheonette with my friend Olivia. We’ll probably stop by La Cabra Roastery as well — their coffee is top-class, and it’s an incredible space. It’s counterintuitive, but in the winter I find myself venturing further from home for my restaurant explorations. I brought a crew with me to Yemenat in Bay Ridge a few weeks ago — we ordered liberally and had a blast. I have plans to get up to Angel in Jackson Heights as well. Otherwise, I always seem to have a Cervo’s res on the books.
Any weekend getaways?
I’m headed to Montreal next weekend. It’s one of my favorite North American cities and so effortlessly cool. I aim to get up there at least once a year. Their restaurant scene is impressive — lots of French influence paired with warm, distinctly Canadian hospitality. And they really love wine. Salle Climatisée, Beba, and Pichai are all worthy hits if you find yourself in town. I’ll definitely be hitting up the floating spa, Bota Bota, while I’m there.
What was your last great vacation?
Italy last summer with my family was special. A name like mine would lead you to believe I’ve been to the motherland dozens of times, but it was actually my first visit. We traveled all over but notably had an epic one-night stay at Casa Maria Luigia outside Modena — and an equally memorable long lunch at Osteria Mirasole. There’s some magic in the rolling hills of Emilia Romagna. Later this year, I’m headed to Edinburgh to see Oasis, which I’m unbelievably excited about. If you have Scotland recs, please hit me up.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
My Fujifilm X100V is the most important purchase I’ve ever made. I love that camera dearly. It’s changed the way I see the world, as corny as that sounds.
What store or service do you always recommend?
I stopped in Ven. Space in Carroll Gardens last week — pretty inspirational menswear selection they’ve got going. I love 3sixteen for basics and denim. And I’ve been really into Wythe and their Western aesthetic lately. Service-wise, an afternoon spent at Spa 88 by Wall Street is always rejuvenating. You can pay to have them smack you with oak leaves, which I think can be considered a service.