Tag Archives: Williamsburg

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.

 

Found: Vegan Fast Food

11 Nov

(picture via cheapassfood.com)

So you might have picked up on the fact that I’m a vegetarian. Which means at many restaurants I only have one or two options– and forget about fast food! BUT I just discovered a spot for us non-meat eaters offering vegan fast food! I know, weird… but amazing. Foodswings in Williamsburg serves up the vegan version of dishes like the Pu Pu Platter, the Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Nuggets, and the Italian Hero.

And while I’m not vegan, I know there are some Brooklynites who can’t indulge in dairy treats like ice cream sundaes and milkshakes. Foodswings has you covered; try their non-dairy Creamsicle Milkshake or Root Beer Float.

Check out the full menu here, and visit the restaurant at 295 Grand Street. Bonus: Foodswings is open for a vegan Thanksgiving dinner– book your table now!

Where to Eat Right Now: Lokal Mediterranean Bistro

7 Nov

I’m going to make a big statement right now. Ready? My dinner at Lokal Mediterranean Bistro is one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I’m not exaggerating– this place knows their stuff. Sitting on the Greenpoint/Williamsburg border, Lokal offers a warm comfortable atmosphere with the food to match.

The menu includes everything from grilled pizzas, to burgers, to fresh fish entrees. While I was eyeing the veggie panini (which I’m sure is fabulous), I asked the friendly staff for some recommendations, and I’m glad I did. Try the mussels appetizer; it’s Prince Edward Island Mussels sauteed in sea urchin butter, and finished in cilantro, garlic, and red wine. Next, order the sole or the roasted chicken. I know, you wouldn’t usually order a roasted chicken at a restaurant , but it’s their “specialty.” Cooked to perfection with a crispy outside and a juicy inside, it’s served with seasonal veggies like roasted Idaho potatoes, red beets and carrots, in a cremini mushroom and white whine sauce.

Please save room for dessert– and make sure it’s the bread pudding. It’s warm, rich, and served with vanilla ice cream, the perfect ending to your meal. If bread pudding’s not your thing, the staff also suggests the apple pie or chocolate souffle.

Drooling yet? Visit Lokal tonight at 905 Lorimer St. at Bedford Avenue. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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Where to Eat Right Now: That Burger Tent

15 Oct
Forget food trucks– how about a food tent? Or in this case “That Burger Tent,” a brand new burger joint outside the Artists & Fleas Market at 129 N. 6th Street. These aren’t just any burgers either, That Burger Tent serves up the finest beef– with a custom blend from La Frieda Butchers (you know, those guys that supply Shake Shack, The Spotted Pig, and Minetta Tavern). If you’re a vegetarian like me, no worries. There are options for us cow-free eaters too, portobello burgers!
The best part? Everything is affordable. I mean $5 for a burger and chips, or $7 for a portobello and chips, plus $1 drinks. You don’t have to leave your burger naked either; I’m talking hearty toppings like guacamole, bacon, fresh mozzarella, and even Brooklyn Salsa.
While the food tent is a great way to grab a quick bite, That Burger Tent owner, Dan Petersen, hopes to open a more permanent burger bar in Williamsburg. If you love high quality, affordable, local food, check out Dan’s set-up, and support the cause to get another tasty restaurant in the neighborhood!

That Burger Tent is open every Saturday – and some Sundays –  weather permitting. Check out their twitter or facebook pages for when they will be open.

D-I-Wine at Brooklyn Winery

24 Jul

Soon, Brooklynites will have the opportunity to make their own wine from grape to glass right here in Williamsburg. Brooklyn Winery, now under construction, is set to open in mid-September. In the interim, the passionate owners are holding “hard hat tours” for the public. I ventured down to the space to check it out for myself. Take note now– the Brooklyn Winery is the future Mecca for local wine lovers. Not only will this be the spot to grab some friends and create your own barrel of wine, but it will also be a wine bar, wine tasting area, and private event/party destination.

You might be thinking, “Make my own wine? How does THAT work?” First, you pick your own winemaking package. You and your friends/family/co-workers head down and figure out what you want to do. Once you decide on the type of wine you want to make, you go through a hands-on process of crushing your own grapes, pressing, racking, tasting, and finally bottling (with help along the way from the expert wine-making staff, of course). YOU pick the name, the label, the graphic design, and the taste!

“Not only will you get good wine, but you will also have a finished product that looks pro,” winemaker Conor explained.

Some of us are lazy. We don’t want to crush grapes. That’s okay too– the staff is willing to do the work for you. Or, you could just hit up the wine bar. Because Brooklyn Winery gets to buy wine in bulk from other wineries, prices will be as low as $5-$6 a glass! (for real). The winery will also offer wine classes and bottle trading sessions, so you can learn while you drink AND bond with other wine enthusiasts.

“Community is so important to us, that’s what we’re all about,” Brooklyn Winery c0-owner Brian said.

Interested? Visit the winery for your own hardhat tour at 213 North 8th Street fon Friday 5-7pm, or Saturday 1-5pm, and have your own unique wine making experience upon opening this September.

Your Next Williamsburg Weekend

17 Jul

The Brooklyn Brewery (picture credit Paul W. Fusco)

I’ve heard the stereotypes about Williamsburg too– an overrated Hipster Haven filled with American Apparel shorts and dripping in PBR– but Williamsburg can actually be a good time if you know the right spots to hit. No clue? Don’t worry. I’ve mapped out a plan for you right here.

EAT HERE: Egg, 135 N 5th Street

Serving breakfast food all day, Egg is the ultimate spot for an early afternoon brunch. The restaurant owns its own farm outside the city in Oak Hill, New York, so you know  all the ingredients are fresh and organic. Try the Grafton Cheddar Omelet with broiled tomatoes and hash browns, the Country Ham biscuit, or the homemade granola with Ronnybrook yogurt.

DRINK HERE: Brooklyn Brewery, 79 N 11th Street

Take a tour of this local brewery, running hourly from 1 to 5 on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s free and you don’t even have to make reservations, but don’t leave without tasting some brews. Buy six tokens for just $20; each token is worth one pint. If you like the Belgian wheat beer taste go for the Brooklyner Weisse, or try the classic summer ale.

SHOP HERE: MeMe Antenna, 218 Bedford Avenue

This gift and music store carries jewelry, furniture, records, CD’s, and clothing. Looking for a new tee, a vintage record, or a new lamp for your living room? MeMe Antenna has something unique for you. BONUS! The shop is having a sale on ceramics, glassware, and other home goods now through July 23rd!

RELAX HERE: Grand Ferry Park, Grand Street at River Street

No, it’s not a huge like Central Park or Prospect Park, but it’s right on the water and it’s comfortable. With a beautiful view of the city and the Williamsburg Bridge, the park offers a place of solitude for busy Brooklyners to unwind and take a break. Bring a picnic and sprawl out on a patch of grass, or just sit on one of the waterfront benches.


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