Actress and blogger Gwyneth Paltrow comes by her love of Brooklyn honestly because her dad was born at Brooklyn Jewish hospital in 1943. She writes, “A lot has changed…A lot of this has been good change in the form of art, culture, neighborhood-defining restaurants, shops and more.”

It also seems that the opening of the Barclay’s Center is now the new reason Manhattanites go cross the bridge. Unlike BAM, I don’t think they’re offering Barclay’s Buses. In other words: take the train. Paltrow writes: “This week, we’ve gooped Brooklyn, rounding up some of the best spots for your perusal/exploration (or in case you need a bite on your way to the new Barclays Center).”

What is a goop, you ask? Goop is the name of the blog that Gwyneth started in the fall of 2008 “to share all of life’s positives.” It is a weekly email that contains all of Gwyneth’s must-see, must-do, must-haves, including the following that also happen to be on my list.

A. Cheng, a fashion forward shop featuring very wearable clothes on Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue

 

 

 

Al Di La Trattoria, everyone’s favorite Park Slope restaurant

 

 

 

Bird carries Philip Lin, Alexander Wang, JBrand, and up and coming designers, too. Pricey but fabulous on Fifth Avenue

 

 

 

Brooklyn Larder has the most fabulous cheeses, prepared foods, breads and so much more. On Flatbush.

 

 

Franny’s on Flabush serves innovative and delicious pizza in a noisy, fun atmosphere.