Restaurant of the Day: Habana Outpost »
July 14, 2008
Restaurant of the Day: Applewood
One Chowhound describes Applewood's vibe as "Vermont lodge meets West Village cozy." Adam Platt of New York magazine speaks of "the cheerful mom-and-pop proprietors, the Sheas, who live nearby and slave in their restaurant around the clock (he's the chef, she works the front of the room)," and recommends their "excellent braised short ribs" and their sautéed striped bass, which is served "in a faintly curried chowder of carrots and fresh mussels."
Applewood's menu changes seasonally, and "Each bite bursts with flavor — thanks in part to the use of organic meat, wild fish and local produce," says Citysearch's Erin Behan. However, Frank Bruni of the New York Times writes, "Sometimes the food reads better than it eats. Sometimes Applewood's virtue isn't rewarded, its earnest notions failing to produce appealing results. But this restaurant has a genuineness and grace that many others don't."
Dinner entrees range from $19 to $24, but their brunch menu (served 10am to 3pm on Sundays) is considerably cheaper. Zagat member BetseyE4054 says, "Brunch is particularly terrific, with unique omelets and the best grits this side of the Mason-Dixon line (or at least north of NJ)."
What's your take?
- Name: Applewood
- Address: 501 11th Street
- Phone: (718) 768-2032
- Nabe: Park Slope
- Cuisine: American, Brunch Spot
- Median Entree: $24
Value
5 - One of Brooklyn's best bargains
4 - Worth every penny
3 - A bit overpriced
2 - Very overpriced
1 - Total rip off
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Reviews
I really wanted to like this place since it sounds amazing and their menu is definitely interesting. But my one experience there (so perhaps it was an off night) was pretty lackluster in terms of taste. I think I'll try it again but I can't really recommend it.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at July 14, 2008 12:31 PM
Such a peaceful, classy joint, and so clearly a labor of love. It's quiet and low-maintenance the way a Manhattan institution like Chanterelle is, but I was hoping for a few more bells and whistles in terms of service and straight-up taste than what I expected. Places like this that promote their approach and attentiveness sometimes leave the wow out of the actual meal. But it remains the place I send Manhattanites looking for secret Brooklyn spots (and friends with parents in town), and the vibe is still unique even in the sea of Brooklyn gastronomes.
Posted by: enrique at July 14, 2008 12:33 PM
their brunch is delicious, but honestly, how can you go wrong with breakfast food? i'll have to save my pennies and try dinner soon
Posted by: rocky6 at July 14, 2008 12:34 PM
I have had two very enjoyable meals here. Even when the food misses the mark, I still admire them for taking risks and putting out thoughtful and creative dishes. Also, their cocktail list is always a hoot.
Posted by: Crrllgrdngrl at July 14, 2008 12:35 PM
food was solid, but went during restaurant week and may not have gotten the full effect... now i think i need to go back and try again.
Posted by: JIDYT at July 14, 2008 12:38 PM
I'm with Bruni ... very good for a Park Slope place but their competition is a bigger pond than that.
Bruni: "[Applewood's] earnest notions failing to produce appealing results..."
Would give it another try though.
BTW, this is a great new feature for the website!
Posted by: Mr Joist at July 14, 2008 12:47 PM
I liked it but the service was kind of irritating. Too much butter and cream too.
But I'm going to plug my new face here:
scalino
347 seventh avenue in brooklyn. Excellent down to earth italian. Delicious friendly and unpretentious. Bring your own wine/ beer until they get their liquor license
Posted by: windsor terrace guy at July 14, 2008 12:49 PM
I haven't been there so I can't cast a vote. However, I will say I think this is a great new feature and I'm not worried about "non-foodies" giving their opinions; I don't think the majority of the contributors to Zagat's, Citysearch, etc. have any more expertise in this area than the average poster here. In fact, these write-ups may actually be more helpful as we can look for reviews from posters with whom we are familiar, share similar tastes and can rely on. (I also like the new comment previewing feature too - great job).
Posted by: Biff Champion at July 14, 2008 1:00 PM
have only had brunch there and found it fine, nothing special and not worth the cost. i will be going back for dinner as a person related to the restaurant told me that even he would recommend against the brunch, but that the dinner is wonderful and really their claim to fame.
Posted by: goldie at July 14, 2008 1:10 PM
I think it's the best restaurant in park slope. Food is beautifully prepared, space is sweet and comfortable, wine list is great.
Posted by: new2hood at July 14, 2008 1:13 PM
I love Applewood. The food is very fresh and lovingly prepared- never overworked- always respectful of the inherent flavor of the food. One of the best in BK.
Posted by: superstooper at July 14, 2008 1:17 PM
Was really looking forward to it - went for brunch food was pretty good but wasn't good enough to warrant a trip back with so many other places to try...biggest complaint would be that they serve BLT's w/o mayo. This is fine but they didn't even have mayonnaise in the kitchen and we had to use some kind of alioli to counter the dryness. C'mon - a BLT w/o Mayo (or the option) is like serving burgers but not offering mustard or ketchup.
Posted by: randymcnally at July 14, 2008 2:21 PM
nice brunch, relaxed environment. family-friendly. food mostly very good, although there may be occasional problems from nowhere (e.g. cold bacon).
