Tag Archives: Williamsburg

5 Reasons to Try Isa

26 Jan

photo via Zagat Blog

I ate at new-ish restaurant Isa in Williamsburg last week, and if you haven’t been there yet, I suggest you recommend making a reservation there soon. Need a reason? Here’s five.

1. Orange Wine

I read that Isa was serving up orange wine, along with the more traditional red, white, and rose options, so I had to go for it. What’s orange wine? It’s a dry wine made from white wine grape varieties that have spent some maceration time in contact with the grape skins. It’s not actually made from oranges, but it adds to the dining experience.

2. Uber-Seasonal Menu

The menu at Isa changes everyday, so you never really know what to expect when you arrive for dinner. Be ready to try some unique flavor combinations that you wouldn’t normally see on other menus.

3. It’s that cabin feel

As a New Yorker, you probably don’t get to spend much time in a cabin. Isa has a rustic woodsy look. It’s cozy and warm that makes you feel like you’re camping…. camping in a really beautiful and expensive cabin. Maybe more like an expensive ski lodge then?

4. The bread service

Sure, the bread is not the star of the meal– the appetizers, entrees, and desserts have a leg up on the bread. On the other hand, the bread at Isa is definitely a bonus. It’s baked in house, warm, and addictive. No bread bowl will go empty.

5. The experience

There’s no doubt that Isa is unique. It’s quirky and a little odd– with a menu full of peculiar combinations, like “sardine, skeleton, and olives,” or “spotted prawn with black garlic aioli.” It’s worth giving it a try and checking out the unique menu choices of the day.

Sip on this.

21 Jan

Order the sage cucumber julep at The Post Office in Williamsburg

Where to Eat Right Now: Traif

19 Jan

crispy pork belly, cauliflower, peperoncini, romesco, parsley-garlic

I listed Traif as one of my top 5 restaurants to try in 2012 (a foodie new years resolution), and last night I finally trekked to Williamsburg to try the much-raved-about eatery. Becoming Brooklyn twitter friends told me it would be “porkgasmic,” and to “try EVERYTHING,” so I was mentally prepared to drool publicly. The waitress suggested that with a group of four people, 8-10 dishes would be a good dinner portion, as the entire menu is small plates to share.

Although I wanted to take the advice of 27 and Frugal and order everything, we chose:

1. bacon-wrapped blue cheese–stuffed dates, spinach a la catalana (thanks for the advice secondstrokeny)

2. roasted brussels’ sprouts, grapes, puffed rice, tomatoes, herbs, chile vin.

3. salt & pepper spicy white shrimp, golden pineapple, sweet potatoes

4. crispy pork belly, cauliflower, peperoncini, romesco, parsley-garlic

5. bbq, braised short rib sliders, sweet potato fries, smoked paprika aioli

6. sauteed broccoli rabe, roasted portobella-truffle toast, fried egg

7. seared scallops, butternut squash, huckleberries, pistachios, sage

8. “Chinese hot pot” of shrimp and mussels

roasted brussels’ sprouts, grapes, puffed rice, tomatoes, herbs, chile vin.

The dishes came out in waves, making the dinner more exciting, since it was always a surprise to  see which would come out next. Our verdict? We loved the spicy shrimp, crispy pork belly,  sauteed broccoli rabe, and seared scallops (my fave) the most. We followed up the dinner with two desserts: the bacon doughnuts, dulche de leche, with coffee ice cream and nutella mousse with pear, chocolate bark, & peanut brittle. I struggled to share the nutella mousse with the rest of the table, but luckily the group allowed me to eat more mousse because I was going sans bacon doughnuts.

seared scallops, butternut squash, huckleberries, pistachios, sage

I think the most unexpected part about Traif is the atmosphere. It’s casual and relaxed despite it’s mature menu. We sat on the back enclosed patio with space heaters, and while some may not appreciate that esthetic, we liked feeling as comfy as possible as we gathered around our brussels sprouts. As my friend and fellow Traif diner Leslie said, “It works in Brooklyn.” Add Traif to your must-try list in 2012, and check out the full menu here.

Where to Eat Right Now: DuMont

27 Jul

DuMont is known for it’s spectacular burgers, but if you need another reason to eat there right now, it’s the amazing backyard garden dining experience. From the Williamsburg street, Dumont looks modest, with a green neon sign and simple decor. A step inside will bring you to the bar and indoor seating area, but don’t stay in there too long, if the weather is good, head out back. The spacious backyard covered with greenery makes for an ideal date spot or group dinner.

