In The Bay Ridge Digest Podcast episode 8 we bop around Bay Ridge sipping drinks, sampling food, and talking with some of our neighborhood’s best hospitality, social, and restaurant professionals. Highlights: • Wing Wars 2026 Recap with Chrisie Canny and Chris Guttadaro • Ronny Jaramillo of Bar Chuzo on his family, Ecuador and NYC, Bar Crudo, Chuzo Culture, and opening up Bar Chuzo • Crime Prevention Week in 1951 • Jan Rideout on losing her home in Hurricane Katrina and opening up the JLaurie Shoe Boutique • Dave Kovalchick of Matka Wodka on growing up in Pennsylvania, Helping Refugees in Ukraine, and working for Matka Wodka • James Vavas, President of The Merchants of Third Avenue, on Scouting America and why he got involved in the insurance business • Carmine Persico and a Gowanus Canal rub out in 1951 • Jordan Gass-Pooré on her mentor, being an entertainment journalist, and her favorite Gowanus Canal chemicals • Tom Perone of The Corner and Brooklyn Roots on meeting his wife, the heartbeat of a restaurant, the story behind Brooklyn Roots, and how The Corner is hitting its stride • Ron Kavral of Latte Da Cafes on opening the cafe with Joe, why their coffee is so fresh, the upcoming grand opening, and seasonal specialties • Valentines Day jokes from Freddie Friday with a PSA for the Itty Bitty Kitty Bay Ridge Cat Rescue • Sal and Daymein Forte of The HoM Store on meeting, how the shop has evolved, sourcing goods, and staying ahead of the curve • Catherine O’Rouke of Cellary with seasonal offerings • John Calascione of High Wire Distilling on growing up in South Slope, hanging out in Bay Ridge, getting in the wine and spirits industry, and working for Fresh Direct • Steve Bove’s autopsy report from The Leif Erikson Tavern in 1951 The reading material used in today’s episode included: • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: • The Brooklyn Eagle Script writing, Emceeing, editing, producing, mixing, directing. What are these? All things I do. In need of any of this and want to get in touch? Add me on Linkedin, reach me at James@TheWallBreakers.com, or go to TheWallBreakers.com to see what else I’ve been up to. And be on the look out for walking tours I’m leading. I’m launching a new one in Gowanus, and will be bringing back my Bay Ridge tours as the weather warms. For tickets and more info, please go to Linktr.ee/TheWallBreakers. You can also find ticket links through @thewallbreakers on Instagram or the tours and events tab at TheWallBreakers.com. Subscribe to The Bay Ridge Digest Podcast everywhere you get your podcasts. To submit a story lead, please go to BayRidgeDigest.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayridgedigest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bayridgedigest
