Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up
After Two Years, Leo’s is Open Corner of Court and Nelson, Carroll Gardens (the former home of Sparky’s) “The decor seems to have been stolen from a mid-size Midwestern city’s airport hotel bar… The bar is situated right next to a church and a school. New York law states that the bar’s doors must be…
After Two Years, Leo’s is Open
Corner of Court and Nelson, Carroll Gardens (the former home of Sparky’s)
“The decor seems to have been stolen from a mid-size Midwestern city’s airport hotel bar… The bar is situated right next to a church and a school. New York law states that the bar’s doors must be more than 100 feet away, which means the bar must use its side door and the huge doors that are on the outside can never be used. Not only is this confusing to the foot traffic passing by but it definitely ruins the aesthetics of the one nice design element in the place.” [Esthetic/Aesthetic]
Now Open: Blackbird Parlour
197 Bedford Ave. at North 6th St., Williamsburg; (718) 599-2707
“From the owners of Queens hangouts Oleput Lollipop and Sparrow comes this Greek-inflected café. Choose from 23 loose-leaf teas, plus sandwiches—like a grilled manouri cheese—that reflect the proprietors’ Hellenic heritage.” [Time Out]
Coming Soon: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Taco Truck
“In about two weeks a taco truck will be parking on (get ready for it) North 7th Street and Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. It will be manned by comedian (and front man of the Jewish) Jeffrey Jensen and Bad Wizard singer Curtis Brown… Brown tells us he’s cooking ‘less skanky’ versions of the classics: pulled pork, roasted chicken and beef, Baja-style fish, plus menudo soup (with tripe) and corn chowder for winter.” [Grub Street]
After the jump: Lido’s closes, Katina’s closes, and Cafe Tapeo gets a rave review…
A Blogger Mourns the Loss of Lido’s
200 Columbia St., between Sackett and Degraw
One commenter says it best: “goodbye $5 grapefruit and tequilas! goodbye free shots from the lovely bartenders, goodbye goodtimes . . . damn the man!” [Lazyrobots]
Katina’s Takeover
390 Seventh Ave., at 12th St., Park Slope
“Katina’s seems to have been taken over by super Greek diner Purity and may now be called Little Purity.” [Grub Street]
A Rave Review for Cafe Tapeo
52 5th Avenue, Park Slope; (718) 638-1066
“The food was fantastic! We’re going back ASAP in case something changes. Here’s what we had, all upsized for four people: Cheese plate – good selection, missing a bleu though; meat filled beggars purses – nice hearty flavors; brown ale braised baby backs – falling apart tender, could’ve used a little more seasoning but that’s being really picky; carpaccio – was tasty, but I’m not a huge fan of carpaccio in general; scallops – crown jewel of the evening, both the fois and chorizo versions were brilliant; pierogies – we had the classics and they were very tasty (my friend who is full-on Polish agreed).” [Chowhound]
Jerry (american Jerry as opposed to irish Jerry) formerly from Sparky’s now works at Moonshine, and Waterfront ale house, I’m sure he’d love to hhear people miss Sparky’s. I liked it, however always felt like the pool table was going to drag us into the basement, the floors drooped so much..
Sparky’s was great. I miss it. And I miss Lido already.
I’m going to miss Lido too. There’s some cool vintage stores around there and it was always nice to get a cocktail after shopping around the area. Buy backs were great. I guess there’s still Moonshine and that bookstore that sells beer. Mummm…used books and beer
re: liquor licenses and houses of worship, it is 200, not 100, feet per Section 64(7)(a) of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law
Sparky’s was great.
When I first moved to Carroll Gardens, the only bar in the area was some sketchy looking old man type bar near the Citibank on Court Street. I recall being so psyched when Sparky’s opened up, finally a bar that looked inviting. Good to see they have something new in the space, even if now you can find tons of bars on Smith Street.
The food is excellent and well-prepared, and comes out at it is ready, which is often the case for tapas restaurants (as things take different amounts of time to cook, and there are no set entrees).
I’ve had very good service there the few times I have gone, and I’m looking forward to my next visit.
I’ve heard some great things about Cafe Tapeo from friends who have gone.
Tapeo’s stuff is good, but I have to say that the place is chronically understaffed and under-kitchened. The beer and wine selection is good, but the kitchen isn’t up to heavy demand. We were in there the other night, and they were friendly, and the food was good, but it arrived at very peculiar intervals. I think Tapeo would like to be a wine bar that does a sideline in snacks, much like Total Wine Bar down the road, but the food menu’s big, and the place is attracting a solid foodie crowd.