Places to Eat with Kids: Anima

As the new blogger on the topic of parenting in and around Clinton Hill, I’m launching a series of reviews of local kid-friendly establishments.  Fortunately for the many families in the neighborhood, most restaurants here are laid-back and welcoming to families with kids.  I should also mention that I’m entirely aware that not everyone wants to dine next to a baby or child, but I think it is possible to do it in a considerate, low-impact way.  So, readers, please be thoughtful when you take your kids out with you—I know you will be! The first restaurant I’d like to cover is a neighborhood favorite of mine, Anima Italian Bistro.  Anima is our go-to place for weekend brunch (love the French toast!), but their dinner and lunch options are also good.  The food can be described as Italian soul food: simple, hearty and well-priced.  In fact, “anima” means “soul” in Italian.  Options include a variety of panini sandwiches, salads, pastas and burgers. Heartier entrees like branzino with a lemon risotto cake, stuffed pork chop with fontina cheese and a braised lamb shank with polenta are available too.  And there’s a kids’ brunch menu, including chicken cutlet, risotto, and “pasta bambini.”

The atmosphere is casual—think Italian pop music and farm tables—and the staff are friendly and warm to all their patrons, including kids.  Like typical Mediterraneans, they dote on Jasper the minute we walk through the door, and any stress about being “those people with the kid” quickly melts away.  It also helps that the restaurant is spacious, so it has always been possible for us to sit far enough from other diners that Jasper and his overflowing gear won’t disrupt them.  The food and service are prompt.  The décor is attractive, with brick walls, a tin ceiling and rustic aged wooden bar and wine racks.  All in all, Anima’s a great option for a fun and relaxing meal with the little ones.  Buon appetito!

High chairs—Yes

Space for strollers—Yes

Kids’ menu—Yes

Food delivery—Yes

Baby Changing Area—No, but restrooms are large and clean.

Outdoor space—Maybe (the previous restaurant in this space had a great back garden, but it has not been re-opened yet during Anima’s time there—maybe Summer ’09?)

Potential pitfalls—The wine-bottle curtain—you’ll know it when you see it—is an irresistible temptation to the small and curious.  We found that out the hard way!

Anima Italian Bistro 458 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Brooklyn New York 11205 718-422-1122

www.animabistro.com

Bati -- Delicious New Ethiopian Restaurant Open in Fort Greene

My husband and I just got back from dinner at Bati Ethiopian Restaurant, in Fort Greene, and loved the whole experience – food, ambience, and service. Bati’s atmosphere is inviting and cozy—dark wood, white brick walls, bright Ethiopian-themed artwork, and the service was very friendly, attentive and quick. The menu offers beef, free-range poultry, and a large variety of vegetarian dishes. (Note: All the vegetarian dishes are vegan as well.) We ate the Doro Wett (chicken stew) and a combination of vegetarian dishes, which were all fresh, delicious and hearty, with generous portions.

Even though it was busy, owner Hibist Legesse made time to talk with me about her restaurant. (Meseret Kibret is also a partner in the restaurant).

Why “Bati”? Bati, the name of the restaurant, refers to a region in North Central Ethiopia known for its sprawling market, to the famous Ethiopian song “Ere Bati Bati”, and to “bati”, a type of music originating in the highlands of Ethiopia. Why Fort Greene? Hibist, originally from Ethiopia, moved to the US in her teens. Trips to BAM when she was living with her family in Harlem sparked an attraction to the Fort Greene area, and she has dreamed of opening a restaurant here ever since. Can you describe the food? Traditional Ethiopian with a focus on nutrition and health. For example, by adding extra teff (type of flour) to the injera (spongy flatbread), we’re increasing the fiber and iron content of the bread. You can see the difference -- the injera is a darker color. And by featuring healthy ingredients, such as flaxseed. We also plan to expand our vegetarian options. Do you have a signature dish? The Ye Telba Fitfit is a special dish, made with lightly roasted freshly ground flaxseed in house dressing mixed with injera. It is packed with anti-oxidants and very good for you.

