WhatLenten Fish Fry
When Fri Mar 21 4pm – Fri Mar 21 8pm
Where Cadman Congregational Church (Clinton at Lafayette)
FISH DINNERS - $7 (includes Whiting Fish, Rice, Vegetables, Salad & Bread/rolls) WHITING FISH SANDWICH - $4
*Desserts and Beverages also available
These Myrtle restaurants didn't make the original list, but WILL be participating! -Il Torchio (L/D) 458 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly/Washington) 718.422.1122
-Café Martino (D) 559 Myrtle Avenue (Emerson/Classon) 718.636.3966
-Tamboril (D) 527 Myrtle Avenue (Grand/Steuben) 718.483.2152
-Yamashiro (D) 466 Myrtle Avenue (Washington/Hall) 718.230.3313
In 28 neighborhoods across Brooklyn, restaurants will be serving some of their best dishes during Brooklyn’s restaurant week from March 24–31, 2008.
More than 175 restaurants will offer 3-course, prix-fixe meals for just $23.00. Choose from the list of participating restaurants and call to reserve your table.
(Editorial note: Why isn't Locanda Vini e Olii participating?! Annoying.)
In the Area:
L = Serving Lunch D= Serving Dinner * = Accepts the American Express ® Card
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Solomon's Porch 307 Stuyvestant Avenue 718-919-8001
Soule Restaurant 920 Fulton Street 718-399-7200
Clinton Hill
Autour du Monde (D)* 860 Fulton Street 718-398-3500
Five Spot Restaurant (D)* 459 Myrtle Avenue 718-852-0202
Maggie Brown Restaurant (D) 455 Myrtle Avenue 718-643-7001
Mojito Cuban Cuisine (L/D)* 82 Washington Avenue 718-797-3100
Fort Greene
Caffe e Vino (L/D)* 112 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-6222
Chez Lola (D)* 387 Myrtle Avenue 718-858-1484
Chez Oskar (D)* 211 DeKalb Avenue 718-852-6250
Epoca Ristorante (L/D) 773 Fulton Street 718-596-9070
iCi (L/D)* 246 Dekalb Avenue 718-789-2778
June Restaurant (D)* 229 Dekalb Avenue 718-222-1510
Los Pollitos III (L/D) 499 Myrtle Avenue 718-636-6125
Loulou Restaurant (D)* 222 DeKalb Avenue 718-246-0633
Luz Restaurant (L/D)* 177 Vanderbilt Avenue 718-246-4000
Madiba Restaurant (L/D)* 195 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-9190
Mullanes Bar and Grill (D)* 71 Lafayette Avenue 718-797-7606
Olea Mediterranean Taverna (D)* 171 Lafayette Avenue 718-643-7003
Scopello Ristorante & Bar (D)* 63 Lafayette Avenue 718-852-1100
Thomas Beisl (L)* 25 Lafayette Avenue 718-222-5800
I've heard some really great things about Sushi Okdol on Myrtle Avenue, but only tried takeout once and found it...meh. Just received this reader note: wanted to suggest that you check out sushi okdol
we go there at least once a week with our kids- and it's almost always empty. the sushi is fine- but things like bib bim bop and soon du bu jigae are very good and very authentic. they are great with the kids- always bring them soup and rice immediately - and tofu- and sushi- etc
we actually had our 5 year old's birthday party there last year- and probably will again this year.
it's the place above the deli on myrtle- across from the associated.
You may haven't even noticed this place, being that it's on the second floor of the building (497 Myrtle at Hall). I don't have children (yet), but it's nice to hear there's a place for cool parents to dine on ethnic foods that the kids can enjoy, too.
Any other reviews?
Rustik Tavern 471 DeKalb Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
I needed a place to eat that was close by but I wanted someplace new too. I didn't want it to be too fancy either. I just wanted a nice, chill, relaxing place to grab a beer and some decent food. I saw a review of Rustik over on Clinton Hill Foodie which seem to fit the bill perfectly. (yeah, I've been slacking and they got to it before me) After checking out Rustik's very slick website and menu online I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did.
The first thing I noticed was how...out of place Rustik seemed to be in where it's located. It's like bodega, bodega, take out, take out, bodega, Rustik.
Well at least you won't miss it walking by.
I was impressed with Rustik's interior decor. High ceilings and lots of lights, but not overly bright, gave it a very warm and inviting feeling and with that big sofa up front - definitely a place to chill.
