Gold Coast

• Michael Pescatore ran the East Coast's biggest "chop shop" (stolen cars galore!), and then he meticulously built a kingly "14,431-square-foot mansion on Long Island's Gold Coast." If only he hadn't messed with the interior designer, he wouldn't be in prison now. [Village Voice]
• How expensive is New York real estate? Expensive. The Real Deal breaks down the boroughs' priciest blocks: from Columbia Heights to East 78th to Douglaston (to Staten Island's Todt Hill). [Real Deal]
• "Findologist" Professor Solomon has written a 152-page illustrated book on the rainbow-colored history of Coney Island. And the masterwork is free. [Boing Boing]
• "Several of the top kitchens" in Manhattan are listing some charming snapshots (at top) of Times food critic Frank Bruni. The headline says "Wanted Dead or Alive," and below it are listed his 24 common eating companions. New York kitchens are pretty creepy. [Eater] - Max Abelson
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Yesterday's condo conversion launch party for 99 Gold Street--a six-story building which was a former toy factory (during Brooklyn's grittier days)--was packed from the start.

Swarming brokers chatted about the "Vinegar Hill" locale, while still referring to the surrounding neighborhood as good old DUMBO. And there was a lot of talk of the new "Gold Coast," which partly refers to a precious sunset that clouds kept from materializing on cue.

Views aside, the buzz surrounding the kickoff party centered on Knick demigod John Starks, who was expected to be "leading pick-up games, teaching bystanders and signing commemorative "gold" basketballs," at least according to the press release. That's all because 99 Gold has a unique amenity: its own basketball court.

When The Real Estate caught up with Mr. Starks early on, the former Knick guard was gazing out the window in unit 4M--which will set you back about $735,000. He asked aloud where Ratner's basketball stadium would be. Perhaps some day, John.  read more »

Near Mr. Starks stood Josh Gunsberger, a commercial real estate agent. He liked what he saw: "Es perfecto por Emily," he noted, staring out at the bright yellow Sun. Gold coast, indeed!

- Max Abelson