Carroll Gardens: June 2007 Archives

Oh Gowanus, you make me yearn for a simpler time. A time when I was young and free, and when floating down your putrified waters was a breath of fresh air. Enter: The Yard (no, not the Soho Grand's Yard). This Yard is at Carroll and Nevins (awfully near Issue Project Room and the barge) and will be hosting various summer music events, including July 1st with  Babylon Circus and Wax Poetic, $12 ("door" at 3pm), sponsored by Meanred Productions. So much to do, so little summer ...

Took a walk up Smith today, and noticed a bunch of new restaurants and stores.

Started with brunch at Carniceria, the new Argentine steakhouse that replaced Porchetta. Even before chef Jason Neroni had his run in with the law, I was no fan of Porchetta, finding it full of experiments that came nowhere close to working. And while I can't judge Carniceria from one brunch, I did like the vibe in there a lot--windows open to the street, pleasant staff, decor that's actually a bit less fussy than the old room. My partner had the huevos rancheros, which were pleasant and had a flavorful red sauce, while my "benedict" came with patties of chorizo on crispy "Indian" bread and had a mild, creamy hollandaise that pepped up after a few good shakes of hot sauce. Nothing mind-blowing, but I'm satisfied enough to go back for dinner.

Well, lookee there. It lives. Po looks cute and not as expensive as I'd feared with most of the entrees clocking in under $20.

Walking by Sackett, I noticed a funny little stand down the block. Maybe I'm the last to know this, but apparently we have our own empanada lady in the neighborhood. I grabbed a chicken and a chorizo one for $1.25 a piece, and though I can't say they were the best I'd ever had, it was an encouraging experience in light of the Red Hook Ballfield drama.

Finally two "coming soons" that were less exciting to me, but will probably please a few folks reading this. Both up toward Bergen.