Food and Drink
July 1, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
"Yo dude.... A new taco place opened. No, i have no idea. It just appeared. Sick, right?" -- Jam It Down Your Throat
New Mexican Fare for Smith Street
Since Calexico opened last week, a bunch of Chowhounds and local bloggers have been raving about it. But in the meantime, with no fanfare whatsoever, a taco and torta joint called Oaxaca opened in the old Handmade space at 251 Smith Street (near Douglass). Blogger Jam It Down Your Throat says it's a work-in-progress (they don't even have a griddle yet) but recommends the pork taco, which is "shredded, pretty juicy and gets a nice spicy kick from the sauce."
Openings and Gossip
The New York Times says that the Saul Boulton, the chef and owner of Saul, along with "Ben Daitz, a partner in Num Pang Sandwich Shop" plans to open an "informal place" called The Vanderbilt sometime this fall at 570 Vanderbilt Avenue in Prospect Heights... Eater says that Lot 2 is opening today "in the old Kitchen Bar space on 6th and 20th... The chef, Scott Bridi, is a Gramercy Tavern and 'ino alum and is serving up items like Neck three Ways, olive oil poached cod, a mysterious dish called 'lipstick on a pig,' and 'low and slow' plate with brisket, pork jowl, and lamb rib." ...Time Out's weekly opening report includes a new Mediterranean seafood spot called Aqualis Grill is set to open at 773 Fulton Street in Fort Greene, as well as Vue Restaurant and Lounge on the eighth floor of Park Slope’s Hotel Le Bleu. This New American spot will have outdoor patio seating and access to the roof deck... And Grub Street says Brooklyn Bowl should open this week.
A New Farmer's Market on 4th Avenue and Carroll Street
A tipster tells us that Root Hill Cafe started running a farmer's market over the weekend: "They're going to have it going from 2-7 on Fridays and 9-3 on Saturdays, though they may take off for 4th of July weekend. So far, they have one vendor from the Hudson Valley, but they're looking to get other farmers involved (they have permits for the front & side of the building)."
After the jump: A couple of closings and the Times review of Diner...
June 30, 2009
StreetLevel: Bar Reis Sandwich Spot in Biz
Reis 100, the sandwich shop next to Bar Reis and c/o the watering hole's owners, opened last Thursday. As Grub Street reported, the shop is selling 100 different kinds of sandwiches, 70 of which cost $3.50. The other 30, which have more expensive ingredients like pate and salmon, cost $6.00, according to the menu posted in the window. GMAP
June 29, 2009
StreetLevel: Cafe Grumpy Now Open in the South Slope
Cafe Grumpy, the coffee shop with locations in Greenpoint and Chelsea, now has a new outpost on 7th Avenue between 11th and 12th streets. The small storefront was previously home to the clothing store Lola. Grumpy is set up more for takeout than lounging; the narrow shop only has a few seats and a couple of benches. Click through for a pic of the menu.
Cafe Grumpy [Official Site] GMAP
Continue reading "StreetLevel: Cafe Grumpy Now Open in the South Slope"
June 24, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Calexico Carne Asada Is Open!
22 Union St. nr. Columbia St.; (718) 488-8226
This long-awaited restaurant from the brothers who run the Calexico street carts opened yesterday afternoon — and we just snapped some photos of the interior. The owners say the menu is still evolving, and Calexico Twitter page says, "We will only be open for lunch for the first few days but by next week or so we will be open for dinner!!"
More Openings and Gossip
Reis 100 Sandwich Factory will open tomorrow at 375-B Fifth Ave. in Park Slope next to Bar Reis, says Grub Street, and its menu will include 100 mini-sandwiches priced from $3.50 to $5... BushwickBK reports that Phorum has opened at 50 Starr Street at the corner of Wilson Avenue in Bushwick and is serving pizzas, pastas, salads, and main courses that feature local, organic ingredients... El Matador is now open and serving Spanish-Latin American BYOB at 795 Grand St., nr. Bushwick Ave. in East Williamsburg, says Grub Street... Time Out says that Brooklyn Bowl is opening this week at 61 Wythe Ave. between North 11th and 12th Streets in Williamsburg... And A Brooklyn Life notes, "The storefront that used to be Chicory looks to be opening soon (at least by the peek through the window). Although the appearance of warming trays has us a bit confused as to what kind of food will be served."