First order of business: a beer. Rustik has a very decent selection of tap and bottled beers. (All of which is listed on their website.) I went with the Blue Moon which they had on tap - always an excellent choice.
Second order of business: FOOD.
Every item was named after something local or of significance. For example, the Willoughby Wings for Willoughby Avenue. It's kind of silly but nice at the same time. Adds a very "neighborhood" feel to it.
Prices were extremely reasonable. Lots of items under $10 and nothing over $15.
We decided on the following:
The Nostrand Nachos with the olives and the jalapenos on the side.
As a stand alone dish it's eh. I like the fact that it's cheese sauce rather than real cheese, real cheese has a tendency to clump up and get chewy as it cools, but other than that it was lacking something that made it great. Like...
The Clinton Hill Chili.
Now I know you can add the chili on top of the nachos for $2 but go with a whole order of chili along with the nachos and use the nachos to scoop up all that chili goodness.
The chili, by itself, is still was very good and, while still full of flavor, it was relatively tame and lacked heat and spiciness.
Mixing it with the nachos is really the way to go. It takes two "okay" dishes to 11.
We moved on to a small order of the Willoughby Wings with BBQ sauce. (That's where my olives and jalapenos went!)
I want to point out that these wings are breaded. Normally I hate breaded wings but these I didn't mind. It worked well with the BBQ sauce, giving the sauce something to stick to, as well as adding a bit of crispiness to the chicken.
What surprised me about this dish was that the BBQ sauce was actually spicy and had some heat to it. The heat was unexpected, I had to double check to make sure it was the wings and not the chili, but not overwhelming. It actually worked very well together as a sweet and spicy combination.
Finally, the Franklin Fish and Chips.
This was pretty good. The fish was lightly breaded, not battered, which kept the whole dish relatively "light". The fish was done well and was flaky and moist. The chips on the other hand...eh.
The chips were too big in size and I think that kept them from getting really crispy. The chips also had some old bay seasoning or something on them which was too over powering for the lighter tasting fish. I like the fish...the chips need work.
We wanted to try the Chambord Creme Brulee but they were out of it. (Doesn't it sound good though? Chambord Creme Brulee? Mmmm...)
Overall, it's a great place and I'm definitely going to be back. It's got a nice mellow vibe, serves good food and has good drinks. All at a very reasonable price. The entire meal was about $40. It's like the perfect little local neighborhood spot.
The service was good with the bartender being attentive without "hovering". (And he didn't once ask me if I spoke english! That's a plus right there!)
The one complaint I do have is the TV. There's a pretty big TV right in the middle of the room and when there's a TV on you're sort...of...forced...to...watch...it. I would have like it a lot better if it was off and a good selection of music was playing instead. (They have a very nice sound system.) The TV just seemed out of place and sort of broke up that "chill" feeling if you know what I mean.
Other than that it's a great place and a very welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Oh, and if you're lucky you'll catch a free show.
We were treated to piano renditions of Keane and Coldplay. Very very cool.
A few weeks ago, I had THE weirdest dining experience at Restaurant New Orleans on Fulton (nr. S. Portland). A friend I dined with took the time to summarize: Last weekend, though, we went out to dinner with some friends, R. and W., with the intention of grabbing dinner before seeing "There Will Be Blood". I suggested Restaurant New Orleans, a restaurant on Fulton not to far from BAM where were going to see the movie. I've passed by this place numerous times walking back from BAM and it always intrigues me. It is decorated like someone's parlor, but half the time its empty and sometimes we've passed by around 10pm and its been dark, with a woman sitting at a computer in the window.
Anyway, we decided to meet at 7, figuring it would leave us plenty of time to catch the 9pm movie. We sat down and browsed the menu while the man who sat us looked for a bottle opener and glasses for the bottle of wine we brought with us (byob). This took about 10 minutes, and the glasses we got were sherry glasses. When the waitress came to take our order, she nearly forgot to take W's order.
And then the fun started. R and W had ordered crab cakes and we had ordered shrimp cocktail as appetizers, but after about 20 minutes, only the crab cakes came out. After a few minutes, we tracked down our waitress (who was astonishingly hard to track down in a place that was also the size of a parlor), she said our appetizer was on its way. But then out came my catfish (which Sam and R had ordered as well), with a sweet potato on the side. I had ordered spinach and something else. The waitress said they were out of whatever sides I had ordered but they could make some nice garlic brussels sprouts. Sure, why not. About 5 minutes later, out came Sam and R's catfish as well. R's grilled catfish looked exactly the same as our blackened catfish. And they didn't have any sides. And there was no sign of W's gumbo. And it was about 8:30. The brussles sprouts never appeared.