Who’s cooking in the kitchen? There are a number of chefs in the kitchen, all Ethiopian, and all, as is traditional in Ethiopia, female. This tradition is changing though, with many young men now learning to cook as well. The basics:

Address: 747 Fulton Street at South Portland (right next to Provisions), Fort Greene Phone: 718-797-9696 Hours: Open every day

Starting this week (week of Jan 26th): Lunch 12-5pm; Dinner 5pm-Midnight

Takeout available; currently no delivery

BYOB until further notice (which is not a problem with Provisions right next door and Greene Grape a few doors down)

Welcome to the neighborhood! We will be coming back very soon!

BBQ Truck Opens in Bed-Stuy

There's a new 'cue in the BK, and this one's served out of a cool truck!  Kings County BBQ opened just a few weeks ago on Quincy just past Bedford.  Natives of Kansas City, owner Chris McGee and his wife have lived in BK since 2001.  Prices and menu look great, and I love a unique dining experience! It's also dangerously close to the Y, which means it'll be easy to undo that workout

Check out Bed Stuy Blog's in-depth post on the truck here!

I stopped by on Sunday, on my way to the gym.  Owner Chris hooked me up with a small sampler to take with me, and it was delicious!

For now, they have one small table outside with more to come.  Best of all?  THEY DELIVER.  Those of you east side Clinton Hillers should stop by and pick up a menu!

Updates at Il Porto

Il Porto, the tremendously tasty new brick-oven pizza outfit on Washington near Flushing now has a beer/wine license (to fill out that huge bar they have in the sit-down dining room!). I checked out brunch a few weekends ago, and it was delish.  The portions were ginormous.  And there is absolutely no reason why you can't have the dessert pizza after the crabmeat eggs benedict.

Didn't have the camera, as I was meeting friends with a new baby, and just wanted to socialize, but trust me.  Giant. Portions.

Finally!

I walked past Bonita a few Thursdays ago to pick up some take-out pre-debate and I noticed the lights on at 247 DeKalb Ave!  As far as I know, this building is owned by the family of the guy who owned Cellars (am I correct?  His son maybe?) and has been covered in scaffolding for as long as I can remember. There are a bunch of permits in the window, too!  Looks like it'll be a restaurant.  Per an internet search, they filed for a liquor license in August.

No. 7 Greene

I haven't been yet (and am shocked that it's already open!), but a reader sent in a friend's review.  Check it out here. Early reports say very tasty food and drink.

Have you been yet?

(and the address is, quite obviously, 7 Greene Ave.)

Dajeh

Dajeh on Fulton has been open for a few weeks now, first for brunch and now with regular hours.  Has anyone been yet?  I hope to try it out next week. In the 4.5 years I've lived here, this is the third restaurant in this space (first a sandwich place and then Boca Soul).

Il Porto: YUM

Sorry for the delays, folks. Getting back from vacation is always overwhelming and I haven't had much posting time!

Last Thursday, before I departed for the Queen City, I hit up Il Porto for lunch on opening day. I was pleased to see that the "to-go" room was packed with local residents and workers waiting for a slice!

(Behind the counter. fresh pizzas being made)

I had my lunch on the other side, in the "sit-down" room.  The servers were friendly and helpful (I'm pretty sure several of them came to Il Porto from Il Torchio, along with the chef).  They started me off with this complimentary bred, fresh from the brick oven.

It was a touch choice, but I picked the Rugola and Prosciutto 12" pizza.

The prosciutto was extremely fresh, and the crush light.  It was so tasty that I ate 4 of the 6 pieces (though I could have easily gotten away with just 3).

I planned to head back home, full and happy, when Eda and Joe of Square Root Cafe popped their heads back to say hello and give me a piece of the Wallabout dessert pie -- Nutella, pine nuts, marshmallow.  AMAZING.

The food was so tasty that I ordered delivery tonight for a small Fort Greene PUPS meeting at my place.  We did the Rugula and Prosciutto, Margherita and the Wallabout for dessert.  Rave reviews all around with only 1.5 pieces left over (and they take credit cards -- even for delivery!  Bravo!)

