profile // defiance 09 a
day in Red Hook , Brooklyn is only a stone ’ s throw away from Manhattan , yet the area gives off such an eccentric vibe without the density of Manhattan . Geographically , the area feels almost hidden — and I use the word “ hidden ” to express that Red Hook is truly a treasure to be discovered . Immediately stepping off the ferry , I felt a sense of the Pacific Northwest . It was a cloudy Sunday morning and very brisk with wind hissing off the shoreline . The streets were dead ; however , the people were there . Red Hook provides its sense of community through its “ pockets ” around the town . The restaurants play an enormous role in providing public space and a home away from home to the locals . With Fairway ’ s closed at the time — the usual foot traffic had ceased , but the spirit of Red Hook had not . I felt a lot of this spirit emitting from Steve ’ s Authen- tic Key Lime Pie shop , a local ’ s hot spot and a frequented place by day visitors . This tangy and refreshing pie shop is pocketed in a corner shop on Red Hook ’ s waterfront . It has been a landmark in Red Hook for over ten years and the shop ’ s name caught my burke adams eye on my phone ’ s map before landing in Red Hook . Pie store website shops and desserts already have a place in my heart and stomach , and Steve ’ s really expressed how the locals of Red Hook were fighting to keep a consistent routine during such a chaotic time . After Sandy hit , the owner ’ s wife , Victoria , explained they had to use a generator to avoid the blackouts that were happening all across Red Hook . This perseverance really opened my mind to how much I take electricity and power for granted . My first visit to the shop set an amazing impression on me . Since living in NYC , kindness from others can been rare , but Victoria was so welcoming — a true sweetheart . When trying to pay for what would be my first of many key lime pies , she explained her credit card minimum was ten dollars , and I had no cash . As I decided what to do next , she
a tale of pies and perseverance
replied , “ Don ’ t worry about it , pay me next time you come in .” Not hesitating a second after that , I told her that I ’ d buy two pies to meet the minimum . Her small act of kindness reminded me how genuine some people really are . So I began talking to Victoria and finding out her and Steve ’ s story . He is from Florida where key lime pies are bountiful , and she came from Mexico City . Victoria was just working in the pie shop before she and Steve got married . I asked her a few questions about the storm and her response was a bit unsettling . She narrated the shop ’ s condition after the storm , saying that pies were everywhere , counters had been flipped , and there were hungry customers seeing if the shop was open . The couple worked hard to get the pie shop up and running again in less than a month , and it brought a sense of relief back to the community . Steve ’ s Authentic Key Lime Pie shop is not only a landmark of Red Hook but the compassion and spirit of perseverance from Victoria and Steve make it my favorite place in Red Hook .
“
The usual foot traffic had ceased , but the spirit of Red Hook had not . Steve ’ s really expressed how the locals of Red Hook were fighting to keep a consistent routine .