We reminded our waitress about the appetizer, though we told her to just forget about it since we were already eating our main course. And then, about 5 minutes later, the reason for the missing shrimp cocktail became clear - they "were having a problem with the shrimp". And so they couldn't make the gumbo either. But they offered to make W a nice salmon fillet instead, on the house. She brought out a bowl of red beans and rice on the house too (we still never received any sides other than my sweet potato), so W ate those while waiting for the salmon, which came around 8:50. So we asked for the check too and paid that while W ate.
They felt so bad for all the trouble, so they comped us for two of the entrees and also offered us free brunch (though they didn't give us anything in writing indicating this). And they seemed so genuine that we weren't really upset about the service, mystified was the better word for our state. I mean, if they didn't have shrimp, they could have told us an hour earlier. Or the whole issue with the sides. W's dish came with collards, which both Sam and R had ordered but never came. How the place stays in business was the biggest question - its been there since we moved to the neighborhood I think. The food we did get was very good, but it just seemed like such a haphazard business that it was surprising that it was able to stay open.
I admit those crab cakes were delicious! Yet the dinner couldn't have been any more haphazard. Anyone have a similar experience?
I've actually never eaten here (Myrtle at Hall), but I stopped in for the first time recently to find it was packed, with a wait. Must be tasty. Is it?
A reader emailed me an excellent review of Autour du Monde (Fulton at Clinton)! If you haven't been, check it out. Let's not forget the businesses on Fulton that are suffering from all that construction! It took us awhile to try the new restaurant on Clinton and Fulton, Autour du Monde, but I'm so glad we finally went. I had read the earlier comments here, including some snarky ones by people who hadn't even been there. And to be honest, those remarks, plus the smallish, eclectic menu posted by the door, didn't fill me with confidence. But I'm so glad we finally went.
The meal started with bread, oil, and balsamic vinegar placed on the table. The oil and vinegar together were weirdly scrumptious. I think it must have been very good balsamic to be that rich and smooth, the perfect salty-sweet balance.
When I studied the menu, I was surprised to realize that I could have ordered almost anything on the menu happily. That never happens to me: though I'm almost an omnivore, I won't order a dish if it has a side or a sauce I'm not crazy about. For some reason, 90% of the menu was right up my alley. (I know that's a subjective thing, but two of my three dinner companions felt the same way; the fourth is a chicken-and-fish-only-vore.)
The three appetizers we chose bode very well for the rest of the meal: the excellent, meaty crab cakes with a hint of curry and possibly red pepper sauce were light and large; the veggie-packed spring rolls were light and fresh and had an intriguing dipping sauce with flavors we couldn't quite place (tamarind? -- our server, also a co-owner, called it the chef's take on various east asian flavors), and the cheese-and-caramelized onion tart (more like a flatbread) with a small salad was mellow and outstanding, not to mention gratifyingly large (a generous four-way split). We agreed that the 'tart' would make great takeout all on its own -- something to pick up for dinner on the way home from the Clinton-Washington C train stop.
The four entrees we chose were equally eclectic: the baby chicken with almonds and broccoli was extremely moist and flavorful; the skirt steak got a yummy unexpected kick thanks to a light topping of chermoula (a basil and parsley blend); the spare ribs were out-of-this-world tender and complex without being heavy; and the salmon (also with the chermoula or something closely related) was cooked perfectly, very intensely flavored, with four adorable mini veggie-and-olive skewers. Each dish was familiar enough to feel like comfort food -- but also just-offbeat-enough to demand our attention.
Finally, two desserts: a gorgeous lightly "cardamomed" creme brulee with a perfect caramelized sugar crust (not a black edge anywhere) and one of those fairly ubiquitous but in this case extremely fresh-tasting molten chocolate cakes with a small spoonful of vanilla ice cream. The only off note was the biscotti that came with the creme brulee -- they had a pretty good texture but not enough flavor.
That plus a charming, personable host from Antibes, a full bar and (I'm told) a good wine list, and we have a real contender. Though it doesn't have the sophisticated outward appearance of an Ici or Olea (and I blame that mostly on the look of the menu alone), it is a very close competitor, I would say. And no, it really is not an 'around the world' joint, as some of the naysayers on this blog were complaining in an earlier post on CHB.
Fulton needs interesting, truly good-bang-for-the-buck places like this. And the endless street construction right out in front can't be helping. Apparently they do morning croissants and lunch/brunch, too. Would love to hear a fuller report on those offerings.