Barrette Will Close This Weekend
601 Vanderbilt Ave (at Bergen St), Prospect Heights; (718) 230-5170
The Feed reports, "Owner Erica Crawford confirms that our favorite Prospect Heights burlesque-bar-cum-cocktail-den Barrette is closing for good this weekend... Bid the place goodbye this Sunday when Barrette will be bleeding out the last of their kegs—drafts are $1 to the bitter end."
After the jump: A grocery store with a $70 tasting menu, a new Turkish spot for Coney Island, and a burglary in Greenpoint...
June 17, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
7 New Bars and Restaurants
(1) Fort Defiance, the new Red Hook spot from writer and Pegu Club alum St. John Frizell, won't get a liquor license until late July, but they'll start serving food this weekend. Eater says, "the sandwich menu includes Italian tuna, turkey, muffuletta with custom baked bread, and what else, banh mi." (2) Brooklyn Heights Blog says that Brooklyn Heights Wine Bar has opened at Henry and Cranberry. (3) Grub Street says that Calexico is finally set to open next Tuesday, but Lost City isn't sure why the word "thanks" was written in forks and knives on the sidewalk outside. (4) Lost City says that Black Horse Pub will be opening in two weeks in the South Slope, at 14th and Fifth Avenue. (5) Brunch Anytime noticed that another location of Bay Ridge health food spot Nature's Grill is setting up shop a few doors down from Trader Joe's in Cobble Hill. (6) Grub Street says that Italian-American restaurant Grandma Rose's is opening today at 457 Graham Avenue (near Herbert Street) in Williamsburg. (7) And blogger Didactic Katydid reports that yakitori spot Sui Ren is now open at 302 Metropolitan Avenue (at Roebling).
Rye Gets Reviewed
247 South First Street (Roebling Street), Williamsburg; (718) 218-8047
New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni gives a single star to Williamsburg's Rye and wonders whether it is meant to be "a drinkers’ refuge with ambitious food or a proper restaurant with a particular vanity about its cocktails... Maybe that’s a function of the neighborhood, whose hipsters are aging and being joined by more settled, stodgy types." We're not sure how the restaurant's regulars are supposed to feel about this remark. In any case, Tasting Table raves about Rye's meatloaf sandwich: "The glorious, two-handed sandwich comprises a half-pound tablet of ground pork, veal and duck cooked in its own reduced braising juices and planted between a chewy, crusty roll. Golden haystack onions spill out atop the meat loaf, while a layer of horseradish-dressed frisée packs serious zip, and briny, thin-sliced pickles temper the opulence."
After the jump: a new home for the McCarren Park Greenmarket, Char No. 4's summer barbecue deal, a $5 dinner at Hope Lounge, a Red Hook bar crawl in photos, and new signage for Timboo's...
June 10, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Since 1963 Opens in Trout Space
102 Smith Street (at Pacific Street)
Trout's outdoor bar remains, but now the interior space has reopened as a barbecue joint. Chowhound SteakNut says, "It's market style, like Hill Country. I had a really good pulled pork sandwich there, which consisted of two 'mini' sandwiches. The buns were a tad stale, but the mass of meat and the pairing with pineapple salsa made up for it... And where else are you going to find Lone Star for $3?!" Has anybody else visited Since 1963 yet?
More Brooklyn Bar and Restaurant Openings
Time Out New York says that Fort Greene is getting its first German beer garden: Der Schwarze Kölner (710 Fulton St at South Oxford St) will have 18 brews on tap, 20 by the bottle, and both indoor and outdoor seating... Time Out also reports that Café Grumpy, which already has locations in Greenpoint and Chelsea, is opening their third branch in Park Slope (383 Seventh Ave between 11th and 12th Sts), and it'll be equipped with two Clover machines... Brooklyn Based says that "Stephen Tanner, one of the original owners of Pies ‘n’ Thighs and a cook at Egg, will be the chef at the new restaurant taking over Black Betty" in Williamsburg... Eat to Blog says that Istanbul Turkish Cuisine is opening in the old NoNo Kitchen space in Park Slope (293 7th Ave at 7th St)... Eating in Translation reports that a new kebab and beer joint called Kebeer is set to open in Brighton Beach (1003 Brighton Beach Ave at Coney Island Ave)... And, finally, despite reports from on-site workers that Calexico is supposed to open this week, local Chowhound oohlah remains skeptical: "There's definitely been some progress, but, as before, I think their estimates are way off. Maybe they'll open by July."
