July 20, 2005

Al Fresco Dining Options in Brooklyn

Africa under the stars in Clinton Hill: Head to the back garden at Kush, just opened by chef Samuel Beket from the Ivory Coast, for pan-African cuisine with French influences. Feast on seafood maffé, an African stew, surrounded by wood carved animals and other faraway touches. Kush, 17 Putnam Ave., (718) 230-3471.

Miami or Prospect Heights?: See and be seen in the rooftop lounge at the JRG Fashion Cafe. Relax in a deck chair or at a romantic table for two above the urban hustle while sampling mango salmon, jerk chicken and other Caribbean-inspired fare. JRG Fashion Cafe, 177 Flatbush Ave., (718) 399-7079.

European charm in Cobble Hill: Escape into the hidden garden behind Sweet Melissa for a civilized afternoon tea complete with scones, finger sandwiches and assorted cookies. The ivy-covered walls feel like England, while the picture-perfect patisseries are worth a trip to Paris. Sweet Melissa, 276 Court St.; (718) 855-3410.

Park Slope pub grub: Revelers pack the side patio at The Gate, an Irish-style local pub with an only-in-Brooklyn twist: With no food on their menu - and 24 beers on tap - patrons are encouraged to order take-out from the plethora of nearby spots, from fish and chips to sushi. One high-end place, Stone Park Cafe, even delivers real plates and silverware. The Gate, 321 Fifth Ave., (718) 768-4329.

More on the jump...
Al Fresco Brooklyn [NY Daily News]

Soccer and ceviche in Red Hook: Head to the Red Hook soccer fields to eat your way around Latin America. A dozen or so outdoor food vendors set up tables and chairs each weekend and sell everything from El Salvadoran pupusas to Equadoran ceviche. Along Bay St. at Clinton St. No phone.

Brighton Beach beer hall: Crowds of Russian-speaking locals flock to Gambrinus' open-air German-style beer hall just off the Boardwalk for seafood favorites with a Russian touch. "The food is good, and so is the beer," said Galina Chubereva, 23, after a day at the beach with friends. Gambrinus, 3100 Ocean Parkway, (718) 265-1009.

Bensonhurst's Boardwalk: Who needs a trip to the shore when there is L&B Spumoni Gardens right here in Bensonhurst? Squeeze into an old-time red-and-white table out front to sample Sicilian pizza and rainbow spumoni. "Everybody comes here in the summer," said Jennifer Bongiorno, 21, adding it's also good for dates. L&B Spumoni Gardens, 2725 86th St., (718) 449-1230.

Al fresco in Bay Ridge: A trip to Emi's romantic back deck is the next best thing to an Italian piazza. Enjoy the signature grilled octopus and goat cheese ravioli amid the scent of fresh herbs. "During service, we'll go out and snip herbs that we use right then and there," said chef Lou Digiovanni. Emi, 8905 Third Ave., (718) 748-8070.

New England seafood shack in Sheepshead Bay: Lobster-lovers head to Jordan's Lobster Dock to soak up its no-frills seaside scene. "You have the boats right behind here," said Jim O'Donnell, with his family over clam strips and mussels after catching a summer blockbuster at the nearby United Artists movie theater. Jordan's Lobster Dock, 3165 Harkness Ave., (800) 404-2529.

Middle Eastern oasis in Gravesend: Leave the bustle behind as you enter the cooling calm of Sahara's lush patio to enjoy hummus and grilled kebabs under a canopy of grape leaves. "You think you're in paradise," said Lisa Posner over Turkish coffee with friends. Sahara, 2337 Coney Island Ave., (718) 376-8594.

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Categories: Restaurants

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