Close To Home | INKAICO, Park Slope, Brooklyn | Episode 1

Surfish Bistro has been a neighborhood favorite in Gowanus for more than 15 years. So why did Miguel Aguilar open a second restaurant nearby, in Park Slope?

In Episode 1 of Close to Home, Jason Manningham meets Miguel and his wife Magdalena outside INKAICO, their Peruvian restaurant, to find out why this quiet, tree-lined block was worth a two-year search. Then Miguel takes Jason on a walk through the neighborhood, stopping by a few of the local spots he keeps coming back to himself.

Along the way, Miguel shares where he'd put INKAICO's billboard and which TV show he'd buy, then plays a round of Would You Drive for That? Katz's Deli, Peter Luger, Di Fara Pizza, Junior's Cheesecake, and INKAICO's own hamachi coconut ceviche are all on the line. Hit play above to find out which ones are worth the trip.

Miguel and Magdalena's story reflects something Blockgraph and the 4As found in joint research on proximity: the households closest to a business are the most likely to become customers. Local owners understand that better than anyone. They sign a lease betting on it.

Visit INKAICO at 447 Bergen Street in Brooklyn, learn more at inkaicobrooklyn.com, and follow along on Instagram at @inkaico.peruvian.kitchen.

Close to Home is a series about local business, community, and the power of proximity.

Next: Episode 2: OneTwoOne Café, Bed-Stuy