After the jump: Reviews of Glass Shop in Crown Heights, Watty & Meg in Cobble Hill, and Enoteca on Court in Carroll Gardens...
June 3, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Cafe Tapeo Becomes Cyprus Avenue
52 5th Avenue, Park Slope
Tipster dwarbi reports that tapas joint Cafe Tapeo has reopened as an Irish pub: "Tapeo was struggling for a while — almost always empty. Every time we walked by it we wondered when it would close." The new pub, Cyprus Avenue, is presumably named after the Van Morrison song about the street in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Has anyone stopped in yet?
Upcoming Brooklyn Food Events
This Saturday, June 6 from 6-9pm, stop by the BKLYN Yard for music from Finger on the Pulse and $7 BBQ plates from Hapa Kitchen... Plus, tickets are available now for Brooklyn Based's screening of Food, Inc, a new documentary about the American industrial food system, at the Bell House on Wednesday, June 10. Doors are at 7pm and snacks will be provided by Roebling Tea Room, Sweet Deliverance, Nunu Chocolates, and McClure's Pickles, and there's a pre-show open bar courtesy of Brooklyn Brewery. Following the film, catch a Q&A with director Robert Kenner and author Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), who also appears in the film.
Closings and Bankruptcy
A few Chowhounds are mourning the approaching closing of Park Slope favorite Tempo (Saturday will be their last night in business), while Zagat reports that "Garden Cafe, the No.1 rated Brooklyn restaurant in Zagat’s NYC Survey, closed last week after nearly 25 years in operation in Prospect Heights." And Crain's says that Elementi in Park Slope "filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection" but remains open for business.
After the jump: Openings in Bed-Stuy, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Williamsburg, and Bushwick; reviews of Cafe Pedlar and Farmer in the Deli...
May 29, 2009
StreetLevel: Bar Great Harry Spinoff Opening on 4th Ave
The owners of Smith Street's Bar Great Harry—a beer snob's paradise—are getting ready to open a new joint near the corner of 4th Avenue and Carroll. The bar will share a wall with the former lesbian bar Cattyshack (which closed down early this year and in its present incarnation seems to be rarely open) but does not have anything to do with its neighboring establishment. The BGH biz will have an outdoor space that its owners say will lend it a beer garden vibe, and the emphasis will be on craft beer, with 24 draft lines and a couple of casks. It should be open by late August or early September. GMAP
May 28, 2009
StreetLevel: Franny's Cheese Shop Opening Soon
The folks behind Franny's are in the process of setting up a new shop close to their restaurant called Bklyn Larder. The store, which is on Flatbush near the corner of Bergen, will carry "beautiful cheeses and thoughtfully chosen foodstuffs available to us from around the world, chosen by Sergio Hernandez, as well as prepared foods in the tradition of the food at franny’s (simple preparation, seasonality and uncompromising quality) packaged to serve at home."
Bklyn Larder [Official Site] GMAP
Whole Foods Rumor Bites the Dust
The Local dispels the rumor started by the developer of the 365-unit rental at 470 Vanderbilt Avenue that Whole Foods was under consideration for the site: "'There’s “nothing in the works here right now,' said Mara Engel Wedeck, contact for the Northeast region for the behemoth healthy foods chain." Oh well.
May 27, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
3 Closings...
We noticed that Star of India at 232 5th Avenue (near President Street) in Park Slope has been completely cleared out and closed up for the past couple of weeks. There's no note in the window, so we're not sure if they're closed for renovations or just closed for good. Could it be that the competition from Baluchi's on 310 5th Avenue (between 2nd & 3rd Streets) drove them out? Meanwhile, The Brooklyn Paper mourns the loss of Black Betty in Williamsburg, and ClintonHillBlog notices that Fish and Crustaceans on Fulton has shut down.
...and 5 Openings
We're into the whimsical name of the new Prospect Heights coffee shop, Sit & Wonder, which is serving one-buck cups of Stumptown Coffee, says Time Out New York. TONY also reports on the ice cream flavors at the new Jacques Torres Ice Cream — "Wicked Chocolate ice cream uses the same Mexican spices as his Wicked Hot Chocolate" — and says that the Greene Ice Cream at General Greene will be serving flavors such as Salted Hazelnut Gianduja and Coffee Road. The New York Times reports that Enoteca on Court (on Court and Union in Carroll Gardens) is officially open, and so is Open Book Cafe by Mambo, an outdoor cafe at the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, serving lobster sliders and mango iced tea.
