Food and Drink: December 2005 Archives

I have been in love with Morningstar's Buffalo Wings for years, but could never find them in the neighborhood, until today. I took an afternoon walk after catching a matinee (Brokeback Mountain--that so many people came to see such a spare movie is quite a testament to its power) and sauntered into the Met Foods on Henry Street. My leisurely perusal of the frozen foods section brought me to the holy grail of oven-warmed treats. I know gourmands will redden with shame, but I love nothing better than to dip these babies into a little spicy mustard and enjoy this moderately healthy snack. It even takes me back to my childhood--to the days when my mom would "cook" dinner (albeit she used the stringy real-chicken kind) when my dad was away on a business trip. Bon appetit.

Overheard in PJ Hanley's
Woman to old drunk dude: "You're a dirty old man. Why would you talk about someone's ass?" ... "Randomly? That's how you talk to women randomly? No wonder you're 175 years old and single."

Yes, ABrooklynlife braved the smokescreen of neighborhoodies to bring you this breaking report from the front of gentrification.  And we're happy to say the amusing overheard conversation is back in full effect.

First things first. The space is quite nice looking: dark wood on and behind a stately bar that's mirror-backed with plenty of booze and beer relatively on the cheap (Absolut and tonic for $6, Brooklyn Lager for $4.50). The wide plank floors (rescued from a factory somewhere?) are beautiful, and the painted tin walls and ceiling add a nice touch. Also, love that the bar's windows are now open to the street. The gap between the bar and the tables against the wall is a bit awkward--really you could have a dance party between the bar and the high-top tables--but more space is Brooklyn's forte, no? Square-footage wise, one could easily deposit six Minibars in the bar area alone, to say nothing of that side dining room. Thankfully the two TVs were not on, and a decent selection of spirited oldies was playing (Aaron Neville and Marvin Gaye). Didn't sample the food, but PJ's has the full menu in full effect, everything from pizzas to lamb to hot wings.

And now the numbers.

• Guy to girl ratio was 12:4 + 2 female bartender/servers.

• Dudes-whose-wives-are-happy -they-are-not-in-the-house to regular-neighborhood -folk was 8:8.

• Random oddities included 2 men with philosopher ex-hippie ponytails and the 1 aforementioned really drunk old guy.

• Abrooklynlife and guest not included, everyone was at least older than 35 if not older than 40.

Still, nothing to fear. Nothing to be absolutely ecstatic about, but nothing to fear. Party on PJ's, party on.

Update: 423Smith has also reviewed PJ Hanleys. Sorry folks, the Dianna Ross picture is gone!

The stalwart neighborhood Mediterranean restaurants Zaytoons and Tabouleh need not fear the addition of Pita Grill to the Smith Street restaurant scene. The mini health chain's website very helpfully categorizes its address--329 Smith Street between Carroll and President--as Brooklyn Heights. As many of us who live here know, this is Carroll Gardens. Forgivable?

The folks at Pita Grill are super friendly, but, sadly for them, that does not translate into yummy food. I tried the falafel, which basically tasted like one of those healthy-to-the-point-of-being-gross veggie burgers, only less crunchy on the outside. I'm sure I was eating healthy food, but I'm also sure it wasn't very tasty. Other reports?

I've noted the excellent of Blue Point Brewery before, but the Long Island company's Winter Ale just makes me want to snuggle up with a good movie, some popcorn and a six pack.  I can't quite get into the beer description ("soapy" "light astringency" lingo like the folks over at ratebeer.com, who didn't love it as much as I do), but if forced, I'd say it has "deep amber notes" while keeping a "light, clean finish."