The best of Brooklyn: Bloggers' favorite local spots

Manhattan Beach

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Ned Berke, editor of Sheepshead Bites (sheepsheadbites.com)

“The best thing about living in Sheepshead Bay is easily the access to the waterfront, be it the bay itself (or “the canal,” as our Eastern European neighbors call it), or the short walk to all three South Brooklyn beaches. But I love eating while I watch the water, and South Brooklyn’s got a shortage of places that really take advantage of waterfront property. Il Fornetto on Emmons Avenue, though, is this gorgeous restaurant built right over the water. I like to have my dinner as close to the window as possible and look out over the remnants of the old pier—watch the birds, the swans, the horny horseshoe crabs—with the backdrop of Manhattan Beach and Kingsborough Community College. It’s easy to forget you’re in Brooklyn, and it’s definitely one the best places Brooklyn has to offer.” Il Fornetto, 2902 Emmons Ave at E 29th St, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn (718-332-8494, ilfornettorestaurant.com)

“Despite living in this neighborhood for nearly 30 years and reporting on it for nearly five, I had never been sailing until last summer. I was invited by Miramar Yacht Club, one of several in the area, and got to go out on the water with my camera. Our captain took us around the marsh islands, underneath the Gil Hodges Bridge, back through the Rockaway Inlet and out to the Verrazano. Now I’ve gone several times, and on a good clear day, it’s become one my favorite things to do. No cell phone contact, a couple of beers, laying on the deck with the vast ocean behind you and the beaches of Coney Island in front of you… I’ll never forget the first time I saw the Freedom Tower framed by the Parachute Jump on one side and the Cyclone on the other. Sailing in Jamaica Bay just can’t be beat. Miramar Yacht Club, 3050 Emmons Ave at Haring St, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn (718-646-9436, miramarnc.com)

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