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.
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