Is it perfect? Probably not. Is it a vegetarian's dream? No. But let's give Autour a fighting chance. I say it's definitely worth your time and money.
Washington Ave will soon be home to another new hangout. Owner Joseph Falco is working on transforming 37 Washington (which has been operating as a pizza place for the last 14 years or so) into a brick oven pizza spot.
It'll be called Il Porto, and will offer pizza (brick oven and regular), other menu items, wine and beer, plus sidewalk cafe!
The restaurant will span both pizza storefronts on Washington, and will feature historical photos of the Navy Yard inside.
Estimated opening is sometime in April -- just in time for some warm weather First Fridays at RePop and openings at P.E.P.
Pretty cool.
This place opened kind of recently, but the vertical blinds and the hand-written menus have kept me away.
Have you been in?
Starting in just 3 minutes! Square Root Cafe on Myrtle (at Classon) is offering a FREE New Year's brunch from 1-5 pm!
I finally had the chance to peek in on the new restaurant on Fulton at Grand. It's now open, and here's the menu:
Not sure if this is permanent, but it looked pretty dead inside and there's no signage outside:
I like that a few brave folks are trying to take the plunge on Fulton, but with a limited menu, no signage and all that horrible construction there, I don't know if this place has a very favorable outlook.
Anyone been?
If you've walked down Myrtle recently, you may have noticed some work being done in the corner storefront of the Renken Dairy building at Classon. Maybe you've also noticed the new sign hanging above it, or stopped in to speak with the folks renovating the space. Good news! This new hot spot, a retro-cool restaurant called the Square Root Cafe is almost ready to open!
I stopped in a few weeks ago to get some photos of the progress being made and to talk to the owner, Eda Sanchez-Persampieri. She and her husband Joe are doing an amazing job retaining many elements of the historic space (which has sat empty for years), as well as brightening up the interior. The corner windows are gorgeous! (swoon)
Square Root Cafe will open on January 1, offering FREE BRUNCH from 1-5pm! It'll be the perfect opportunity to feed your hangover and welcome the restaurant to the area!
1. You'll be opening a new restaurant on Myrtle called Square Root Cafe. What's the theme going to be? How about the cuisine? My husband Joe and I are totally stoked about opening in Clinton Hill! The restaurant will feature a casual environment decorated with the mid century antiques & collectibles ( funky junk) that we have collected over the past 10-12 years.
The food will be homestyle gourmet- lots of classic dishes with some updated ingredients. Joe is a 2001 graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. One of Joe's classmates was the then-wife of Richard Dreyfus and he actually came to the commencement- How cool is that?
2. Do you live in Clinton Hill? How did you decide to open the cafe?
We actually live up by the Navy Yard.
We had the idea for a cafe about five years ago and seeing the explosion of independent retailers on Myrtle decided we should go ahead and do it before the neighborhood became oversaturated with cafes!
3. What did you do before the restaurant? When did you decide to take the plunge?
Actually we are both continuing to work.
I work in apparel production/sourcing and my job stints have included being on the teams that launched the Sean John & Daisy Fuentes brands.
>Joe is a 25 year veteran of FDNY but he plans to retire next year.
We decided in June to take the plunge and looked at a lot of available storefronts but we knew we definitely wanted to be on Myrtle!
4. Will the restaurant be in the building with the milk company sign? Any info on the history of that place?
Yup we are in the milk building. Renken Dairy owned a number of buildings in the area. Our building was actually home to the corporate offices and retail storage. The basement has this cool old-fashioned walk-in refrigerator (which is now our office) and another smaller room was used as the vault -- there's a real vault door you have to walk through!
5. Tell me about the thriving community of Myrtle Ave merchants. How did you decide to open there?
Myrtle has just exploded in the last 3-4 years, We moved to the area when it was first stating to pop and the energy in the streets is inspiring. We definitely wanted to be on Myrtle hands down over any other street -- even Dekalb!
6. What's your favorite local hangout in the neighborhood?
Mojito's
7. How long have you lived in Clinton Hill? How has it changed since then?
We have lived as a couple in the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill/Wallabout area since 2004, first in a loft in the Choclate Factory and now over on Cumberland down the street from the Sweet & Low Company.
What we love about the area is that it is so diverse and that the residents embrace the diversity.
