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April 15, 2009

Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Now Open: Belleville Lounge
332 Fifth Street, Park Slope; (718)832-9777
"Belleville, the landmark Brooklyn bistro that has wowed devoted locals and urban day-trippers with authentic Parisian food and ambiance, has recently expanded their space and created an exciting new nightspot, the Belleville Lounge... The Lounge, with its soaring sky-lit ceiling, vintage 1950’s Parisian bar and original French antique furnishings, brings the Marais to the Slope," or so says their press release. According to the Belleville website, they'll also host Wednesday night Karaoke (which will involve a "mix of everything from Brooklyn’s favorite karaoke singers, to readings of Dr. Seuss"), Monday night Girl Party, and a Sunday Night Drag/Tea Party.

Coming Soon: Purple Yam
1314 Cortelyou Road, Ditmas Park
Ditmas Park Blog happily reports that Purple Yam, "the eagerly-awaited Filipino restaurant on Cortelyou will open in May." A model of the new space and photos of the work-in-progress are posted on the Cendrillon website.

Newly Improved: Press 195
195 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope; (718) 857-1950
Chowhound Bob Oreilly talked to the owner at the recently reopened Press 195 and learned that they'll now be serving liquor, new menu items, six beers on tap, and "more importantly faster service as the kitchen has expanded... I can't wait to have a roasted beet salad and try these Belgian fries the owner told me about." (Thoughts on Press 195? Review it here.)

After the jump: A culinary tour of Brighton Beach, the new Patois, $25 prix fixe dinners, and more...

Culinary Tour of Brighton Beach
As soon as the weather finally warms up, we'll definitely be making use of New York magazine's guide to Brighton Beach. They've chosen their favorite spots for "ruby-red borscht" and "fluffy cheese blintzes" — and they'll lead you to a liquor store that sells vodka "in such flavors as buffalo grass (zubrovka), birch-tree buds, and honey and pepper."

Quick Bites
New York magazine gives some love to the new food vendors at the Flea... Grub Street takes a look at the new Patois in Little Italy... Chowhounds discuss the $25 prix fixe menus at Henry's End, Tempo, and Chestnut... Park Slope's Loki Lounge is hosting a "Pork Off"... And Pampa closes in Williamsburg, says Zagat.

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Comments

Press 195 is an absolutely fantastic place. I know a lot of people who will be very happy to hear about the reopening and faster service.

Their food is some of the best in the Slope.

I've also heard the new and improved Belleville is great. It went through a rough patch for a few years, but seems to be back on track again.

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 11:40 AM

Is that a joke about Belleville?
"Wowed the crowds"
I went for brunch 5 years ago and it was awful - never returned
I know they keep a crowd there especially on weekend mornings/afternoons - but it perplexes me

Press195 - GOOOD Sandwiches, BAAAD service!

Posted by: gemini10 at April 15, 2009 11:50 AM

Gemini,

Belleville got a new chef and it's much improved. I had the same experience as you did...went for brunch and didn't like it at all. Went back recently and it's much improved. Not sure it would be high on my rotation with so many other great places, but it isn't the same as it was...

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 11:55 AM

Belleville has been horrible, and it's not only the chef.

We were regulars when it opened and for quite a while, we lived down the street. The food was good and the atmosphere excellent. Then it started going down the toilet. They seemed to be financially stressed, they stopped taking credit cards but put in an ATM, like a bad bodega. We still kept going sporadically, on the hope that they would improve.

The last time I was there, admittedly a year ago, I ordered a hangar steak medium rare. It came not medium rare, not rare, not even raw, but partially frozen, I kid you not.

11217, you think it's changed in the past year? Because they also never had any waitstaff.

Posted by: denton at April 15, 2009 12:05 PM

The change has been within the last 6 months...

It no longer sucks.

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 12:08 PM

I agree with Denton, Belleville fell of a cliff big time. We used to love going to that place but I'd say 18-24 months ago things went down hill. Food quality became scrappy and service went down a notch.

We did go check out the new lounge. It's ok but nothing special. i can't say i'd rush back there. If we go out for vino or cocktail then typically stick to Brookvin these days up on 12th st & 7th.