After the jump: Pickled pig's tongue (and other non-pizza goodies) at Roberta's, a Cuban supper club at Dressler, and a Williamsburg bar crawl...
May 20, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
"Uber-Audible Ice Cream Truck" by amanda.mccreary
Ice Cream Truck Jingles: Hot or Not?
"One group of concerned citizens in Brooklyn is taking action against the incessant, insipid jingles reverberating on all sides of McCarren Park. They've put up signs decrying the noise pollution, and formed a Yahoo Group to share and document their noise complaint calls to 311 and the local precinct," says Gothamist. But Miss Heather of New York Shitty says, "The 94th Precinct (understaffed as it is) has better things to do than chase ice cream trucks. Get over it." Whose side are you on?
In related news: Grub Street reports, "This past weekend, aspiring Mister Softee Nick Morgenstern unveiled the cart he plans to station outside his Fort Greene restaurant, the General Greene, all summer."
News from reBar and Kif
Gothamist also says that Lori D’Agostino (formerly of Loulou) is now cooking at reBar (147 Front Street, Dumbo), and her menu includes "whole-roasted Idaho Brook Trout, Prince Edward Island Mussels with Coconut Curry Sauce, and molasses-brined Pork Tenderloin." Plus, Kif (219 DeKalb Avenue, Fort Greene) has expanded their garden to seat 40, and Grub Street shares photos of the casbah-inspired space.
Recently Reviewed: Brooklyn Public House and Vutera
Time Out New York gives Brooklyn Public House (247 DeKalb Avenue, Fort Greene) a thumbs down: "Like a starlet with beauty but no talent, Fort Greene's latest drinking addition, a refined tavern with all the requisite old-timey trappings, offers lots of flash and little substance." Ouch. Meanwhile, Restaurant Girl gives Vutera (345 Grand Street, Williamsburg) 3 out of 5 stars, recommending the "tender, red wine-braised lamb shank with baby carrots and polenta."
After the jump: Locally harvested Brooklyn oysters, Red Hook lobster rolls, another award for Lucali, a Bay Ridge food tour, and a bartending academy for "the young and tragically hip"...
May 13, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
4 New Restaurants
Pardon Me For Asking contributor Manny Simone hit the new vegetarian-friendly Carroll Gardens spot, Olga's on Smith, on opening night and shares the highlights: "The Asian cucumber salad with mint was refreshing (and I don’t even like cucumbers), and the cous cous with garbanzo beans and tomatoes were delicious (my personal favorite)." ...Reader Ashok B tips us off about Grandma Rose's, an Italian-American spot that's opening at 457 Graham Avenue, near the BQE... Shop Downtown Brooklyn notes: "Sea Asian, has moved to 125 Livingston Street (between Boerum Place and Smith Street) in Downtown Brooklyn from its former location at 78 Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights," and they're offering a 20%-off grand opening deal... "Former Momofuku partner Joaquin Baca hopes to make it on his own starting this month with the opening of Brooklyn Star in Williamsburg," says Grub Street's Alexandra Vallis, who is particularly excited about trying Baca's Dr. Pepper Ribs.
Get Sloshed with the PS 58 PTA
It ain't as crazy as the upcoming Gene Ween show at PS 29 in Cobble Hill, but the PS 58 PTA in Carroll Gardens is hosting A Taste of May, a wine bar crawl, this coming Tuesday, May 19. Advance tickets cost $50 and will buy you a glass of wine and a small plate at 3 of our favorite neighborhood spots — Jake Walk, Chestnut, and Black Mountain Wine House. If this link doesn't work, you can pick up your ticket at one of the venues.
Food Trucks Park at The Yard
388–400 Carroll St., nr. Bond St., Gowanus
Grub Street reports that BKLYN Yard (the Gowanus venue formerly known as, simply, The Yard) is getting ready to reopen on May 23: "This year, it launches with an event called Parked, which will bring food trucks such as Pizza Moto, the Community Juice Truck, Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, and more. As for the rest of the season, Red Hook vendor Margarita will be back with her huaraches (get there early, before they’re devoured)."
