American Cuisines
Best Gastropub – Pork Slope
It doesn’t get more unpretentious and casual than this recently opened Park Slope pub, even though Top Chef golden boy Dale Talde is part owner and Executive chef. All of the classic Americana menu items (Dale’s nearby restaurant, Talde, is known for quirky Asian fusion) are designed to be totally affordable, and ideally paired with a glass of great whisky, a pint of microbrew, or even a PBR and a shot if that’s your thing. Choices include a smoky Brisket Sandwich, a rack of sticky St. Louis ribs, and a squishy fast food-style burger (that’s actually a great thing.) Our far and away favorite is the Porky Melt, a sweet sausage patty topped with caramelized onions, mustard and melted cheese, and served on marbled rye bread. A side of crispy tater tots is a must…we hear that they’re Dale’s...
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Best After Work Drinks – Post Office
Brooklyn isn’t exactly short on options when it comes to great bars for after work drinks, but we love the ultra-casual vibe of this Williamsburg watering hole. We particularly enjoy its 30-strong list of vintage spirits and small batch whiskies. Try the powerful and oaky Berkshire Corn Whiskey, tempered by a fruity finish of cherry and apple, or the considerably milder Michter’s American, which tastes like buttered popcorn, vanilla, and candied almonds. Either pairs perfectly with classic bar grub like Pulled Pork sandwiches or Grilled Cheese, assuring a pleasant end to even the most stressful work...
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Best New Find – The Wallace
Can a former magazine publisher -turned chef- turned restaurant owner even hope to make a mark on Brooklyn’s expansive local-seasonal scene? The answer is yes if you’re talking about Jon Wallace, who just opened his first eatery in Clinton Hill with fiance Jessica Soule. At The Wallace, chef Jon manages to add spice and soul to dishes that, at less interesting restaurants and under less capable hands, run the risk of becoming tired trends. Case in point – a board of both housemade and locally sourced Charcuterie, which includes duck liver pate with diced jalapeño and plum jam, testa with pickled shallot, and Benton’s ham with chili oil (we weren’t kidding about the spice). A not-too-sweet Butternut Squash Risotto with mascarpone, pecorino romano and balsamic reduction makes a terrific follow-up, as do Braised Oxtails (tender as short ribs!) with...
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Best Gastropub – The Redhead
Here at Restaurant Girl, we consider knowing how to select the perfect place for dinner an essential skill. Of course, picking the ultimate spot in a city so full of choices isn’t always easy – so whether you’re looking to get down and dirty with a plate of barbecue, need a romantic (but not too romantic!) place to take a first date, or just want to decompress after work with a good, stiff drink, we’ve got five ideal options for you.
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After Work Drinks – Blind Tiger Ale House
Here at Restaurant Girl, we consider knowing how to select the perfect place for dinner an essential skill. Of course, picking the ultimate spot in a city so full of choices isn’t always easy – so whether you’re looking to get down and dirty with a plate of barbecue, need a romantic (but not too romantic!) place to take a first date, or just want to decompress after work with a good, stiff drink, we’ve got five ideal options for you.
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Drink Spotting: Horseman’s Grogg at The Smith
Between the “Muddlers,” “Long Pours,” and “Fancy Cocktails,” The Smith has quite a selection for their thirsty diners. They’ve got some great classics like their Old Fashioned, a “Midtown” Manhattan, and a Bloody Mary (complete with vodka and a secret recipe), but it doesn’t end there.
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Saul
Chef Saul Bolton will host the feast for the eighth year running at his Michelin-starred Brooklyn restaurant, Saul, as well as at (appropriately), his newly opened Italian-American spot, Red Gravy. But don’t go looking for tomato sauce and deep-fat frying at either place. Instead, guests can expect refined fare like Salt Cod Soup, Main Diver Scallop with White Beans, Squid Ink Spaghetti with Sea Urchin, and for dessert, a velvety Chocolate Budino (shellfish thankfully not...
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Restaurant Spotting – Mayfield
Brooklyn has been beckoning Manhattan-based food journalists and foodies across the river for awhile now. But there are still plenty of under-explored neighborhoods in the borough. Case in point: Crown Heights, which is perhaps one of the most rapidly changing sections of Brooklyn right now. The latest addition to the neighborhood is a New American restaurant called Mayfield.
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Q & A with Tavern on the Green’s New Chef Katy Sparks
Katy Sparks may be a farm girl at heart, but that hasn’t stopped her from making her mark at some of the most revered four-star restaurants in New York City.
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Good’s Crispy Turkey Scallopine
The comfort food is pretty darn good at this all-American spot in the West Village so we’re excited to see what they do with the flavors of our beloved, turkey-centric holiday. Post Thanksgiving, we’re still craving the bird, which gets an elegant update with their spin on a Classic Veal Scallopine. It’s made with Turkey instead, which is pounded, sauteed, and topped with Ricotta Salata and fresh pea shoots, in a zesty, lemon and brown butter...
