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March 15, 2006
FG Dining Doubleshot: Scopello & Thomas Beisl
Scopello
The menu at this Sicilian spot near the academy's two theaters includes pasta selections like spaghetti alla carbonara, black ravioli filled with fresh crabmeat served in shrimp broth, and gnocchi. Entrees include pork loin roasted with brandy and orange sauce, and crispy chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms and spinach cooked in Marsala wine. (718) 852-1100; 63 Lafayette Avenue. Photo from here. GMAP
Thomas Beisl
The bright yellow facade at this Viennese spot, across from the academy, makes it hard to miss. A patio garden is open year round. The menu is part bistro, part Austrian, with items like cod schnitzel, and Prince Edward Island mussels with garlic, white wine and smoked jalapeños. (718) 222-5800; 25 Lafayette Avenue. Photo from here. GMAP
Intriguing Dining Near BAM [NY Times]
Comments
Scopello's menu doesn't sound too Sicilian.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 11:27 AM
how is scopello's? i haven't been yet.
i have been to thomas beisl a couple times- it's really good!
Posted by: lc at March 15, 2006 11:29 AM
I LOVE YOU, BROWNSTONER! I just moved here, and you're doing an entire week about FG restaurants.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 12:09 PM
LOVE thomas beisl. I have been going since it opened and the food is top notch for the price. I am always surprised it is not more popular - although it is great to always be able to get a table.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 1:05 PM
Scopello is strange. The first time we went our waiter asked if we'd ever eaten there before. we said no. he proceeded to give us a tour of the menu, but instead of telling us about specials he said: "on the left are all the appetizers, below that are the first courses and on the right side of the menu are the entrees" as he pointed to the applicable section headers. While we'd never been to Scopello, we have been to restaurants in the past. And the guy has explained the menu to us on two more occassions. The food isn't spectacular, but during the summer it is nice to sit out front and watch the world walk by.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 1:30 PM
Yum Yum!! Does anyone know a place in NYC/Blyn that serves a good Salade Nicoise? FADA used to have a decent one, but it's shrinking in size every time I go there....
Posted by: Gidget at March 15, 2006 1:34 PM
Beisel is probably the most disgusting place I've ever been to...Scopello's cool though...
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 2:07 PM
Can anyone recommend a good place for Saturday lunch (not eggy brunch) in FG? Does Ici serve regular menu items at lunch? (Yes we have tickets for the juggernaut at BAM.)
Posted by: carla at March 15, 2006 2:21 PM
i've found scopello to be very hit or miss, but i think it's based on what i'm in the mood for. i don't find much variety in their menu. their carbonara is very good and i really like the antipasto misto with the eggplant. i also like their zucchini rosotto, although someone in party last weekend asked where the rest of it was. they thought it was just a side dish. scopello has a nice bar atmosphere too.
to continue the restaurant tour, don't forget some of my favs: veliis and thai 101.
Posted by: judson at March 15, 2006 2:50 PM
Ici is fantastic for non-egg-related lunch items, as well. Their menu changes a lot b/c they only use what they can get fresh, but some of the sandwiches are constant - I love the smoked bluefish w/hard-boiled egg & apple. If they have the braised short-ribs sandwich, that is awesome. Also (speaking of Beisel) the Spaetzle is great.
Posted by: Mr. Minerva at March 15, 2006 2:52 PM
Had a good meal at beisel.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 3:15 PM
I've enjoyed Beisel every time I've gone. Nice atmosphere too. I'm sorry to say that Scopello's food was very average to subpar, and I gave them 3 chances. A pumpkin risotto I had was especially bland. Tasted like they boiled some rice then tried to flavor it at the end. It looks nice inside and opens up front in the summer. Maybe they've gotten better because they are still there after a couple of years...
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 3:20 PM
2:07, what was so disgusting at Beisels? is there something we should know? i've always liked that place, though it's been a while since i've been there. i've always wondered what was in the space before it opened; the place was boarded up seemingly for years before they moved in.
Posted by: Jimmy Legs at March 15, 2006 3:48 PM
Gidget, I think you'd want to check out Le Gamin on Vanderbilt for Salade Nicoise. It's technically a few blocks into Prospect Heights up the hill, but it's the only place I can think of that has it.
Posted by: renogirl at March 15, 2006 4:13 PM
I also like the salade Nicoise at Chez Oskar. They use fresh tuna.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 4:41 PM
i agree, the nicoise salad at chez oscar is really good.
Posted by: Anonymous at March 15, 2006 4:47 PM
Thanks for the recommendations RE: Salade Nicoise! Yum Yum!
Posted by: Gidget at March 15, 2006 6:49 PM
Thomas Beisl is great - excellent food, interesting wine list, Austrian hospitality. I went there for Valentines' Day last year and had a great time.
Posted by: Alex at March 16, 2006 2:40 PM
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