I'm glad they've been busy so far.  It'll be a great place to stop for food, especially before PEP openings and RePop First Fridays (like the next one on September 5, featuring my photography!).

Il Porto 37 Washington Ave. 718-624-0954 www.ilportobrooklyn.com

Bar / Restaurant on Greene

A reader tipped me off to a new bar on Greene and Fulton, immediately behind the subway entrance. This corner has been boarded up for ages, and I would have never thought to look there (good eye, Maggie).

A peek inside revealed a long bar and what looked like a missing back wall leading to a giant outdoor space! I can't imagine it'll stay like this, but who knows.

This ends up being one of many examples where I've been clueless. And hey, with all the good stuff going on in CH these days, I don't need to wander too deep into Fort Greene! (Hello, great Saturday night at Bar Olivino with neighbors last weekend!)

NY Mag had the scoop ages ago, followed by B'stoner (and who knows who else).

I smell potential.

Il Porto is OPEN!

I've received numerous reports, from readers, BK Jay and the Myrtle Shuffle blog, that Il Porto is open as of today! They have a very basic website up with menus so far.

Original Il Porto coverage here.

Don't Forget About Frank White!

Frank White is, hands down, one of the most beautiful establishments in the neighborhood. They have a huge back patio area, and are now open later (7pm!) for people who want to swing in after work.

They also have a greatly expanded menu!!! This is happy news:

Sandwiches, smoothies, waffles (which they've had for awhile and which are a-m-a-z-i-n-g). We must patronize our Atlantic Ave pioneers!

(Frank White is located on Atlantic Ave at St. James Pl.)

Status Check at Il Porto

The brick-oven pizzeria and sidewalk cafe on Washington near the Navy Yard is chugging along to opening. Several people have emailed me with details on how good it looks inside.

I checked it out on Sunday, and I wasn't able to see much. Of course, no one was doing any work.

The boys at RePop tell me they hope to be open within three weeks. August is generally a slow time for local businesses, so let's make sure to check them out when they open the doors!

This is horribly old news, but here is a short piece that Brooklyn Independent Television did on me back in January, where I interviewed the owners-to-be:

General Greene: OPEN

This review is very tardy, especially given that I wrote it up while they were still doing a drinks and bar food preview. Regardless, I was extremely impressed with the experience.

First off, the staff has their stuff down. Everyone was friendly and prompt and the atmosphere was inviting. Instead of using the entire space (an awkward layout, if you've ever been inside), the owners and manager decided to focus on the front half of the restaurant for now, to get things up and running smoothly. For now, the restaurant's back area is being used as free bike parking (for both staff AND patrons!).

The food was mostly delish (the ribs were perhaps a little too peppery, but still very tasty). We loved the anchovies and radish plate, as well as the eggplant dip! The drink selection was fun and creative, albeit a little pricey. Plus, I don't generally love the whole "small plate" thing, which is how the menu is set up. Still, with four people, a ton of food and two drinks each, we still only ended up paying about $30 per person. Not bad!

My verdict: compared to a lot of new places, General Greene has its shit together. Plus, the decor is great and the service is top-notch.

More info:

• Daily Candy
• NY Mag
• The Real Fort Greene

More General Greene Info

On an ambitions jog last night, I noticed that the door to The General Greene was open. Inside, a lone woman worked on a laptop. Of course, I walked right in. Turns out she's the manager, and she had good news! The space will be open tomorrow night after 9pm, as well as over the weekend, for drinks and bar snacks. The official opening will be TUESDAY, JULY 1.

A reader who checked it out last weekend described the beer selection as being "great (small but delicious)," and said the eggplant spread was "pretty tasty."

The General Greene 229 DeKalb Ave.

The General Greene!

Several of you emailed me over the weekend about the former June space, which has suddenly turned into a new restaurant: The General Greene!

I have to say, this place seems like it has the potential to be pretty cool.  First, the name: a play on a general store / outpost AND a shout-out to General Nathanael Greene for whom the neighborhood and park are named.

