PrintAdvice for Brooklyn Restaurant Week From Brooklyn Bloggers
You still have until this Thursday, April 2, to hit up Dine in Brooklyn, Brooklyn's annual Restaurant Week. With over 175 eateries [PDF] offering the $23 prix fixe deal, choosing can be a tad overwhelming.
Who better to dish out advice on where to go than the Brooklyn blogosphere. What the locals have to say:
Dumbo NYC: "One of our favorites is Hibino in Cobble Hill. They are run by chefs Hirohisa and Masaru, who provide a truly authentic Kyoto style obanzai (daily specials). Try their fresh tofu and delicate sashimi. Being at Hibino brings us back to where we're from, Japan." 333 Henry Street, Cobble Hill (map); 718-260-8052
Blondie and Brownie: "I defintitely have Miriam on my list. I love their brunch and I've been curious to try their dinner and at $23 for 3 mezes, an entree, and baklava the price is definitely right. 79 5th Avenue, Park Slope (map); 718-622-2250. Blue Ribbon is also a worthwhile pick—just be sure to go later in the evening because dinner tends to attract the stroller crowd. 280 5th Avenue, Park Slope (map); 718-840-0404 —Brownie
Brooklyn Based: "I am all about Zenkichi. For the past several years, it's been the special occasion restaurant of choice for Tom and me. Rather than being designed for the cheap seats, their special menus are always filled with the choicest bits from the kitchen. The Restaurant Week menu includes their miso black cod and three-day cooked pork belly, both of which are super all-star dishes. If Zenkichi was a bar, I would order that pork belly and a beer for dinner like twice a week. I recommend ordering a sake tasting sampler to go with the meal. The BEST thing though? You walk up these black stairs, along mirrored hallways and the whole place seems downright labyrinthine, like a Japanese David Bowie is going to pop out juggling some crystal eels or something. Then you sit in tiny booths with roll-down bamboo mats that give you the illusion of total privacy—but you can hear all the conversations around you. Last time we were there this girl sitting across from us demanded to know what kind of chicken they served and whether she could get a side salad. There was definitely a 'second favorite girlfriend' vibe going on with her and the dude she was with. You can't pay for ambiance like that." 77 N 6th Street, Williamsburg (map); 718-388-8985 —Annaliese
Fucked in Park Slope: "The sushi at JPan kinda makes me want to re-enact that scene from When Harry Met Sally when Meg Ryan has an orgasm in the diner. The volcano roll, is something that I hope each and every one of you reading this will one day get a chance to experience IRL (Sushi in a pancake!? YES WE CAN, motherfuckers). All the rolls on their 'Special' list are seriously divine. Some other faves: monster roll (this is a special special roll that they don't always have), lovely roll, fire island roll and the angel roll FTW. Go there. Now. Or Else." 287 5th Avenue, Park Slope (map); 718-788-2880 —Erica
Eat It: The Brooklyn Food Blog: "I'd like to call attention to Giando on the Water in WIlliamsburg, where the experience is the focus, rather than the food. You'll most likely get an Iceberg Lettuce salad and a chicken entree, but the view is second to none. Tables for two are nestled in concave windows where you overlook the East River under the Williamsburg Bridge. It's a fun place to go at least once." 400 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg (map); 718-387-7000
Cobble Hill Blog: "Located in the picturesque Dumbo side of the Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café is a New York institution. Restaurant Week makes it financially accessible to diners during lunch, with a three-course menu featuring impeccably prepared dishes (don't shy away from the bread; the fresh ciabatta roles are not to be passed up) served with one of the best views in Brooklyn. My favorite part of dining at River Café is its white glove service that's hard to come by these days. Since you'll be saving on the food, treat yourself to a classic cocktail, like the delicious capirhinia. 1 Water Street, Dumbo (map); 212-522-5200
Another one is Bar Tabac, which features a menu of classic French dishes, from coq au vin to beef stew provençale, but they're not what make it my favorite neighborhood restaurant. I head straight for the bar-food classics—moules frites or the giant Bar Tabac burger. I go for the marinière sauce on the generous serving of mussels, and I'm not sure if it's the mollusks or the accompanying large cup of perfect french fries (not too thin, just crisp enough) that leaves me pining for this dish. The moist, flavorful burger is perfectly complimented by an onion brioche roll, cheese, and onions that can be grilled if you ask nicely. And to help you feel less guilty about the juicy burger and heaping fries, a modest, perfectly-dressed salad is served on the side." 128 Smith Street, Cobble Hill (map); 718-923-0918 —Diana
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5 Comments:
Is Zenkichi actually all that?
