Compliments to the Chef(s)
I've spent the last week or two letting other people cook for me. While I apologize for the lack of posts, it's been worth it. So, so worth it.
Last Sunday I spent an evening with a nice mix of friends and strangers down on Java Street. Brooklyn Fork and Spoon is a monthly vegetarian-based supper club in Greenpoint, run by Mardi of Sprout & Pea and Rebecka of Martha, Mom and Me. For around $35, you get a four-course dinner, wine and lively conversation. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best meals I've had in recent memory. The red beet and ginger puree was a runaway favorite, and the rosewater cake was served with sugared rose petals. The May dinner has already sold out, but rumor is that they'll be adding a second. I will be attending again. And again. And again.
You can see pictures of us all ooing and ahhing here.
Tuesday was the first annual Tasting Brooklyn event put on by Brooklyn Exposed at the DUMBO loft in Brooklyn. I volunteered to help at the event - which was a great way to meet some new food-loving people and try samplings from a wide selection of local restaurants. There was a surprising amount of vegetarian options. Here's what I ate:
Linger Cafe & Lounge 533 Atlantic Ave. Watermelon Gazpacho, Raw Kale and Quinoa Salad The winner here was the gazpacho, but I loved how their selections screamed summer. I can't wait to get out of warm comfort foods and take advantage of all the fresh produce in the next few months.
Palo Santo 625 Union Street Vegetarian street tacos (served on a square of newspaper). Palo Santo and Barrio were next to each other, so there was some comparison in my mind (or mouth?) Palo Santo were the winners - they were making their tortillas fresh at the event and had a salsa verde that gave the perfect kick. Tanoreen 7523 3rd Ave. Fried Brussels Sprouts with Tahini and Pomegranate Molasses, Hummus Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite foods, so the fact that I was so blown away by Tanoreen's version is a testament to how delicious they were. The hummus was good to, but man. Brussels sprouts.
The Chocolate Room 269 Court Street Chocolate Truffles, Mini Cupcakes, Chocolate Caramel Popcorn I'm not a huge sweets person, but I love popcorn to an unhealthy degree. The truffles and cupcakes were good but the caramel popcorn was so yummy that I finished the bag before I even got to the F train.
The Castello Plan 1213 Cortelyou Road Stewed Mushroom Crostini I'm not a fan of mushrooms (I'm trying!) but these had a nice firm texture and good flavor. Thistle Hill Tavern 411 Seventh Ave. Green Pea Falafel The ladies at Thistle Hill were incredibly nice and the falafel was tasty, though I'd have to visit the restaurant to get a better idea of what their menu has to offer.
Robicelli's Cupcakes Various locations Have I mentioned that I love these cupcakes? Cause I do. They give me a delicious heart attack. Some guy actually asked me if I was okay as I was having a Robicelli's cupcake moment. Can't a girl enjoy her buttercream? Sheesh. Stone Park Cafe 324 5th Ave. Cappuccino Cheesecake Light, creamy, beautiful and delicious. reBar 147 Front Street Chef's Signature Polenta with Sunny Side Up Egg, Truffle Oil, Pine Nuts, Parsley Salad This dish was the winner of the night for me. I have never had a more perfect polenta, and the truffle oil really sealed the deal. reBar has a crazy $4 weekday breakfast special that includes coffee, fruit and a sandwich, and their a la carte menu is a cheap build-your-own-breakfast. I also want to go here for dinner. For more polenta. And perhaps polenta for lunch. Polenta forever and ever.
Bati 747 Fulton Street Buticha, Misir Wett, Injera I haven't had Ethiopian food since I moved to New York, so I'm glad I know where to go now. Their injera was especially good - a tangy balance to the spiciness of the Misir Wett.
Barrio 210 7th Ave. Tortilla Chip with Market Vegetables Tasty vegetables but I'm guessing the meat offering was more of a winner for them. Mojito 82 Washington Ave. Croquetas de Queso This was the last thing I ate, which was near the end of the evening. I was too full to enjoy it. My final culinary adventure happened during a impulsive trip to Philly to take advantage of an 8th row seat at the Phillies/Astros game last week (Thanks Bsullz!) Lacey introduces me to "crabby fries," which are crinkle fries, Old Bay seasoning and cheese dipping sauce. I highly recommend them. I also highly recommend not eating a lot of them because your arteries might collapse.
A non-food related project I've been working on for the past month is starting to come together. The flier is still being created, but I'll give you the lowdown on what's to come in June. Mark your calendars!
BYOB (Bring Your Old Books) A community book swap and benefit for the Housing Works Bookstore Sunday, June 19th 12pm-6pm at Public Assembly Bring a book/take a book or $1 per book/raffle ticket A portion of the proceeds, as well as extra books will go to Housing Works DJs Smooth Move, Spindler, Robert Rhymin' Raffle prizes from WORD, Eastern District, The Drink, Fornino, Public Assembly & more (please get in touch if you're a local business who'd like to donate!)
I made a collegiate banner out of felt, cause why not.
I'm really excited about this event and I hope ya'll will come out, say hello and swap some books! More details in the coming weeks. Happy Sunday!