Dish Spotting: Pop’s of Brooklyn’s Texas Sr. Burger
Normally, wandering around NYC in search of a great meal with no concrete plan doesn’t end well. If you manage to come across a place with a decent menu that will seat you without a reservation, chances are it won’t be long before you realize why the joint wasn’t exactly packed. But, once in a while you might come across a gem that not only accommodates your poor planning, but also becomes one of your new favorites. And that’s exactly what happened when we stumbled into Pop’s of Brooklyn this past weekend in search of a quick burger and beer.
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Zenkichi
There’s nothing that adds more to the romance of Valentine’s Day than a sexy atmosphere. While it might be just a restaurant, dining at Zenkichi, a sexy izakaya in Brooklyn, is a Bond-like experience. You’ll happen on a corner with an unmarked building in Williamsburg. Slip inside and down the stairs and suddenly you’re in Japan (well almost). There’s rocks on the floor, bamboo trim, and trickling water in the background to set the mood. Oh, and each booth has a privacy curtains. Every time the server enters they have to ring a bell. Sound sexy? Damn right. Start with a seasonal sake from their impressive selection and an order of the Salmon with its own Roe, Lamb Chop Tataki with ginger onion soy sauce and Sweet Duck Salad with soft egg and baby greens. For dessert,...
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Mas Farmhouse
Sure, going out to dinner might not be the most original idea, but eating is our favorite pastime and you never know what you’ll find at Mas Farmhouse. That’s because chef Galen Zamarra changes his menu on a daily basis to include only the best ingredients from nearby local farms. This paves the way for an innovative menu that’s included dishes such as Shrimp crusted with Spaghetti Squash and Brussel Sprouts Roasted with House-Cured Lamb Bacon. Not that you need another reason, but the intimate space with its wood beamed walls and dim lighting is the ideal setting for February 14th. It might be just dinner, but it’s a dinner your special someone won’t...
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French Culinary Institute
You do know you don’t have to go to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, right? You could take a cooking class together. That’s romantic and useful. And there are plenty of classes to choose from at the French Culinary Institute around the 14th. This year, they’ve got a Artisanal Bread Baking class, and a Wine Class for beginners. If you’re not looking to get your hands dirty, you could book a table in the Monte Bello Dining Room inside the school, where FCI students will prepare a meal just for the occasion with wine pairings to...
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The McKittrick Hotel’s Valentine’s Dance
If you’re looking to spice things up and do something a whole lot different this Valentine’s Day, The McKittrick Hotel is the way to go. Constructed in 1939, the hotel was planned to be the most luxurious of its time. Unfortunately, World War II prevented the hotel from ever opening its doors, but after seven decades, it’s being reopened as one of the most original theater experiences in history. With an interactive performance of Shakespeare’s Sleep No More, you’ll be able to choose your own path and eat and drink plenty along the way. And after the performance , they’ll be a Valentine’s Day ball with mandatory Jazz-era attire required and plenty of...
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Astor Wine & Spirits
Maybe this is your first Valentine’s Day with your significant other, or maybe you just really need a casual, relaxing night this time around. Either way, a wine or cocktail class at Astor Wine & Spirits is a perfect way to loosen up and learn a little something before dinner. The night before Valentine’s Day, they’re offering a Red Wine Class and a Hands-On Cocktail Workshop, so take your pick. There are plenty of great gastropubs in the East Village to end the night at, including one of our favorites, The...
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Drink Spotting: Candy Cane Martini at Highpoint Bistro & Bar
It’s hard not to feel a little bit deflated after the holidays. Luckily, the Candy Cane Martini at Highpoint will keep you in the holiday spirit for just a little bit longer.
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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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Chef Joe Doe
Chef Joe Dobias and mixologist Jill Schulster have put together what they’ve dubbed as an “aggressive American” menu at their East Village restaurant. Not only does that phrase capture the essence of their bold dishes, like the Fried Chicken Feet and the Pork and Beans with Duck Eggs and Bacon Dough, it also explains Chef Joe Doe’s list of Prepared Beers. The 10-item beer cocktail list features primarily American brews spiked with hand-made spirits seasonal juices, salts, and unusual ingredients like frozen marshmallows and peanut dust.
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The Woodland
From the crew behind the recently shuttered Vandaag, Woodland has proven to be a welcome addition to Park Slope’s restaurant scene. The menu is spotted with adventurous dishes like Pig’s Head Croquets, Housemade Bratwurst, and Venison Tartare, while the drink menu is relatively tame with reds, whites, ciders, and beers on tap. But there’s one cocktail, the “Brooklyn Shandy,” that’s exciting and stands up to the hearty menu offerings.
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