It’s hard to attract people over to West Street. For one, it feels as if you’re in an active construction site—and on many of the blocks, you are. Second, you’re so far out of the heart of Greenpoint, in such desolation, it feels like a whole different neighborhood, or like how the neighborhood once was. Anyone who’s walked through this hushed territory at night has come upon the corner of West and Green and heard the mysterious revelry happening behind the screen door for Achilles Heel (180 West St). Continue reading →
Sauvage isn’t the only new restaurant to pop up at the great Bedford-Nassau-Lorimer-Berry-McCarren exchange. Amami (57 Nassau Ave) opened its doors in late July bringing us sushi, sashimi, and most important now as cold and flu season beckons, bowls of steaming hot ramen. But one look at the space—which formerly housed Mexican restaurant Sindicato de Cocineros—and you can tell this isn’t your regular sushi joint. Yes, there are the “regular” sushi dishes we’ve come to know and love, but underneath the beautiful floating terrariums, are dishes made from seafood fresh enough to be on higher-caliber (read: $200/person) omakase menus, alongside little touches like house-fermented soy sauce and freshly grated ginger. And then there’s the real kicker: sushi brunch. Continue reading →
I remember the time that I first noticed Polka Dot. I was walking down Manhattan Avenue, undoubtedly heading toward Peter Pan to satisfy my apple crumb donut addiction. Thankfully, I spotted the happy script across the street that was this little Polish cafe’s new sign. Many of you may not know that Polka Dot is in fact the reimagining of what was once the Polski Meat Market. Opened in 1996 by Marzena Parys and her husband, it’s evolved with the neighborhood into the gem that it is today. Continue reading →
Still haven’t made New Year’s Dinner Plans? Join Esme tonight for our first ever New Year’s Eve Dinner.
Four courses including an egg yolk ravioli, roasted leg of lamb, scallop crudo and a mascarpone cheesecake. Wine can be paired for $35 or drinks can be ordered a la carte. Vegetarian options will be available and seating begins at 7.30pm. 75 Dollars includes tax and tip.
To reserve please call 718.383.0999 or email: hello (at) esmebk [dot] com.
(sponsored) Don’t want to go for a super fancy pre-fixe? Rather stay local? At No.7 North, we got you covered. No Reservations, No Cover. Serving up Fried chicken and champagne! Or if you don’t like meat (and even if you do) our famous broccoli tacos and champagne. Or Taiwan beer. Or super fancy but still affordable awesome cocktails. But really, it’s just gonna be a super sweet party in Greenpoint to celebrate the New Year. And Seriously, Fried chicken and Champagne?! FUN.
No. 7 North 931 Manhattan Ave (718) 389 – 7775 info (at) no7north [dot] com
Who loves pizza in Greenpoint? Well good news – Ria Bella, a new pizzeria just opened at 1049 Manhattan Ave (between Freeman St and Eagle St). But Ria Bella is not just any other slice spot – it specializes in hard to find Sicilian specialties (think square pies), plus they offer some great deals for lunch and game days.
For a girl with roots in Sicily, just a look at Ria Bella’s menu has me drooling. The Caponata, a dish I grew up on, is a sweet and sour eggplant spread that should be served in a bottomless dish in my opinion.
Sicilians are masters at serving multiple types of carbs in one dish (this is a good thing) – like Ria Bella’s Potato & Eggs Pie (pictured). Getting a pizza crust perfectly crisp while cooking an egg on top is not an easy task and thus a hard to find topping – but not in Greenpoint anymore.
Let’s talk Sfincione, not an easy to pronounce but a very easy to eat pizza that has anchovies, bread crumbs and caciocavallo cheese on top. This was a treat my Grandma (aka Nonna) made in a square pan growing up and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into it again.
You will have to go in and try the rest of the menu, which has vegetarian friendly options as well.
Let’s talk DEALS: Lunch in Greenpoint just got easier and more affordable because Ria Bella is offering 12″ personal pies for only $8 Tuesday-Friday between 12-4pm. And on Game Days (Thursdays and Sundays) buy one pie and get the second half off.
Vinny Milburn, left, and Adam Geringer-Dunn, right
Fifth generation fishmonger Vinny Milburn and co-owner/chef Adam Geringer-Dunn have opened the doors to Greenpoint Fish & Lobster (114 Nassau Ave), their much-anticipated raw bar and market offering seasonal, local, and well-sourced seafood in a quaint corner restaurant setting. Milburn and Geringer-Dunn are passionate about ensuring customers know where their catches come from, and that transparency is embodied in everything from the large, street-facing picture window where passersby can see their team at work to maritime maps hanging in the restrooms. It’s a little jewel box of a space and a two-fold great addition to the neighborhood – a reliable, quality seafood market and quite a nice new date night option.
As of 8am this morning, Littleneck Outpost is open at 128 Franklin St (at the corner of Milton St) in Greenpoint. It is a sandwich shop/cafe/specialty grocery spinoff of the restaurant Littleneck in Gowanus. Full review coming soon, but in the meantime, let us know what you think!
(sponsored)Perfect summertime brunch now offered at Charlotte PatisserieWe can all agree that Greenpoint majorly delivers on the foodie front – with one exception – lunch. The biggest complaint I get (and I get ALOT of complaints) is that there aren’t a TON of lunch spots to chose from. We Greenpointers want choices! Well, guess who just rolled out not only a new lunch menu, but also dinner AND brunch service, that also includes wine? Charlotte Patisserie on Manhattan Ave. And don’t forget their incredible outdoor space and the infinite array of drool-worthy desserts! Continue reading →
Dennis Spina & Tom Mylan; All Photos: Fabian Palencia
A stones throw from the East River, River Styx’s relaxed atmosphere is heightened by the infectious aromas that emanate from its open kitchen, where the stove is literally the heart of the restaurant. Being able to watch the menu come to life is an integral component of your culinary experience at this Greenpoint restaurant.
I had the privilege to attend their Native Cuisiner featuring Chef and Butcher Tom Mylan. Continue reading →