Inside, it looks bright and airy:

Apparently it was open this past weekend for a sneak peek.  Anyone go??? It wasn't open Monday or Tuesday.  (Believe me, I have been walking by incessantly.)

Status Check at Il Porto

Things are moving right along at Il Porto on Washington Ave by the Navy Yard!

(photo by David Velez)

Earth Day at Luz

(OK, so you only have one day left to check this out. Apologies- I just started a new job and have had no time to read my email!!!)

Luz is definitely one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, the food is great and the cocktails are among the best in the area.

From Myrtle Minutes:

Get ready to raise your glasses of organic beer and wine in honor of Mother Earth.

For two days, April 22nd and 23rd, Luz Restaurant will continue to serve up delicious and delectable meals with an added big time nod to our environment.

Luz is serving up special 5-course prix fixe meals which feature all natural, sustainably-grown and/or organic ingredients purchased solely from local farms and markets.

In efforts to really drive home the importance of helping to conserve our Earth, there will be no electricity, no gas, no heat lamps, no telephones, no computers, no credit card machines…

Luz owner, Pedro Munoz, shares, “we hope that at least on these two days we can promote awareness of environmental issues. We want to help spread the fact that consciousness of what we do, buy, use or dispose of has a direct impact on planet Earth.”

Live music both nights. Come out and help celebrate our Planet Earth.

RSVP info@luzrestaurant.com or 718.246.4000

($55.00 per person five courses)

Cocktail Opening at Tamboril!

Tasty Tamboril is finally getting a liquor license, and they're having a party to celebrate:

A night of cocktails as we unveil our cocktail menu. The menu features nuevo latino inspired martinis to timeless classics such as the sidecar. Best of all enjoy our mojito or a caribbean cosmo.

The celebration begins at 5:30pm with a happy hour until 7:30pm

...it's gonna be a cocktail affair...enjoy your social experience

April 26th, 2008

RSVP info@tamborilnyc.com

If you haven't been yet, the interior space is really beautiful (love those interesting lamps above the platform seating) and the last time I was there (for brunch, which was delish and even satisfied my very pregnant and picky friend visiting from Queens), the art on display was really gorgeous.

Tamboril 527 Myrtle Ave. www.tamborilnyc.com

CHB Reviews: Kif

Finally! After so much positive reader feedback, I was able to hit up Kif on Friday evening. I know many people loved Liquors, but to be honest, I was never really that into their food or service. Though it will always have a place in my heart, as it's the very first place I ate at in the neighborhood several years ago.

I'm glad to report that Kif seems to be offering tastier food and friendlier service!

I met up with BrooklynJay, who I haven't seen in months. We were able to snag a prime spot out back (glad to say they're also utilizing the back yard!), and started with falafel and pita/hummus. The hummus was great, and the pita bread was amazing -- warm, lightly baked and yet soft. Perfect for dipping.

Jay had the burger. He was sick with a bad cold, so he wasn't his usual chipper self (or I would have made him write this review). Still, he cleaned his plate and said that the burger was tasty with a good mix of Moroccan-type spices.

I had the couscous royal, which was filled with veggies and a few kinds of meat. I normally wouldn't order couscous, but the reader comments persuaded me. It was delicious, and came with a bunch of sauces.

The best thing, though, was the dessert. We tried the orange flower creme brulee, and OMG. It really tasted like the smell of orange blossoms, and it might rival Chez Lola's lavender bread pudding as tastiest dessert in the area (though I think that's still my favorite).

The inside was lavish without looking overdone, and I hear they offer hookah service after 11pm. Service was very friendly, and I felt like the owner made a good effort to offer a warm welcome to everyone. (To be honest, I have heard more than one report that he's a bit chilly to same sex couples -- any feedback on this?)

Kif 219 DeKalb Ave.

(note: the photos are not the best, I know. It was really dark inside and out back!)

Kif: Review Coming Soon

I haven't been to Kif yet, the restaurant that finally took over the Liquor's space on DeKalb.  I've heard mostly good things so far -- that the food is good and that they have hookahs. (FYI, Zaytoons on Myrtle also has hookahs.)

Hope to check it out in the next week or so for myself.