Posted by: 10thStreetReno at April 15, 2009 12:12 PM

That's good to hear, 11217. I wrote off Belleville long ago after a series of disappointments. I'll have to give them another try.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 15, 2009 12:28 PM

I wouldn't rush back. It's just not dreadful anymore.

There are 15 other places I'd choose in the hood before this one, but I'm glad they are giving it another go...

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 12:36 PM

Went to Belleville recently and it was amazingly good. For those who have written it off, I would give it another try. My only disappointment is that they no longer serve liquor--just beer and wine.

Posted by: Freckles at April 15, 2009 12:47 PM

So, what's the best French place in the Slope? I used to like Cocotte for brunch, but alas, they've gone the way of all flesh.

Speaking of dear, departed Cocotte, sas anybody tried the new Italian joint that took their place?

Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 15, 2009 12:52 PM

Canaille French Bistro, I'd say...St. Marks and 5th...

I haven't tried that place that took over in the Cocotte space, but I've heard people rave about it. The sign outside and decor doesn't really appeal to me at all, but I guess it's worth a try.

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 1:05 PM

Yeah, the signage there gives me pause. Well, it's worth a shot.

Anybody tried Alta Voce? I'm not a fan of their other restaurants (Sotto Voce and Aperativo) so I'm yet to try that one out.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 15, 2009 1:30 PM

PS - thanks for the tip on Canaille.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 15, 2009 1:46 PM

Hey Slopers - 11217, Snark et all

Going to be in your neck of the woods friday night. you guys have any favorite low places with a good wine list?

Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 15, 2009 1:49 PM

low key***

Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 15, 2009 1:51 PM

watch that dh, thought you meant down low, lol.

Posted by: denton at April 15, 2009 2:02 PM

Hey dh...you are talking about for dinner...?

You'll have to research on the wine aspect, as I drink wine, but am by no means a connioisseur.

Some of my favorite places in the hood are:

Al Di La
Alchemy
Convivium Osteria

I also *really* like James....it's in Prospect Heights on Carlton Avenue. http://www.jamesrestaurantny.com/

Plus like 3 or 4 new bars have opened up on Vanderbilt and Washington in the past few weeks it seems like...

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 2:04 PM

11217 - no - just a spot to chill out and have a bottle of wine, but i'm never against sitting at the bar at a restaurant. Preferrably something not too busy.

Whenever i venture down to the slope i always end up walking in circles a good 20 minutes before I finally settle on somewhere to drink. Figure I would try to plan beforehand.

ps all good dinner recs - haven't been to Al Di la in ages!

Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 15, 2009 2:11 PM

I really like 12th Street bar and grill. It's up on 8th Avenue and 12th Street.

Total Wine Bar on 5th and St. Marks can be a good time too...

Maybe Melt...it's on Bergen between Flatbush and 5th.

Sidecar is supposed to be nice too, but I've never been.

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 2:18 PM

cool thx - that gives me a plan of attack. I just have to make sure to steer clear from St John's btw 5th and 6th haha.

Posted by: dirty_hipster at April 15, 2009 2:29 PM

Shut it.

That block is perfectly fine and you know it.

;-)

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 2:39 PM

Oh and it's supposed to be nearly 70 and sunny on Friday, so be sure to scope out a place where you'll be able to sit outside!

Posted by: 11217 at April 15, 2009 2:40 PM

Total Wine Bar...funky lighting, hot chicks, cool music, no attitude, good prices.

Posted by: infinitejester at April 15, 2009 4:25 PM

Very excited for Purple Yam. Between the Farm, Mimi's, Tibetan Kitchen, and Pomme De Terre, the neighborhood is finally getting some great variety!

Posted by: Ditmas at April 15, 2009 4:40 PM

d_h:

I'll second 12th Street bar and grill. Bar Toto on 6th Ave has outdoor seating. Likely to be busy though. Brook-vin opened recently on 7th at 13th, but I haven't been yet.

Posted by: SnarkSlope at April 15, 2009 6:05 PM

God, I miss Cocotte. I may give Belleville another chance based on the comments here. I went there, once, about two years ago. Food was mediocre, and the service was abominable -- it left me wondering if they imported French waitstaff, too.

Posted by: ProfRobert at April 16, 2009 6:44 PM

« Checking In On 110 4th Avenue Co-op of the Day: 277 Washington Avenue, #3J »

April 15, 2009

Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

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