After the jump: Brooklyn's take on California cuisine, why you should avoid Lucali's this week, and a gas station where you can fill up on gefilte fish...
May 6, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Tedone Latticini
No Sign, a.k.a. The Mozzarella Lady; 597 Metropolitan Avenue, between Lorimer and Leonard; (718) 387-5830
Thanks to the second installment of NYC Food Guy's Williamsburg Sandwich Tour, we get to feast our eyes on this sausage, pepper, and fresh mozzarella sandwich, which was made by "91-year-old Georgi, who has been preparing handmade, melt-in-your-mouth fresh mozzarella that according to her 'puts you in your own world.'"
6 Restaurant Openings
Olga's, a health-conscious restaurant with vegetarian and kosher specialties, has opened at 407 Smith between 4th and 5th Streets in Carroll Gardens, says Pardon Me For Asking. Watty & Meg, serving "items such as crispy-skinned salmon with quinoa, kale and juniper-berry sauce," is opening this week at 248 Court Street at Kane Street in Cobble Hill, says Time Out New York. And Eater reports that "the giant bar/restaurant/music venue/roof deck Berry Park on 4 Berry Street in Williamsburg is slowly chugging along"... Anella should be opening in the old Queen's Hideaway space in Greenpoint on Thursday... Bed-Stuy is about to get a new speakeasy called Sarah James at 305 Throop Street... And the old 360 space in Red Hook will soon be opening as Italian spot O Barone.
A Restaurant for the Edge
"Williamsburg’s massive waterfront development the Edge is still looking for a restaurateur to take on its restaurant space by winter, according to a broker for the project. The space may fall to a chain because of the high rent, but the developer is trying to secure one that’s not too offensive to indie types," Grub Street reports. Apparently Heartland Brewery and Shake Shack were considered but are now out of the running.
After the jump: A big-time barbecue cookbook from a Fort Greene writer, news on Lobo and Anselmo's, and a closer look at O'Keefe's Bar & Grill...
May 5, 2009
StreetLevel: A Supper Club for 3rd Avenue
Gowanus now has a supper club called Crossroads on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 6th Street. The establishment has live entertainment with dinner service, and it takes the place of Brick Oven Barbeque, which didn't last very long. The owner of Crossroads says it's been in operation for about a month, and that he's only opening on weekends. The menu is still in flux.
Crossroads [MySpace] GMAP
April 29, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Photo by Kristen Goode
Return of the Carroll Gardens Empanada Lady
The Empanada Lady has been setting up shop on Sackett and Smith once again, but according to About.com: Brooklyn, "[her] schedule is a tricky one. She and her cart can go missing for weeks at a time. The only way to tell if she's open for business? Look for her 'specials of the day' sign to appear on Smith Street -- No sign, no empanada lady." However, Chowhound pupburger makes her sound more high-tech than that: "According to her website, her hours vary according to her sales, check twitter for updates on her whereabouts." We can't find the URL -- is this 'Hound for real?
Catering to "Obsessions with Food and Real Estate"
Brooklyn Laundry is one of those dinner clubs (like the Whisk & Ladle or 4 Course Vegan) where patrons pay ahead to dine with strangers in a secret location. But this one has a twist for those interested in real estate: The dinner parties will be "housed in (among other places) various apartments on the market... Whether you’ll dine in a Madison penthouse or on an Orchard Street rooftop is anyone’s guess," says Daily Candy. Dinner costs $60 per person (or $80 with wine).
Brooklyn Restaurant and Bar Openings
The Flying Cow, an "eclectic Argentine-style restaurant—part Latin steakhouse, part tapas bar," is now open at 2 Hope Street (near Roebling Street) in Williamsburg, says Time Out New York... An Eater tipster says that the old Marco Polo Take Out space on Court Street (near Union Street) in Carroll Gardens will soon house a wine bar called Enoteca on Court: "From what we heard the opening date will be around the 3rd week of May... The wine will be international, the food small plates, panini, cheeses and salumi and pizza from the wood-burning oven." ...Clinton Hill Blog notices that Epoca has closed, but some commenters say that a new seafood restaurant is set to open in the space in June... And, finally, TONY reports on the new Bushwick bar, Tandem (236 Troutman St between Knickerbocker and Wilson Aves), where beers are served in ceramic cups that the owner turned on a potter's wheel.
