Of a Kind for GofG: The Designers Behind Upstate Unearth Some Brooklyn Hotspots

by Erica Cerulo · July 27, 2011

    Sure, Astrid Chastka and Kalen Kaminski might spend hours and hours together creating masterfully dyed scarves, ponchos and shirts (like this Of a Kind exclusive!) for their Brooklyn-based line Upstate, but they find time to just hang, too.  Per Kalen, these are three of their favorite haunts- most of which suit Astrid's desire to be in bed early.

    The Commodore: "We have had many a meetings at Commodore, enjoying the BEST fried chicken and frozen drinks outside and coming inside to have a dance party into the wee hours."  (366 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, 718-218-7632)

    Saraghina:  "We love riding our bikes deep into Bed-Stuy to this rustic old farm house that serves the greatest pizza.  If you aren't a huge pizza fan, at least go for a glass of wine and sit at one of their long farm tables.  There's really nothing like it in all of NYC."  (435 Halsey St., Brooklyn, 718-574-0010; saraghinabrooklyn.com)

    Roman's:  "The menu is constantly rotating and we have never been disappointed.  P.S.: There are free appetizers at the bar on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 pm - 5 pm- shhhh!" (243 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn, 718-622-5300; romansnyc.com)

    Erica Cerulo is the co-founder of limited-editions site Of a Kind and a contributor to Guest of a Guest.