Food and Drink: September 2008 Archives

I took this photo of the construction at the old Donut House (314 Court Street) about a week ago, and since then even more progress has been made. Not sure what the difference between Donut House and Coffee Shop will be, but I like that they are keeping with the basic naming convention. The question is, since Donut House didn't have donuts, will Coffee Shop not have coffee? Thoughts to ponder on a rainy Friday morning.

I stumbled across the new Dawg Shack (252 4th Avenue at President Street) after a morning coffee and pastry run to Root Hill Cafe (which really does have fabulous coffee and espresso drinks, well worth the trek from Carroll Gardens). Due to my consumption of pastries and the 11 a.m. hour, I did not down a hot dog from Dawg Shack, but it looked nice enough for a hot dog place.

Prices are reasonable: $1.75 for a plain one, $2 for a sauerkrat and onion-topped New York dog, $3 for a onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle-topped Chicago dog, $3 for an onion, ketchup, mustard and jalepeno-topped California dog, $3 for a bacon, cheese, mushroom and barbecue sauce-topped Texas dog, and $2.50 for a chili dog, plus an extra .25 cents for cheese. There's also burgers, Italian sausage, and basic breakfast and lunch sandwiches. I forgot to snap a picture, but you can place a delivery order at (718) 855-0757.

There are two things you need to know about Char No. 4, Smith Street's newest restaurant (196 Smith Street between Warren and Baltic streets). The first is that the restaurant makes its own bacon--an authenticity that can't be doubted thanks to the decidedly bacon smell eminating from the wood-toned, modern interior. The second important bit of Char data is evidenced on the wall of bourbons that regally line the bar from counter to ceiling. Char is serious about bourbon. There's more than 150 of them, and they can be had for $4 a taste or $200 a glass. No bourbon stone is left unturned, and that means Wild Turkey is just as available as a 20-year reserve. So, bacon and bourbon, not a bad combo. What about the food?

I have yet to taste, but I am rather excited to try the gussied up southern food menu, especially brunch. The brunch menu is chockfull of comfort foods--bacon cheddar grits, shrimp and grits, a BLT made from fried pork bely, a chopped pork sandwich. Yum, a definite tasting and review to come.

Yep, the Trader Joe's has its signage up, window washers were out working on the windows and stock was piling up in side room. I say the opening is imminent.

I've got good news. My often late-afternoon stop in the neighborhood, Abilene, is about to start serving brunch. And it's not an extension of their current chicken fingers and burger menu. Nope, this brunch will be courtesy of the folks behind the southern-leaning Jimmy's Diner in Williamsburg/Greenpoint (for local opinions, both raving and reviling check out reviews on Citysearch and Yelp) and hopefully include Jimmy's "famous" free donuts. Also, the bathrooms have been updated. No more leaky toilets.

And sorry about the soft-core photo shot. I think I need to clean my iPhone lens ...