[FIPS Was There...] Salsa Slam

All photos from D Robert Wolcheck for BrooklynExposed.com

We here at FIPS spend a hell of a lot of time out and about in Brooklyn, attending outdoor concerts, comedy shows and various other events. So [FIPS Was There...] is where we're gonna' talk about all this shit.

These days in our fair city, food competitions are SO all the rage. Once Matt Timms developed a reputation with his "Takedown" events, the door swung wide open, and more & more food competitions came rushing on in. Basically, said competitions are the hip, Brooklyn equivalent of the Pillsbury Bake-Off and, in this world of food TV & a million food blogs, people go crazy for them. As one who's obsessed with food, I say the more the better.

This past Sunday I headed to the Bell House with my sis & a friend to reprise my role as one of the judges for Nachos NY's annual Salsa Slam, a competition where a dozen plucky contestants attempt to win folks' hearts & stomachs with their best salsa recipes. In the end, four competitors took home prizes -- the Judge's Favorite, the Judge's Honorable Salsa, the Greatest Stretch (the salsa least like traditional salsa) and the People's Champion.

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Aunt Suzie's is Dunzo

Photo via www.bobguskind.com

So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen and goodbye to local italian joint Aunt Suzie's. Local blog All About Fifth has pubslished a farewell note from the restaurant's owner and Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID Director, Irene Lo Re:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Aunt Suzie’s has been in Park Slope for 25 years and we feel privileged to have been a part of the neighborhood and a part of your lives.

It has been a wonderful run and it is time to say goodbye. Pat, Irene, Ginny (sister) Liz (niece) Tamara (daughter) and the staff are all sad to go. We will miss all of you but to “Everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.”

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Return of the Soup Bowl

Photo via Here's Park Slope

The cold weather is moving in, and so is The Soup Bowl (or "Soup Bowel," as my dad would call it). Located at 321 Seventh Avenue, between 8th and 9th Streets (home to Uncle Louie G's during the warm months), the local-ingredient-lovin' joint will be serving soups like Lobster Butternut Squash Bisque, Long Island Clam chowder and Autumn Vegetable, just to name a few. Yum.

[Via Here's Park Slope]

Finally, an Eater's Guide We Can Get Behind!

Photo via thislittlepiglet.blogspot.com

Remember when GQ Magazine took a big steaming crap on our dear borough with their "Eater's Guide to Brooklyn?" Yeah. I'm trying to put it out of my mind, too. Well, here's something good to help you forget!

Carey Jones is the New York editor for Serious Eats and she's put together a neighborhood food guide for the North Slope and Prospect Heights, where she lives.  Jones does just about everything right with her guide, if you ask me.

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WIN A FREE DINNER AT TALDE: THE RESULTS

A few weeks ago, we announced that two FIPS readers will win dinner for two at TALDE when the restaurant opens in a few weeks ($150 spend limit, gratuity not included).

As promised, we hooked up with Dale (and master mixologist/co-owner John Bush) to announce the winners.

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