Food and Drink: June 2007 Archives

The Brooklyn Eagle is reporting that Trader Joe's will be taking over the space on Court and Atlantic (the old Independence Bank building). Fingers crossed. Thanks, Marsha, for the tip.

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.

If you like to have your food and watch it to, then you may need travel one borough up to Queens this weekend (and perhaps next weekend) for the NYC Film and Food Festival. The concept is simple, while you watch films such as "Asparagus," "American Beer" and "Living on the Wedge" (about cheese), you'll also be nibbling and imbibing the matching treats. It all happens at Water Taxi Beach, which means there's a heavy emphasis on burgers, brats and beer. Check out the complete schedule and note that while the films are free, the food is not.

Sebastian, of course, enjoyed the flowers. The rest of us fell in love with the Garden of Eden CSA strawberries--used to make a fabulous strawberry-rhubarb pie, which is becoming an early summer tradition.

I also made a fabulous gin-strawberry drink cribbed from a couple recipes:
Ice to top of glass
2 generous parts crushed or blended strawberries
2 parts gin
Splash of fresh-squeezed lime
2 tablespoons simple syrup, or more depending on sweet tooth
Top with tonic or soda water
Mix and enjoy!

Yes, our little MiniBar is growing up. Seems like just yesterday the petite bar on Court Street was turning one. Today, it's three and is celebrating with $3 drinks all night long, and a DJ.

So DiFara's  has been closed indefinitely, and there's an online petition to save the pizzeria. I did love the pizza, although I also can't help to agree that the place was dirty. Surely good pizza and clean floors and tables can co-exist? Sign it if you believe it.