The cuisine is casual and comfortable, but extremely well done and unique with dishes like the classic Du-mac and Cheese, Brick Roasted Heritage Chicken, and the infamous Dumont Burger. Just make sure not to leave without ordering the frito misto (or Rock Shrimp, Calamari, Skate, Summer Squash, Lemon, Capers, and Chipotle Aioli) for an appetizer and the candied pecan sundae for dessert. Also, you must try the summery cocktails like the “Zip-a-dee-do-dah” (a watermelony blackberry vodka mix) and my fave, the super-fresh Dill Fresca.

Plan your next night out at DuMont, located at 432 Union Street, and check out the full menu here.

 

 

 

 

 

Paint Party: BYOB Painting Classes

17 Jul

Whether you’re an aritst, want to learn, or just like any excuse to BYOB, nycartlessons.com (soon to be Painting Lounge) has the art session for you. Located at 438 Union Avenue in Williamsburg, the Painting Lounge is creating a stress-free, relaxed environment to learn a new skill, with a teacher who provides step-by-step instruction along the way. Classes are $50 for two hours, $65 for three, which includes the price of all the supplies that you’ll need for the class.

Ready to sign up? You can visit the calendar to see which class interests you most, then just register right online. BYOB painting is a unique gift idea, date, or night out with friends or co-workers. BONUS: Dumont Restaurant is on the same block for a delicious after-class dinner.

From Dumbo to Williamsburg in Minutes

1 Jul

Dumbo and Williamsburg aren’t too far from each other, but there is no quick subway ride to travel between the two neighborhoods. Thanks to the new East River Ferry, Williamsburg-ians and Dumbo-ites can move between the areas efficiently (and it’s fun!). I tested the ferry recently, and while the fast moving ferry messed up my hair (see photo), it was super fast, easy, and only $4.

It picks up in a few Brooklyn locations, Brooklyn Bridge Park in Dumbo, South Williamsburg North Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and on Fridays Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn Bridge Park. Aside from Brooklyn, you can travel to Queens, Governor’s Island, and Manhattan. Check out this map to see the route and learn more. Bonus: The ferry also makes it easy to head to the Brooklyn Flea on the weekends!

Your Go-To Date Spot: D.O.C. Wine Bar

30 Jun

If you’re anything like me and think cheese plates, paninis, and red wine make the world go round, you’re going to love D.O.C. Wine Bar in Williamsburg. The rustic Italian eatery exudes charm with its tiny candlelit tables, each with its own fresh flowers. It may be a wine bar, but it’s not snooty. It’s comfortable and low-key, and the staff is friendly (and don’t mind if you haven’t mastered the Italian words on the menu).

Don’t leave without getting a panini; I tried the Dorgali, with eggplant, tomatoes, and basil. The prices are reasonable too– $7-8.50 for a panini, $6-$9 for crostini, and some bottles in the $30-$40 range. Take a date, bring some friends, and visit their website here.

Momofuku Milk Bar Sweetens Williamsburg

19 Jun

The famous Momofuku Milk Bar has moved into Williamsburg, and it’s undeniably an amazing addition to the neighborhood. If you’re craving something sweet, stop by for a slice of the Candy Bar Pie (or Crack Pie, Grasshopper pie, Cereal Milk Soft Serve, Compost Cookies… etc. etc.), but the Candy Bar pie is the perfect cure for a sugar craving. The new Brooklyn location is at  382 Metropolitan Avenue.

BYOB Sushi: A Brooklyn Staple

3 Jun

Every Brooklynite needs a go-to BYOB sushi spot, and I’ve recently discovered my new fave– Ako Sushi in Williamsburg. Three reasons why?

1. It’s right next to wine shop Uva, making it quick and easy to go in and grab a bottle for dinner.

2. It has an outdoor backyard space for summer dining.

3. The Tuna Salmon Twister Roll will blow your mind.

You can visit Ako Sushi at 205 Bedford Ave between 5th and 6th streets.

Meatball Shop Expanding to Brooklyn?

14 Nov

There are only a few things that I consider worth going to Manhattan for– Levain Bakery’s cookies, Soho shopping, and the Meatball Shop on the Lower East Side. That list may get cut shorter, as rumors are flying that The Meatball Shop could have found a second location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Grub Street tells us that owners Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow are eyeing a spot on Bedford Avenue. And while no leases have been signed yet, it looks like Holzman and Chernow have their hearts set on the trendy neighborhood. In the meantime, I’ll be dreaming of veggie meatballs and ice cream cookie sandwiches.

 

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