November 6, 2009

Restaurant of the Day: Chickadee Chick

"This diminutive storefront specializes in free-range chicken that’s butterflied, steeped in a lemongrass marinade overnight, and set on a char grill that’s visible to customers and passersby. The chicken is sold by the whole, half, or quarter, and you can also get 'bon bon wings' in spicy chili sauce," writes Daniel Maurer for New York magazine.

The school desks on the sidewalk aren't the most romantic place to enjoy a chicken burger, let alone a whole on-the-bone bird (which is priced at $11.95) — so take-out is the main attraction here. Yelper TV writes, "Wasn't INCREDIBLE but better than fast food chicken...The chicken sandwich I got was very good, the fries were a little soggy but the flavor was good and I had a black and white milkshake that was GREAT." How would you rate Chickadee Chick? Any word on their frozen custard?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (5)
Categories: Park Slope

November 5, 2009

Restauant of the Day: Vutera

"You can’t judge a restaurant by its entrance. This one, you access by the front door of Rose Live Music, through what looks like a fire exit, down a flight of stairs, past the bathrooms—et voilà, a subterranean dining room that’s as charming (candlelit, wood-beamed) as it is unexpected," says New York magazine.

Time Out New York calls Vutera's seasonal menu "charmingly simple, with unfussy dishes like a cauliflower gratin baked with mild leeks, Gruyère and bread crumbs, and flank steak with roasted purple potatoes, grilled ramps and a smear of smoky romesco." And Restaurant Girl writes, "They serve striped bass with sauteed mustard greens, pine nuts, and Meyer lemons shipped from the the chef's mother's house in California... The table favorite was a tender, red wine-braised lamb shank with baby carrots and polenta."

"Italian, French and Spanish wines dominate the wine list, and the rustic and cozy space is perfect for sharing a pre-show quartino (and perhaps a roasted almond panna cotta with orange coulis) before heading upstairs to take in some late night music," adds Metromix. What's your take on Vutera?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (2)
Categories: Williamsburg

November 4, 2009

Restaurant of the Day: Park Cafe

"As luncheonettes go, this one’s attractive, with light pink walls trimmed with wood paneling, then graced by framed photos of nineteenth-century New York. Above, a copper-toned tin ceiling sports beige ceiling fans. But the charm stops there as the gargantuan menu trumps any virtuosity with an overemphasis on variety," says Michael Anstendig for New York magazine.

But Yelper Joanna E. likes Park Cafe: "Since moving to the area, my boyfriend and I have been looking for a feel-good diner. Between Purity Diner, the 7th Ave Doughnut Shop and Park Cafe, this one wins." And Citysearcher rrrucker21 says, "We come here once a weekend since moving to BK and we love it! Recommendations: The french toast, pancakes, Western omelet, the burgers and the strawberry shake! " How would you rate this place?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (2)
Categories: Park Slope

Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

New Greenpoint Gastropub: Manhattan Inn
632 Manhattan Avenue, between Bedford and Nassau, Greenpoint; (718) 383-0885
Manhattan Inn "sounds like something a little more upscale than what we're used to seeing over here in the 'point," says Greenpointers. The blogger also notes that the restaurant opens at 8pm tonight, and you get get on the grand opening guest list by emailing abbey.manhattaninn@gmail.com. Time Out New York adds, "James Endicott (Per Se) is behind drinks like the Manhattan’s Manhattan (rye, Carpano Antica, mirto and bitters). Look for dishes like shepherd’s pie and live piano in the dining room."

More Upcoming Openings
Eater shares an update on the still-shuttered Pies 'n' Thighs space, reporting that "There is still quite a bit of work to be done," but they're hoping to open "between Thanksgiving and Christmas. PnT lovers have been burned before, so don't book the office holiday party there just yet." ... Plus, the Brooklyn Kitchen Labs and the Meat Hook are set to open on Wednesday next week. Stay tuned for some interior photos of this new cooking school and butcher shop in Williamsburg... And Time Out shares plans for La Petite Provence, opening in the old Patois space on Smith Street: The husband-and-wife team behind Provence en Boite will be serving "Provençal specialties like the chickpea pancake called socca and pan bagnat, the niçoise salad–stuffed sandwich."