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North End Grill
It’s hard to believe Danny Meyer’s Modern American Grill opened a year ago right around this time. You could celebrate Thanksgiving or the fact that Chef Floyd Cardoz has been back on the dining scene and as creative as ever. Either way, you’re in for a great meal. Chef Cardoz is offering Pumpkin Soup with crabmeat, and a very un-Thanksgiving (and delicious sounding) Lobster Egg Custard with sea urchin and bonito flakes. And those are only two of the appetizers. You’ll have plenty of entrees to choose from, including Heritage Turkey with corn bread stuffing and gravy, and Quinoa Mustard Pilaf with mushrooms and chestnuts, communal sides included. And last but not least, a choice between four holiday inspired desserts including Chestnut Doughnuts with chocolate dipping sauce. Prix Fixe menu, $85/person, 11:30am –...
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Back Forty
A farm-to-table locavore Thanksgiving dinner may not be what you’re used to at home because it’s so much better. Peter Hoffman crafts a locally sourced, holiday menu at both Back Forty outposts where his large-format, laidback dinner is perfect for a group of family and friends. The menus vary depending on location, but both offer up a three-course meal, served family-style. For the first course, you’ll be enjoying either a rich Autumn Vegetable Minestrone with ricotta dumplings, or Chicken Liver Mousse with house pickles. Second course includes Pumpkin Ravioli, Grass Fed Steak, Salmon, or Turkey Breast. And for dessert, plan on enjoying a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake, Apple Pie, or Pecan Tart. 3-course family style, $60/person (East Village) $65/person (SoHo), 2pm –...
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Craft
If you’re looking for a truly traditional Thanksgiving meal that you don’t have to cook yourself, consider making a reservation at Craft this holiday. This Tom Colicchio original is known for its simple, seasonal and flavorful fare, and their holiday menu follows suit. Start with a first course of Crisp Bacon with apples, followed by a Roasted Free-Range Turkey, a side of Sweet Potato Puree, and end with a slice of Sugar Pumpkin Pie. And that’s just one of the options from the American nouveau crafted menu. Prix Fixe menu, $135/person, 2pm –...
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No. 7
Sure, Tyler Kord’s sandwich shops (No. 7 Subs) are all the rage these days and rightfully so, but it all started with this teeny Brooklyn joint and some serious talent. Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to revisit or experience it for the first, not to mention what a great deal it is. It’s not every day that $85 will get you a three-course family style dinner, including wine, beer, and leftovers. And remember: there’s always the extra beer and wine to be grateful for. 3-course family style (includes wine & beer), $85/person, 3pm & 6pm...
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The Beagle
Restaurant Girl hits up The Beagle and its seasonal cocktail selection on her search for the best fall cocktails.
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Heartland Brewery
Restaurant Girl visits Heartland Brewery on her search for the best fall cocktails.
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Dovetail’s Pumpkin Soup
People have been talking about Dovetail’s Pumpkin Soup for years. While it’s not technically new, it just keeps getting better with age. Owner and chef John Fraser made a splash when he first opened his ambitious seasonal American restaurant on the Upper West Side, earning praise and a Michelin star in the process. This fall, he’s upped the ante on one of his now signature dishes. This season’s version is a luscious, yet light broth (made with pumpkin juice and whole pumpkin puree), scattered with Pomegranate Seeds, Granny Smith Apple Pearls, and Pumpernickel Croutons for crunch. The final touch is the unique addition of homemade Marshmallows, spiced with Vadouvan, a French curry blend typically made with onions, shallots, garlic and cardamom. And if you’re still craving pumpkin come dessert, order a scoop of Dovetail’s Pumpkin Ice...
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Park Avenue Autumn’s Pumpkin & Molasses Cake
This midtown spot not only include a change in the menu but the entire décor and space as well. Park Avenue Autumn is here until late November, with a menu that highlights the season’s best, including Roast Chicken with “Pumpkin Pie”. Except this year the talented Richard Leach has added a new and exceptional sweet to his dessert menu, a Warm Pumpkin & Molasses Cake. A stunning arrangement of four components that include a warm and deliciously dense Pumpkin Cake, sweetened with molasses, alongside a a Sour Cream Panna Cotta Bar, and Chilled Molasses...
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Westville’s Pumpkin Pie A la Mode
Since Apple Pie is the pie to which all others are compared, it’s difficult to say which version is the absolute best. We’re always looking for that one slice of apple pie where the apples aren’t too limp or too crisp. We’ve found what may be the perfect, simple apple pie at Westville.
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