Comfort, beauty, simplicity and family are a few of the many warm words that come to mind when thinking about the furniture and lighting of Rico Espinet.

Rico, a family owned and operated business in Boerum Hill, was rated “Best Sofas” in New York Magazine’s 2007 Best of New York issue; you’ll find beautiful, comfy options throughout the store.

This summer, treat yourself to an Ekornes “Stressless” leather sofa at Rico. This Norwegian company specializes in attractive, ergonomically designed sofas and chairs that appeal to all kinds of audiences in both price and design. And all floor models are 40 percent off this summer!

The community-rooted store offers the unique ability for customers to meet Rico and design their own custom lights in-house. Rico got started by custom designing light fixtures and continues to run his business the same way, with custom designs from a familiar face.

Rico offers 15 modern furniture lines, all manufactured in Europe and the United States. An especially revealing and original aspect of Rico is their art program: young artists display their artwork — all for sale — in the store. Not only has Rico made a name for himself, but he is trying to help young neighborhood artists make it on their own.

Five Guys opens in Slope

Starting this Friday, July 25, Park Slopers can enjoy what their neighbors in Brooklyn Heights have had at their fingertips for the past year: a luscious burger at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Head over to 284 Seventh Ave., between Sixth and Seventh streets, for a real treat.

Five Guys doesn’t stop at having the best burgers. Their French fries are outstanding and have won numerous awards throughout the United States. Additionally, the unusually friendly staff creates a fun and warm environment.

Five Guys’ classic menu includes affordable $5 hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, French fries, and even veggie burgers. All of the meat is fresh ground beef and none of it is frozen, a unique quality for a fast food restaurant. Five Guys accepts credit cards but does not deliver; however, if you order by phone ahead of time you can pick-up your meal. They are open from 11 am to 10 pm every day.

Vegas Auto Spa

For a high-quality car wash in Park Slope, visit Vegas Auto Spa and your car is sure to be the cleanest on the block. With all new equipment and top quality cleaning chemicals, Vegas Auto Spa will leave your car looking brand new after one quick visit.

Vegas Auto Spa specializes in full detail washes including interior shampoo cleaning and a three step exterior wash. If you bring in one of their coupons (on page 3 of The Paper’s Park Slope edition, and online at www.BrooklynPaper.com) before Aug. 15, you can save on either a “platinum,” “deluxe,” or “extreme jackpot” carwash. Each of these three options include a double-body bath, clean wheels, an under carriage blast, and hand towel drying, all while saving you $4 or more!

Their brand new 100-foot-long tunnel will leave your car begging to come back for more, and the detail washes will save you money while giving your car that extra sparkle. Don’t just bring your car to any old car wash, bring it to a spa!

©2008 The Brooklyn Paper