8. What kinds of events will the cafe be hosting? Art exhibits ( painting and photos) , live music (most likely Jazz, Blues or Jazz Fusion 2-4x a month) and weekly Movie/TV night with classic vintage movie& tv shows. We might do an open mic night 1x a week. I am also kicking around the idea of a film festival- showing local artists films.
9. What else would you like to see open in the neighborhood?
Gourmet Deli- Like Fourage in Dumbo Gourmet Cheese shop- Like Stinky's in Carol Gardens/Cobble Hill>
We would love to open a gourmet deli- If Square Root is successful, we might give it a go.
10. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be and why?
Joe is definetly chocolate ice cream because just about everyone likes chocolate ice cream and everyone immediately likes Joe!
I am green tea flavor -- an acquired taste but once you like you love it.
***
Square Root Cafe 584 Myrtle Ave. at Classon 718-230-7077 www.squarerootcafe.com
Speakeasy is now doing brunch Saturdays and Sundays. Personally, I'm psyched. It's right down the street from me, and they're just in time for the winter weather. I fully expect to slither over most weekends for some coffee and french toast in sweats and a scarf!
So far, I've been twice. On my first jaunt, I tried the Ackee & Salt Fish. It was really tasty and unique, and service was friendly. Yesterday, though, I had the omlette. It was very good, but the service was atrocious. The waiter wouldn't give me a mimosa as part of the brunch deal (and the omlette is marked as such), and then charged me extra for a coffee (I had tea, but the menu clearly states you get coffee/tea AND a booze drink). Let's hope that guy was just a blip on the radar.
As I've said about the dinner menu, I kind of think everything should be $2-$3 cheaper. But it's still tasty overall, and nice to have nearby.
(Speakeasy is located at the corner of Waverly and Greene.)
The restaurant slated to open in the former Liquors space (RIP!!) on DeKalb has posted their menu outside (sans prices). Just thought you might want to take a look:
Received this amazing email about Brown Betty from a reader:I'm writing to you about Brown Betty, purely I admit, out of self interest. My boyfriend and I go there for dinner at least once a month, which is about as often as we can because we're poor. It is amazing every time and we love it, but half the time when we go, we are the only people there. I think a lot of people know that they do breakfast and lunch, and I know there are sometimes lines and reservations for weekend brunch, but I think people don't know that they do dinner every night (I think) except Sunday.
I've sort of hesitated about saying something on any of the forums or blogs because we certainly like the fact that it isn't crowded at dinner, but I'm afraid that Cynthia will stop doing dinner if business doesn't pick up.
So if you have the time or inclination, you really ought to go over there for dinner one night and when you love love love it, write it up again. They're byob, which I rather like. Last night we had the most amazing brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes, catfish, and now they do this jerk pork chop that is insane and yeah, yum - sorry, I get a little ridiculous when talking about food.
So again, sorry to shamelessly write your ear off, but I really think this is exactly the sort of business we need more of at this end of Clinton Hill and I adore her food, so I want Brown Betty to do well.
I had dinner there ages ago, and it was indeed wonderful. It's easy to forget it's there, as it's so small and just south of Fulton, but DO check it out!
(Brown Betty is located on Grand just south of Fulton)
With absolutely no fanfare or warning, Autour du Monde -- the new restaurant opening in the old Bodega's space -- is open!
Autout de Monde opened last Thursday. Jay and I checked it out Friday for lunch.
Inside, it still looks like Bodegas (RIP!!!!), aside from having painted the walls. I had the chicken panini, and Jay had the burger. Service was friendly, but SLOW (just like Bodegas). There were a few other diners inside, which surprised me since they don't have a sign and that huge construction arrow on Fulton is blocking much of the storefront.
They're serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and are cash only and BYOB for now.
Here are some menu shots:
I predict it'll be a good place to stop in for a croissant and coffee before hopping on the C! Autour du Monde SE corner of Clinton and Fulton
Our wonderful community is now home to another new blog - Clinton Hill Foodie. Looking forward to news and reviews!
One of the area's tastiest restaurants is offering two Thanksgiving specials: dine-in and delivery! Both look delicious:
iCi 246 DeKalb @ Vanderbilt 718-789-2778 www.icirestaurant.com
Easy Being Greene and Brownstoner have posted about the new restaurant opening on the corner of Cumberland and Lafayette (once rumored to become a 7-11 and/or a Thai restaurant). Just wanted to give my two cents: I'm really psyched about this place, since it's something NEW and not another French restaurant.
Clinton Hill Blog published from 2006 - 2010. Please enjoy these archives - a love letter to the neighborhood.