Rave Reviews for Saltie
378 Metropolitan Avenue (Havemeyer Street), Williamsburg; (718) 387-4777; saltieny.com
Oliver Strand for the NY Times weighs in on this new spot: "The savory sandwiches, which change periodically, are careful compositions of bright and brawny flavors... Even the vegetarian Clean Slate ($8) is as vibrant as it is hefty. Generous scoops of quinoa and hummus are rolled in a blistered naan with pickled vegetables, sauerkraut and tangy yogurt. The combination works. Culturally speaking, it’s fearless, if a sandwich can be such a thing." CHOW's Outer Borough Digest recommends Saltie's dessert options, too: "C Elise was stopped in her tracks by the Car Bomb, a dessert at the newish Saltie in Williamsburg. It’s a scoop of salted caramel ice cream drowned in Guinness."

After the jump: Umi Nom's "incredible" off-menu hot sauce, the New Yorker hits Saraghina, "seafood perfection" in Canarsie, Hecho en Dumbo's big move, and more...

Continue reading "Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up"

Posted in Brownstoner by Kara at 11:34 AM | Comments (5)
Categories: Food and Drink

November 3, 2009

Restaurant of the Day: Bahia

"Never had Salvadoran food? Do yourself a favor and try Bahía before everyone else discovers it. The atmosphere is bland, but the food is amazing," says FreeWilliamsburg. Amy Allison for New York magazine says, "A bottle of El Salvadoran Suprema beer is really the best complement to savory pupusas (filled with meat or zucchini and cheese). The sweetness of Bahia's fried plantains is balanced perfectly with their outstanding homemade sour cream, though fresh seafood dishes are a welcome contrast to the fried appetizers—particularly the delicious shrimp ceviche."

Time Out New York recommends Bahia's pupusas, too: "Pupusas, stuffed cornmeal tortillas that are a matter of national pride in El Salvador, are top-shelf. Order one of each snack-size treat (chicken, pork, zucchini, bean and cheese) and call it dinner." And Eric Asimov for the New York Times writes, "Other dishes... can be fabulous, such as a mess of fried yuca with chunks of fried pork. Don't pass up horchata, a sweet iced rice drink with cinnamon and cocoa that has a wonderful, almost malty flavor." What's your take on Bahia?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (6)
Categories: Williamsburg

November 2, 2009

Restaurant of the Day: Aqualis Grill

"First-generation Greek-American chef John Tsakinas... shows off what he calls 'very straightforward eclectic, traditional cooking' using the freshest possible ingredients. His 'labor of love' entails daily runs to the Hunts Point fish market for whole-fish entrées, as well as sourcing other ingredients from local purveyors," says New York magazine.

"'Freshness' and 'simplicity' are two words that come up a lot when talking to [owner Gorian] Papa, evident in a menu of austere dishes uncluttered by too many ingredients: octopus with olive oil and red wine, salmon crudo with ouzo, swordfish kebab, and of course, whole grilled fish," says Metromix.

Yelper Michelle L. writes, "I was a fan of Epoca's, which was the Italian restaurant previous to Aqualis Grill so I had high hopes that they would also impress me. The decor and setup is pretty much the same as Epoca's but now instead of fresh Italian fare, it's fresh seafood with a Greek twist. We tried the pita with feta and roasted pepper spread, beet salad, fried calamari and shrimp, and the cod with spinach and beets... all fresh and well prepared." What's your take on Aqualis Grill?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (1)
Categories: Fort Greene

October 30, 2009

Restaurant of the Day: Wombat

"This no-frills space, with its stark metal tables and black walls, looks less like a restaurant than a bar. The Down Under food, from chef Anders Goldkuhl (Patois, Caviar Russe), transcends the surroundings, including an appetizer of rare, soy-cured venison medallions and crispy buckwheat fritters," says Time Out New York.

Kathleen Squires for New York magazine says that Wombat puts "a tasty spin on meat pies (the Chicken Wellington) and burgers (Aussie–style, of ground lamb and beef, with lettuce, tomato, and pickled beets). Other items tap the world’s smallest continent’s far-flung ingredients. Wattleseed, a nutty, Aboriginal spice, enhances the yogurt dressing on the Tucker salad; Smoked Stokes Point cheddar adds an earthy, creamy garnish to a flaky tart; and the delicate white flesh of barramundi, the bounty of the Great Barrier Reef, slides right off the bone."

Yelper Ashley M. is a big fan of Wombat's Tuesday night lobster deal: "The $13 lobster dinner has to be the best lobster deal in the city... I tried the Wombat's Maine style lobster, but my dining partner's Aussie style was much tastier. Mine was a little soggy. The mango flan dessert was extremely good!" What's your take on Wombat?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (12)
Categories: Williamsburg

October 29, 2009

Restaurant of the Day: Organic Heights

"Good takeout options are always lean for vegans, but they just fattened up a bit with this cafe and bakery in Park Slope. The decor is suspiciously generic, as if the bold green awning, small airy storefront space, and counter seating were just unsealed from a modern pre-fab hipster hangout kit. The food, however, rises above," says Metromix.