I've been walking by it for years but never even considered going there -- "Sushi in Williamsburg" having been filed away in my mind as a "bad idea."
Jack_Barber at 2:27PM on 03/30/09
I was going to comment to second the praise for Zenkichi, so it's a bit ironic the only other comment is a question about it. I've eaten there numerous times for various special occasions & it's easily one of my favorite restaurants in all of New York.
The first thing to note is that Zenkichi isn't actually sushi it's "Japanese tapas" a serious of different small plates that are all both excellently prepared and beautifully presented. Although the pieces of Fatty Tuna and yellowtail nigiri they had on their Valentine's Day menu are by far two of the best pieces of sushi I've had in my life. But sushi is hardly what Zenkichi focuses on and it's barely present on their menu.
They have an omakase menu that chances seasonally that is $48 per person & you get to chose amongst the courses. Their Dine In Menu is they typical 3 courses, but also came with complimentary miso soup and a garden salad.
The thing to know is that the plates are small--they're tapas--so the 3 courses may not be filling for someone who is starving or has a huge appetite. The Dine In portions are the same portions as for the Omakase menu (which is 7 courses) so you can see that the Dine In menu will not leave you stuffed but it is an inexpensive way to get the vibe of the restaurant.
Some of my all time favorite items from Zenkichi include: the black cod (I think I'm obsessed); the anago & cream cheese tempura (I never liked the idea of cream cheese in sushi rolls or tempura, etc... but tried this the first time I went there because of it's great reviews & the person I was with loves eel, well I soon became a fan & the green tea salt that is goes with it is amazing. I find myself craving this & frustrated that Zenkichi is the only place I can get anything close); the frozen black sesame mousse (absolutely heavenly & one of my all time favorite desserts & indulgences); and the Tako Wasabi (I consider this one of the best things I've ever tasted, but a warning that it is definitely only for someone with an "exotic" tongue. Actually the first time I ordered it the waiter double checked that I wanted it as it's a truly authentic Japanese plate & perhaps something that I (who is obviously not Japanese) would not like. It is raw octopus prepared with wasabi root & I love it. Those who are adventurous I strongly recommend trying it!).
In addition to the food which I could continue to rave about, the service and ambiance is truly outstanding. Some of the ambiance has been described, so I won't reiterate what has said & a quick look at Nymag or yelp will give you more of a description, but Zenkichi is truly one of the most romantic restaurants. Also the call button for the waitstaff to order etc... is a fun novelty.
I am not a fan of Williamsburg myself and Zenkichi is probably the only place that will get me to go there. I would strongly advise checking out Zenkichi for Dine In week--luckily it's large enough of a space that I don't feel as though encouraging others to check it out will result in my not being able to get a table when I want to go there!
MerMcB at 3:49PM on 03/30/09
for real? jpan?
foodinmouth at 4:18PM on 03/30/09
I'm with you Danny, jpan, really? I planned to hit up Grocery, but conflicting plans made me cancel. My next stop is James for the half price burger and $4 drinks, and you don't need Dine in Brooklyn for that deal.
ginsbera at 4:20PM on 03/30/09
Had the Dine in Brooklyn deal at The Grocery in Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens and it was FANTASTIC. Highly recommended.
cg_ups at 5:41PM on 03/30/09