The Ditmas Park Word: Meet Neighbor Tif Wolf
From new transplants hailing from places across the city, country and globe to residents who have lived in Ditmas Park for decades, our neighborhood is home to an amazingly diverse collection of people. This interview is the second in our “The Ditmas Park Word” series, in which we’ll get to know some of our wonderful neighbors who make Ditmas Park what it is today. For this week, we interviewed neighbor Tif Wolf.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? I have lived here for nine years.
What prompted the move to our neighborhood? I remember liking this neighborhood in 1995 when a friend of mine lived here, so I decided to look to buy an apartment here.
Where else have you lived before? I lived in Prospect Heights for a year, Dumbo for a year and in Park Slope for nine years. I’m originally from California.
What do you like about the neighborhood? I like that the neighborhood is pretty and not people-packed so you have room to walk around. I work in Times Square so I feel like I am always dodging people. We have quality restaurants here, and I love all of the other amenities that are sprouting up. I particularly enjoy this neighborhood during this time of year when the Dogwood trees are in bloom.
What is missing in our neighborhood? We could use a second exit from the subway at the Cortelyou station. In addition, we could use a recording/rehearsal space for musicians.
Finish this sentence: Ditmas Park is… lovely.
[pullquote] I like that the neighborhood is pretty and not people-packed so you have room to walk around.[/pullquote]
Are you “settled” in Ditmas Park or just “passing through?” Settled.
Do you have a favorite store in the neighborhood? I love Collyer’s Mansion. I think the owner Mauri has great taste and is very friendly and knowledgeable. I love the Japanese towels and charcoal soap that she carries in the shop.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in the neighborhood? I love brunch at Mimi’s, and my favorite dish there is called Aija, a delicious mix of eggs, potatoes and fresh herbs with cheese on top. At Café Madeline I love their egg and cheese biscuit sandwiches. I am very much looking forward to the opening of their new restaurant.
What is the neighborhood’s best kept secret? I am not telling.
How would you sum up your daily commuting experience? Uggh. The commute has gotten very bad. It was much better when I first moved here. It used to take 30 minutes but now it takes more like 50 minutes.
We live in a very diverse neighborhood, how meaningful is that to you? It is important to be around people unlike yourself; it enriches your life.
What do you think of Brooklyn’s newfound popularity? I got a big kick out of the recent Saturday Night Live skit on this subject.
What is your profession? I work at Viacom in International Content Management. In my job I make sure that the great shows that you see on Nickelodeon, Spike, Comedy Central and MTV are submitted in a way so all of the world can see them.
What is your dream job? I am still dreaming that my old band Triple Creme “made it,” and we are still touring. I was the drummer in the band.
Is there a philosophy that you try to live your life by? Treat other people the way you wish to be treated. I also try not to be judgmental about people because you never know what their circumstances are.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever heard? 1) Listen. 2) Let things roll off your back. 3) Follow your truth, your heart.
Where do you hope your next vacation will be? Italy.
What was the last great book you read? – The Forgiven, a novel by Lawrence Osborne. None of the characters are likable in this book, but I could not put it down. The writing is beautiful.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love to exercise. I run in Prospect Park, and it is very meditative to hear the birds chirping. I also enjoy trying boutique fitness classes around NYC. There is so much out there and if you get the right teacher, they can be so inspiring. Exercising makes me feel more secure about myself and it positively affects the way I carry myself in everyday life. I also still play the drums any chance I get.
How long have you been practicing martial arts? I have been practicing martial arts for 20 years. Through my love of this discipline and my fondness for boutique fitness classes, I created a class called “Fight Back Fitness,” which combines aerobic conditioning with martial arts. The self-defense moves are choreographed to a very fun playlist, and it makes martial arts more accessible to all. I teach these classes on Monday nights in Park Slope at the Center for Anti-Violence Education on 7th Street & 5th Avenue. In addition, I teach FBF on Wednesday nights at the Chrystie Street Ballet Academy in Chinatown.
What led you to practice martial arts? Twenty years ago I was attacked on the street in Dumbo so I wanted to learn some self-defense techniques. I thought I would take classes for a month, I never thought I would wind up practicing for 20 years. But there is always something new to learn and there is a wonderful sense of community in the practice of martial arts. They are like family.
