Ice cream and lobster rolls could be an integral part of Brooklyn Bridge Park this summer.
Though officials aren’t speaking on the record, we’ve learned that the finalists to operate food carts on the just-opened Pier 1 portion of Brooklyn’s newest open space include Blue Marble Ice Cream and the Red Hook Lobster Pound.
“Warm days, the water, and ice cream — it goes without saying,” said Alexis Miesen, owner of the ice cream shop, which has standing locations in Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Prospect Heights. “We’re hoping to become part of the revival of this waterfront. We’re really excited.”
Lobster Pound owner Susan Povich is already anticipating being anointed as a concessionaire, unveiling a futuristic “Lobster Cart” with her application, a sleek stand with a faux lobster tail on the side. She said she would serve the Red Hook shop’s lobster rolls, plus hot dogs for the kiddies.
The four stands — including an outdoor wine or beer bar — will offer a variety of Brooklyn-based products, city officials said last month. Officials at the Empire State Development Corporation wouldn’t say who will be serving refreshments, but said they’d announce the food slingers’ names in May.
Several existing eateries lay in wait near the newly opened park at the foot of Old Fulton Street, including Pete’s Downtown, the River Cafe, Ignazio’s, Grimaldi’s and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
Surprisingly, owners don’t seem too worried about their new foodie companions.
“The park and concessions will bring down so many people — we’ll all benefit from that,” said Peter Thristino, owner of Pete’s Downtown, which is still experiencing some problems due to the lack of public restrooms inside the park.
“I’m from the neighborhood, too,” he said. “I want everyone to prosper. I don’t want to be the only one down here.”