After the jump: Jacques Torres ice cream, Whiskey Sunday, Totonno's, Beer Table, a Williamsburg sandwich tour, and Dressler on the big screen...
April 22, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Spuyten Duyvil's Big Backyard
359 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg; (718) 963-4140
"Beer nerds, rejoice! The Williamsburg beer Mecca known as Spuyten Duyvil recently unveiled a patio roughly double its original size. The bar took over the backyard of the adjacent building and revealed it as part of their own back garden Wednesday of last week," reports The Feedbag.
New Carroll Gardens Spot Blames the SLA
387 Court Street (at 1st Place), Carroll Gardens
Calpurnia, the new restaurant set to open in the old Hole in the Wall Video space on Court, has posted a sign that reads, "As you can see, the delay in obtaining our liquor license was not our fault." Beside this message is a newspaper article about corruption in the State Liquor Authority. (Eater has posted a photo of the signage.) While we don't recommend dissing the SLA, we're into Calpurnia's spunk. Any idea what kind of restaurant this will be? Tomorrow is opening night, and they'll pour a free glass of wine for anyone who stops by.
Plus: Motorino in Williamsburg just got its liquor license, says Grub Street.
Spring Opening Report
Eater spots a Craigslist posting about available jobs at Fort Defiance in Red Hook, which will "open in May, serving coffee and lunch. Later, we’ll open for cocktails and light food at night. Staff will be trained by Counter Culture Coffee to make great espresso and coffee, and by Fort Defiance owner/food-and-drink writer St. John Frizell to mix drinks." Eater also reports that Calexico's Union Street storefront "should be up and running in three weeks." And Ditmas Park Blog says that Vox Pop is preparing to reopen.
After the jump: A human petting zoo at Brouwerij Lane, a fall in sales for Brooklyn Oenology, and food news from Park Slope, Crown Heights, and Adan Richman...
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...
April 13, 2009
Nominate Your Favorite Restaurants
We've been highlighting a Restaurant of the Day every weekday since last summer, and we've really appreciated all the reviews you've shared. Now, we're nearing our 200th write-up, but we've still got a ton of places to cover. If you've got a favorite Brooklyn restaurant that we haven't mentioned yet, please let us know in the comments. (Little neighborhood spots and holes-in-the-wall are welcome — we'd like to cover all of the borough's quality mom-and-pop shops that citywide publications may have overlooked.)
Photo by sugarcoma
April 8, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Photo by Tejal Rao for Gothamist
Coming Soon: Umi Nom
We're so excited that Kuma Inn, a great Filipino, Thai, and Southeast Asian small plates spot on the Lower East Side, is opening a sister restaurant at 433 DeKalb Avenue, on the border of Clinton Hill and Bed Stuy. Gothamist shares a first look at Umi Nom, which is scheduled to open on May 1, and reports that Chef/owner King Phojanakong "recently received some special sake pouring equipment to install at what will become a wood paneled bar where twenty sakes by the glass will be available."
Return of the Red Hook Vendors!
Serious Eats says that the vendors will be returning to the Red Hook Ball Fields on Saturday, May 2. Cesar Fueuntes, executive director of the Red Hook food vendors committee, also told them that "We are close on signing up to be a part of an amazing festival in a very popular and historic Brooklyn location that will soon promise to be one of the most talked about events in NYC. Most of our vendors are planning to be a part of this festival and will be there weekends throughout the entire season. As soon as we secure our participation, we will make it official." Any idea what he's talking about?
Bahn Mi Bonanza
Today's New York Times surveys the best bahn mi joints in the city, paying visits to Williamsburg's Nha Toi and Silent H, as well as Sunset Park's Thanh Da I and II and Ba Xuyen, a favorite in the Brownstoner restaurant files. Plus, Chow points out that you can also get your Vietnamese sandwich fix at Williamsburg's "Mediterranean-accented" Simple Cafe (346 Bedford Avenue at S. Third Street), which "is temporarily rechristened Bep, or 'kitchen' in Vietnamese" every Monday — "when the café crew takes a break, a Vietnamese-Parisian cook settles in."
After the jump: Brooklyn cleans up at TONY's Eat Out Awards, the best Sichuan in the city, and a first look at Williamsburg's Rye...
