How to Define Your Own Cool

As a former publisher of Tokion, a New York-based magazine about art, music, fashion and film, Chris Ambrose qualifies as an expert in the field of contemporary culture. When we approached him to show us someone he considers truly avant-garde, Paris Smeraldo was the first name that popped up. "Paris decided to open a farm-to-table local organic restaurant in Bushwick in 2005 when there was nothing else in the neighborhood other than auto body shops, discount bodegas and abandoned cars,” Chris recalls.

Since Paris Smeraldo’s restaurant Northeast Kingdom opened its doors in the deserted northeastern part of Brooklyn, the neighborhood has developed quickly and attracted artists and musicians for the cheaper rent and huge loft spaces suitable for performances and studio space. Thanks to Smeraldo’s courage and pioneering spirit, NEK was the first venue in this area and has become a gathering for the artistic energy in the neighborhood; a creative salon with local farm food in the restaurant and performances and art shows in the basement.

Production Thomas Escher / Music BUNNYSTRIPES