Posted by: z at July 14, 2008 2:28 PM
I know some folks love this place, but my one experience was not positive: we arrived after a movie at the Pavillion. The hour was already late when we were seated. The food was slow in coming. We did not take especially long in eating but we were the last diners in the restaurant before we were through... when the staff brought out the vacuum cleaner and started vacuuming the dining room around us. Yuck! Won't be going back. Food is good but no there is no excuse for that in my book.
Posted by: phripley at July 14, 2008 3:07 PM
It is a Michelin reviewed restaurant and from the Brunch I had there I understand why. The Food was excellent. I have been meaning to get back for Dinner but just have not had a chance, but they do take reservations. That is a big plus.
They also have a Farmer Dinner where they host the Farmers they buy there produce and meats from. It is a Prefix and a little pricey but sounds like an enjoyable time.
I was not really impressed with the service. I was there for brunch and it is very hectic I would assume Dinner would be much better.
The ambiance remind me of a Country Buffet, but maybe the quaint style is good for Park Slope and Brooklyn.
Posted by: Pragonetti at July 14, 2008 5:00 PM
One of my favorites and a go-to for any occasion. Service can be a little awkward, but overall a great experience can be expected.
Posted by: spnder at July 14, 2008 6:54 PM
It's a very pleasant place, but both time I've been there I had the impression they were trying too hard to impress; whether it is with the list of rarified ingredients and where they came from, or the fanfare over the bread. On the first visit, the food was great, the service was vague and disorganized. On the second visit, one of the members of our party ordered a fish dish prepared "medium" and when it came out rare, and the person just picked at it, but since it was a birthday dinner for someone, for whatever reason didn't feel comfortable mentioning it to the waiter. When the waiter figured out that she hadn't eaten, he seemed uncomfortable, and mentioned that the chef likes to make things the way he thinks they should be prepared. One person's rare fish is another person's total turnoff. My feeling is that a diner has a right to receive a dish prepared to the done-ness that they like, irrespective of how special and fancy the restaurant or the chef are.
The combination of these two experiences leaves me with the feeling that there are many good restaurants in Brooklyn, and I'm done with this one.
The whole experience is what is being consumed when you eat out, and how the wait staff, and by extension, the owners, go about making people feel great and taken care of is a large part of what it is all about. The fact that the waiter was intimidated to convey the comments to the chef says it all.
Posted by: raphael9 at July 14, 2008 7:20 PM
this is a brunch review - and full disclosure is I'm in the business.
I like the concept, and want it to come through - but there are some serious drawbacks. while the menu looked delicious and the service was excellent, the delivery was not what it should have been. like most brunch places, all of the the eggs were over cooked (note to all, when there is ANY brown on scrambled eggs or omlettes, they are over done - barely any restaurant seems to get this!) and most importantly - you cant bill yourselves as a local/season restaurant and serve pineapple and apples in the summer - both are out of season, one is far from local - and to serve these when you cant turn around right now without tripping over the most delicious fresh-off-the-vine blueberries/strawberries/ cherries/etc. is a crime. these issues turned what could have been fabulous into mediocre. but the place is cozy and sweet, the service extremely good, and the menu fun with interesting twists, so I hope for a better dinner experience.
Posted by: alku at July 14, 2008 8:11 PM
This is my and my wife's favorite restaurant. We always try to come up with an excuse to go there. We don't consider ourselves foodies so we can't speak to much of the experience many of you have, but have dined all over NYC and we are consistently happy with the food and service here. My wife has had a couple dishes that she thought were a little bland, but otherwise we love it.
Posted by: Rusty at July 14, 2008 11:04 PM
One of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood - like the food, the casual-professional service, the atmosphere. I've never had a bad dish there. It can get noisy when full.
Posted by: zeebee_in_bklyn at July 15, 2008 8:24 AM
I don't know, despite wanting to like this place very much, I found it too expensive for the portions served. It's too "cute" for my taste, the ambiance too casual for the sort of cuisine they are trying to serve. On the plus side, they are very kind to children.
I went twice, and I won't go again. Definitely $$$.
Posted by: tiptoe at July 15, 2008 11:27 AM
I went for Brooklyn restaurant week. Our waitress forgot our cheese plate (she didn't charge us), which was for the best because we were so full from the rest of the meal! Couldn't get a reservation until 10pm, yet it was totally empty when we got there. The service is definitely laid back which is fitting for the casual environment. I highly recommend it as a great neighborhood spot.
Posted by: Amelia at July 15, 2008 11:34 AM
I give Applewood a 5 for food b/c it is certainly in the top 20% of Brooklyn (and Manhattan) restaurants. I am not saying it is perfect by any means, nor is the the BEST here but I have had some great meals here. I appreciate their seasonal menu. The chef shines with appetizers and while all of my meals have been great, not all of them as memorable. I love the spread that come with the bread and the fresh tomato martini is dreamy.
Posted by: treehouse at July 16, 2008 7:47 PM
I've tried Applewood twice. My first visit was pleasant enough but I have to say the food was average, not bad but not great either. That was about two years ago.
I recently decided to give them one more try. I ordered a pork tenderloin entree. It was over-the-top salty! I like salt but this was ridiculous. Everyone at my table had a nibble and agreed. Their entrees were just average as well; so we all left very much disappointed.
Judging from some of the comments here we must have hit an off-night...twice. Maybe some people are more easily impressed than myself. At any rate, with all the restaurant choices available, I won't be going back to Applewood.
Posted by: Sherry at July 18, 2008 9:40 AM
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I just had the goat there and loved it. It was my first time but I'd definitely go back.
Posted by: plgdude at July 14, 2008 12:29 PM