April 1, 2009
Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
Now Open: Unauthorized Obama Eatery
"In an apparent bid to stand out in the crowded fast food market, a Brooklyn business has rechristened itself 'Obama Fried Chicken.' Previously known as Royal Fried Chicken, the eatery, located at Rockaway Parkway and Rutland Road in Brownsville, unveiled its revamped name last Thursday afternoon when the business's new awning was installed," says the Smoking Gun. We can only wonder if this fried chicken joint will meet the same fate as Sixpoint's Hop Obama beer.
Ditmas Park: Home of the City's Best Hummus
1209 Cortelyou Road (Westminster Road), Ditmas Park; (718) 284-4444
The New York Times reports on the Israeli hummus parlors popping up around the city and says, "The newest of these hummusiot also happens to be the best. Mimi’s Hummus opened in February on Cortelyou Road, the Restaurant Row of Ditmas Park." At this 8-table spot, owner Mimi Kitani — an Israeli with Moroccan-Kurdish parents — draws culinary influences from each culture and serves 5 types of hummus priced from $8 to $9.
Pizza Pizza
Bloggers across Brooklyn are buzzing about two newcomer pizzerias set to open this week — Ignazio's (4 Water Street, Dumbo; 718-522-2100) and Anselmo's (354 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook; 718-775-5386). Time Out New York says that Ignazio's "menu is mostly devoted to thin-crust and Sicilian pies. Special versions include toppings such as lobster or seasonal greens, like baby dandelion and chicory." And Slice shares the story behind Anselmo's: "[Jack] Stella, one of the joint's three partners, runs a chemical business down the street. He and his colleagues in that business originally bought the building that would house Anselmo's as a sort of clubhouse where they could take smoke breaks. While gutting it, he discovered the coal oven, and realizing he had the proverbial diamond in the rough, made plans to turn it into a pizzeria. Their loss of a smokers' lounge is our gain as coal-oven aficionados."
After the jump: 3 new grocery stores, a new restaurant from a Red Hook ball fields vendor, a secret new Williamsburg eatery, Buttermilk Channel hits the big screen, and more...
March 25, 2009
StreetLevel: New Falafel Joint for Union
A falafel restaurant has opened on Union in the small storefront that used to be run by the owners of the adjoining eatery, Maria's Mexican Bistro. According to the employees at Mogador Falafel, the new restaurant isn't associated with Maria's and comes c/o the people behind Prospect Park West's Fez Cafe. The falafel platter at Mogador goes for $8. GMAP
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Photo by Here is Park Slope
A Big Change for Bierkraft
191 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope
While shopping at Bierkraft, Here is Park Slope "noticed that a couple rustic-looking picnic tables now occupy the front section, formerly home to the checkout area... Bierkraft has applied for an on-premises liquor license." If and when it goes through, they'll be offering sample sips and possibly pints — plus you'll be able to enjoy their sandwiches, piled charcuterie and cheeses, in-house.
This Week's Openings
The Brooklyn Standard Deli, a "bodega with a conscience... with a focus on local and sustainable organic goods," is coming to 188 Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint, and Nhà Tôi, a banh mi and Vietnamese summer roll shop that will serve dim sum on the weekends is coming to 160 Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg, says Time Out New York. And at Vutera, "Molly Del Monte, who was a sous-chef at Little Giant," is serving up "a Mediterranean menu with dishes like wedding soup with meatballs, and scallops with farro risotto" at 345 Grand Street in Williamsburg, reports the New York Times. Plus, in case you missed yesterday's Busy Chef thread, Brooklyn Heights Blog says that Melissa Murphy of Sweet Melissa is looking to take over this Brooklyn Heights storefront and the adjacent Blue Pig space.
The Top 5 Brooklyn Dishes
In a fun messageboard thread, Chowhounds are listing their favorite dishes in the borough. There's wide range of recommendations, from "the slow-rendered duck breast at The Grocery" to "Chicken Soup with Heavily Buttered White Toast at 7th Avenue Donuts (followed by a Boston Creme and Coffee)." What are your top 5?
After the jump: A new-ish South Slope spot gets a rave review, Old Brooklyn meets New Brooklyn at Bar Matchless, breakfast at Prime Meats, Tini makes a move, and the Times visits Vinegar Hill House...