"There are salads, $4.95 to $7.50, including roasted potato and tempeh; sandwiches ($6.95 to $9.95) like a tempeh Reuben; platters of teriyaki tofu with sesame broccoli and brown rice ($9.95); and cookies and pastries," writes Florence Fabricant for the New York Times.

And Yelper vegan v. says, "I've had their s'mores cookies sweetened with agave. It was probably one of the best vegan cookies I've ever had... The food is good, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is really friendly. It's a good place for a casual lunch with a friend or just for by yourself. I do wish they'd spice up the decor, but you can relax, read the paper, and no one will bother you." What's your take on Organic Heights?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (6)
Categories: Park Slope

October 28, 2009

Restaurant of the Day: Giardini Pizza

Giardini serves a solid squareslice, says Eating for Brooklyn: "It was simple -- unadulterated tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella on a crisp dough. And I really dug it. The crust is thinner than most Sicilian pies giving it a nice crunch, not chew. The sauce is simple and smooth and layered not only on the base but on top of the fresh mozzarella too."

Metromix isn't as big a fan: "Giardini serves average pizzeria fare: slices, ranging from Sicilian to Buffalo chicken, pepperoni rolls and red-sauce pasta dishes. Convenience is the only reason to visit." But Yelper Kat C. calls Giardini the "Best takeout and delivery pizza in Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill. Fast, friendly and the pizza is delicious! Highly recommended." What's your take on this place?

Posted in Brownstoner Restaurants by Kara at 12:00 PM | Comments (8)
Categories: Carroll Gardens

Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Kicking It Old School at the Red Rose
315 Smith Street, Carroll Gardens; (718) 625-0963
Who Goes There?, our favorite Eater feature, takes Lost City's Brooks of Sheffield to the Red Rose on Smith Street, where he shares a glimpse of the friends-and-family clientele: "Men with ponderous guts perch at the bar and watch the tube, keeping up a running conversation with Santo and showing no sign of leaving anytime soon. Friends—in running suits; in t-shirts; in suit and tie—mill about casually, standing, then sitting, then getting up again, ordering drinks ('Here's to bow-legged women') and plates, asking who exactly among the staff mixed their cocktail." Anyone else feeling hungry for a rice ball?

Lobstah Feast Fridays!
34 Van Dyke Street (Dwight Street), Red Hook; (718) 246-8050
Red Hook Lobster Pound has been running this sweet $25 deal at Rocky Sullivan's since late-August, and "Now they’re steaming lobsters out in Rocky’s courtyard, fat, hard-shelled fellows deep with the flavor that only fall ocean brings," writes Sam Sifton for the New York Times, "Served with corn, coleslaw or greens from another neighborhood outfit, Added Value farm... (and Key lime pie from the neighborhood tough-guy Steve Tarpin of Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies on Pier 41 for dessert), it’s money well spent for a kind of neighborhood feeling that generally doesn’t take in New York City." Lobstah Feast Fridays are first-come first served, but parties of 6 or more are can email redhooklobster@gmail.com for a reservation.

This Week's Bar and Restaurant Openings
As we reported last week, The Pulp and The Bean is now open at 805 Franklin, and the NY Daily News says that this family-owned, family-run shop sources "everything from coffee and pastries to cups and stirrers" from Brooklyn businesses... We already mentioned that the Black Horse Pub opened last week, and now Time Out New York shares a few more details about what they're serving up: "Sixteen taps, dispensing international brews like Radeberger and Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale, plus a menu of pub grub, including a traditional Sunday-night roast." ...And Chowhound Bookistan comments on Park Slope's new Mexican joint, El Jalepeno (641 President Street, between 4th Ave & 5th Ave), "This is in the old Delicious on the Slope space - an odd space not made better by the new owner's kitschy Mexican decorations. But the food is surprisingly good! ...The owner is incredibly friendly, and gave us a plate of flan gratis to top off the meal."

After the jump: An early review of The Vanderbilt, must-eat spherical pancakes in Cobble Hill, the Wild Game Festival in Brooklyn Heights, and big news for Brooklyn Brewery...

Continue reading "Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up"

Posted in Brownstoner by Kara at 11:30 AM | Comments (11)
Categories: Food and Drink