Jenblossom's Profile
Myrtle Avenue and Bushwick eats?
Yeah, Wickster, I've lived here for 4 years, have tried the options in the area and frankly, there's nothing remarkable. Manna's on Broadway is decent, but unremarkable. All of the chicken and rice places are meh - nothing exciting or special about any of them that I've tried, and frankly, if I want good Mexican food I'll cook it myself, thank you. If you think this area is a destination for good dining, you're delusional.
Myrtle Avenue and Bushwick eats?
What exactly are you looking for? I live in the area and I'll be honest, there's not much I can recommend as far as dining options.
Good Food and comfortable in Fort Green/Clinton Hill
We have only been there for brunch so far, but my husband and I enjoy Chez Lola on Myrtle Avenue. They have a nice menu, pleasant waitstaff, a warm and relaxed environment, and nice silk cushions available for the bench seating around the restaurant. The volume in the restaurant on all occasions we have been there for brunch has been very conducive to conversation; again, I'm not sure if the vibe is different for dinners, but it may be a place to consider.
your favorite Tuna Tartare recipe?
I contributed the following for a cooking column in the Feb. 2007 issue of ShojoBeat:
For the dressing you’ll need:
1 tbsp. tamari
1/2 tsp. canola oil
1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1/4 tsp. wasabi paste
1/2 tsp. Sriracha (or other hot sauce)
Juice and zest of half a lemon
1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
Plus:
4-6 oz. sushi-grade tuna, diced (about 4-6 oz.)
1 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
Rice crackers
Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Gently toss the tuna with the dressing and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can combine. (You can make the tartare a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it - take it out 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.)
Mound the tartare onto a serving dish, sprinkle with chives and serve with rice crackers.
Great ingredient combos
Tomatoes + capers + olives
Chiles + mint
Lemon zest + parsley
Tomatoes + feta
Mushrooms + tarragon
Meyer lemons + fennel
I'm getting hungry. :)
What accompanies pork tenderloin w/ prune sauce?
The last time I made pork with prunes was Valentine's Day 2006, and I served it with green beans and celeriac puree:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenblossom/100063805/in/set-72057594064843564/
Arthur Avenue Review
Nice review - I really do need to get back up there. My husband and I spent a day wandering around far too long ago, and we keep talking about going back but just haven't gotten to it yet. Among other things, we got some great cheeses from Calandra's, delicious pasta from Borgatti's (I am so with you on the ravioli), and incredible freshly shucked clams which we ate right there on the street!
One dollar oyster happy hour in Williamsburg area
Definitely Marlow and Sons. (No, I don't work for them. But I would in a heartbeat.)
I think the happy hour oysters are up to $1.50 each? My husband and I were in there over the weekend and split two dozen plus a bottle of wine for $60.
Weird experience at Ici
My husband and I have been to iCi for brunch on several occasions now (most recently on Saturday) and haven't had a bad experience there... hopefully that will continue!
Williamsburg Morning grub?
If you miss southern breakfasts, and if you want a place to go during the week, then definitely run, don't walk, to egg. :)
Williamsburg Morning grub?
I think egg has the best breakfast in the area, but it can be difficult to get into. Others mentioned Enid's and Fada, which are also good choices. I'm generally not a fan of omelettes, but my husband and I recently tried Juliette and the omelette I had was the fluffiest and probably best restaurant omelette I've had. I love the baked eggs at Fabiane's, and Diner always has interesting and tasty specials - I recently had a bowl of smokey pulled pork and a poached egg over grits there that was a real standout (they also have one of the better bloody marys around, if that's your thing).
If you want to spend a little more, Dressler's Sunday brunch is also really good.
Help introduce us to the Outer Boroughs
If I could choose only one Brooklyn restaurant to recommend I have to go with Marlow and Sons in Williamsburg: http://www.marlowandsons.com/
They don't have a huge menu, but it is a very thoughtful one (which does change just about daily), and we've never had a bad meal there. We love this place so much we even had our post-wedding dinner there with six of our closest friends.
