We’re happy to say that Greenpoint’s very own Vinnie’s Pizzeria put some happiness in his belly recently. But mostly happy that he rewarded them handsomely with a parting gift.
“Invader loves pizza. And apparently ours,” said Vinnie’s co-owner Henrik Toncic. “He and his crew stayed for lunch after completing the job. Chill down to earth Parisians. We feel very lucky. And proud. And it’s never gonna get old walking up to it.”
According to Toncic, Invader custom-made his pizza critter especially for Vinnie’s, matching it to their logo and everything.
As tempting as it is, though, to say that pizza (and pizza alone) brought them together, Toncic has been part of the street art community his entire life. A mutual friend, photographer Stephen Kelley, facilitated the fateful meeting.
Need some father’s day gift inspiration? There’s plenty of cool stuff to give right here in your own backyard! Here’s a short list of ideas (which is admittedly in no way comprehensive, as there are so many more awesome small businesses here in north Brooklyn, so feel free to add to the list of ideas in the comments section).
1. Tacos, La Norteña / Vamos Al Tequila 2. Fine craft beers, Brouwerij Lane 3. Engraved biz card case, In God We Trust 4. Nice new comb, Chopin Chemists 5. Vintage VHS, The Thing 6. Slice of pizza, Vinnie’s / Franklin Pizza 7. Fine colognes, Old Hollywood 8. Coveralls, Pop’s Popular Clothing 9. Succulants (a.k.a. plants that require minimal care), Homecoming (formerly known as Spina) 10. Donut, Peter Pan 11. Delicious cheeses and Keta candy, Eastern District 12. Sweet shades, Alter 13. A funny old tshirt, People of 2Morrow 14. Fancy and rare spirits, Duke’s Liquor Box 15. Beach tote, M. Carter 16. Pour over coffee maker, Budin 17. A nice rosé, Dandelion Wine 18. Polish chocolates, Slodycze Wedel 19. A whole, fresh fish, Pura Vida Stand at McCarren Park Greenmarket 20. Stool for sitting and pondering, Bklyn Curated 21. Basketball, BQ Sports 22. Cool kicks, Wolves Within 23. Vintage vinyl, Permanent Records / Academy Records / Co-op 87 / Records Grouch 24. Portable bike pump and other biking accessories, Silk Road Cycles / B’s Bikes / Greenpoint Bikes 25. Bobbers and other fishing accessories, Dream Fishing Tackle 26. Polish sausages, smoked meats, and pickles, Nassau Meat Market / Mazur Meak Market (and so many more!) 27. A good book, like this one about the Pogues, Word.
That’s right folks. The infamous Vinnie’s on Bedford has opened a second location in Greenpoint, around the corner from my house, on Nassau and Kingsland. You’ll find all the unique and familiar toppings you order at their original spot: bbq chicken, mac n cheese, vegan meat galore, black beans, olives and artichokes, the list goes on. Today I inhaled a bbq chicken with bacon bits with cheddar. It was pretty darn good except I wish the crust were bigger and softer.
I’m relieved knowing I no longer have to bereave the lack of appetizing pizza joints (I am also anticipating Paulie Gee’s). This also means the oncoming of hipster gentrification is inevitable. I’m not complaining, neither am I celebrating. But, I am relieved the restaurant scene on this side of the point is improving and it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing all types of organic, locally produced hipster friendly bistro joints on Nassau.
Vinnie’s has been open for almost two weeks now and are delivering to you Greenpointers on the northern end and beyond. Come get some.