March 18, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Greenpoint's New Beer Shop: Brouwerij Lane
Greenpoint Avenue between Franklin and West
The owners of this new brew shop tell Greenpointers that they're throwing a grand opening party this Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 8pm: "We will have delicious goulash, various wursts, and our 10 taps will be flowing with a selection of beers from around the world for tasting and taking home in our 64 oz growler jugs. We currently have over 150 types of bottled beer, and want to welcome our Greenpoint neighbors who are beer drinkers, beer lovers, or just want to come check the place out."
Armando's Returning to Brooklyn Heights
143 Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights; (718) 624-7167
"The restaurant's old phone number was reinstalled Thursday. And, in three months' time, Armando's will reopen on Montague St., said former and future owner Peter Byros. The Italian eatery closed last year, and the sandwich chain Spicy Pickle opened briefly in its place. 'They didn't make it; they defaulted on their lease,' said Byros, who also owns the building and retired last year... Byros is the third owner of the restaurant, which opened on the spot during the Great Depression. Maria Byros, Peter's daughter, will manage the new Armando's." [NY Daily News]
Recently Reviewed: Cornelius
565 Vanderbilt Avenue at Pacific Street, Prospect Heights; (718) 398-6662
"The spirit menu’s omission of descriptions can be maddening, but the informed bartenders will eagerly offer input or mix dead-on cocktails dreamed up by the Royalton Hotel’s mixologist, Somer Perez. Her red-tinted Long Island 'Railroad' Tea (rooibos tea, whiskey, bourbon, lemon juice and Grand Marnier) is a sweet, nutty punch with a citric tang. The apple-ginger margarita (tequila, apple chutney, ginger, orange zest) is a zippy, palate-tingling reviver, while the warming bourbon-and-bitters Steamboat is a maple-syrup-spiked riff on the Manhattan." [Time Out New York]
After the jump: Sandwiches in Williamsburg and Bed-Stuy, a revived wine bar, and a fire at Totonno's...
March 11, 2009
Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
Closing Temporarily: Lobo
218 Court Street, Cobble Hill; (718) 858-7739
Grub Street reports that Lobo "is closing its Cobble Hill location for a month beginning March 23. The official reason given is 'renovations,' but you have to worry whether restaurants that take an extended break during this economy will actually reopen. There’s still plenty of people choking Lobo’s tiny hallway at night, so we’re hopeful."
Many Openings This Week
Besides Zuzu Ramen in Park Slope, this week will also see the openings of Deniz (a Turkish restaurant at Fulton Street and South Elliott Place in Fort Greene), Anselmo’s Coal-Fired Brick Oven Pizzeria (on Van Brunt and Sullivan in Red Hook), and Lucky Shot Espresso (at 145 Driggs in Greenpoint), says Time Out New York. And according to New York Magazine, the Frankies are opening Cafe Peddlar, a "Viennese-style cafe" at 210 Court Street (near Warren Street, in the old Magaret Palca Bakes space), today.
Coming Soon: Purple Yam, Brooklyn Bowl, and Cherry Hill
Last month, we mentioned that the owners of Soho's Filipino spot Cendrillon were preparing to open Purple Yam on Cortelyou in April. Now, Ditmas Park Blog says that Cendrillon has closed, but the new spot's opening date still stands: "The concept of the new Purple Yam is to re-create a kitchen-centered home harking back to the Asian values of hospitality and generosity." Plus, Down by the Hipster reports that Brooklyn Bowl is gearing up for a May 1st opening, and Gothamist says that the old Lundy's space in Sheepshead Bay will soon be home to a "19,000 square foot gourmet market called Cherry Hill."
After the jump: Hanco's drops prices in Park Slope, Chef César Ramirez at a lunch counter in Downtown Brooklyn, and the O'Connor's vs. Freddy's rivalry...
Latest Restaurant Additions
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Carroll Gardens Classic Diner
added July 2, 2009 12:00 PM in Boerum Hill -
Tripoli
added July 1, 2009 12:00 PM in Cobble Hill -
Williamsburger
added June 30, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Brooklyn Bread Cafe
added June 29, 2009 12:00 PM in Carroll Gardens, Park Slope -
Naidre's
added June 26, 2009 12:00 PM in Carroll Gardens, Park Slope -
Amorina
added June 25, 2009 12:00 PM in Prospect Heights -
Caracas Arepa Bar: Brooklyn
added June 24, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Dawg Shack
added June 23, 2009 12:00 PM in Gowanus -
Mitchell's
added June 22, 2009 12:00 PM in Prospect Heights -
City Sub
added June 19, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope