Recent Posts
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Hunter’s, Cobble Hill
April 5, 2013
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Common Hands CSA
March 29, 2013
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Atlantic ChipShop, Brooklyn Heights
March 18, 2013
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Elbow Room, Barclays Center
February 27, 2013
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Sweet Chick, Williamsburg
February 19, 2013
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Cafe Dada, Park Slope
February 2, 2013
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By vanessa [yummy brooklyn], on April 5, 2013, at 11:27 pm 
To me there is no better way to celebrate the change of seasons than to roam around Brooklyn, where there is something new and yummy around every corner.
Case in point: Mr. Yummy Brooklyn and I spent a recent Sunday afternoon in Cobble Hill, where we had a late lunch at Hunter’s. It was after 4pm, sunlight was still pouring in the front windows, and the last of the brunch crowd was finishing up. We sat at the bar and started off with cocktails: a Handsome Hound for him, a Katniss Everdeen for her. Both were served in those champagne “saucer” type glasses,which always strike me as sort retro and thus very hip, very Brooklyn.
My Katniss Everdeen was light and sweet (without being weak) and perfect for sipping on a springy Sunday afternoon. It was also a pleasant accompaniment to our first course of kale salad and mussels. I love kale and this salad was no exception, especially thanks to the grilled greens, which had a nice smoky flavor.
But I loved the mussels even more. Those were served in a succulent miso butter broth, with pieces of bread already ripped up and sitting in the bowl for our dipping convenience.
In round two of our meal, Mr. Yummy Brooklyn took a few bites of this Crispy Fish Sandwich and was temporarily transported to a summer day in Cape Cod. That’s a good thing. The fish sandwiches there are kind of insane.
Meanwhile, I took a trip to Philly with the Mushroom “Cheese Steak” sandwich. Though some would be dubious of such a thing, this veg version had the signature flavors of the original, with melted gruyere, carmelized onions, and pepperoncini complimenting meaty ‘shrooms instead of steak. I only wished that the baguette was a bit softer and easier to eat. But no matter, down the hatch it went, along with an amazing size of truffle fries.
Looking over this meal, I’m hungry for more. I hope to visit Hunter’s again soon and try the dinner menu, which features lighter, seasonal dishes for Spring, like roasted brook trout, housemade minted ricotta ravioli, and spring vegetable-stuffed radicchio leaves. Plus, there’s a Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp calling my name, and it would be rude to ignore that.
Are you taking advantage of the nicer weather and longer days? Yummy Brooklyn awaits…
Hunters, Cobble Hill
213 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
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By vanessa [yummy brooklyn], on March 29, 2013, at 6:18 pm  Common Hands Farm I am excited to be joining my very first CSA with Common Hands Farm! For those who are new to CSA:
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a relationship that allows YOU, the vegetable lover, to directly support US, the farmers who live and breathe growing vegetables. Usually in the winter or early spring, the CSA member will buy a “share”, a weekly assortment of what’s good and growin’ at the moment. This assortment is hand-picked with love and then delivered to a pick-up location near you. - commonhandscsa.com
Subscribing to a CSA gives you an opportunity to support your local economy and farmers while receiving a selection of SUPER fresh produce each week at an affordable price. I was thrilled to learn about Common Hands Farm, which is located just outside of Hudson, NY and committed to organic farming practices. They are in their second year and providing pick-up locations locally and in Park Slope, Brooklyn. They offer both full and half share options. A full share is priced at $615 for 23 weeks of produce and a half share at $365 for 12 weeks of produce (pick-up every other week). This equates to roughly $26 a week which sounds like a good deal to me, when the product is a beautiful bunch of grown-with-love, freshly picked organic vegetables like this:
 Example Weekly CSA Share Along with other Brooklyn shareholders, I’ll be picking up my weekly produce assortment Tuesday evenings at Brooklyn Boulders. Which probably means I’m going to end up trying my hand at rock-climbing. Bonus.
Another Bonus: Beyond supporting local and organic agriculture, I’m eager to get cooking again. It’s no secret that I eat out a lot, but what you might not know is that I LOVE to cook. So, I’m promising myself that I will not let this amazing CSA opportunity go to waste. I’m going to get myself back in the kitchen to experiment, create, and then share the adventure with you here on YummyBrooklyn.com. Stay tuned…
In the meantime, visit www.commonhandscsa.com to learn more about this CSA or snag a share of your own. Not in Brooklyn? Use The Eat Well Guide to find a CSA near you!
By vanessa [yummy brooklyn], on March 18, 2013, at 9:46 pm Did you Dine in Brooklyn? Our borough’s version of Restaurant Week recently ran from March 11-21, with restaurants across Brooklyn offering special Prix Fixe menus. I did my duty at Atlantic ChipShop where the Dine in Brooklyn special featured a 3-course dinner for two priced at $28.
ChipShop, for those who aren’t familiar, is a British Fish & Chips restaurant with locations in Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope. The menu boasts British comfort food favorites including Fish & Chips, Shepard’s Pie, Scotch Eggs, Welsh Rarebit, Bangers & Mash, and apparently anything deep-fried (think Pizza, and Mac & Cheese, baked goods).
I have trouble saying no to mac and cheese, so I started my meal with the Fried Macaroni appetizer, which the menu described as “sounds weird but is bloody lovely.” It was bloody lovely indeed, with it’s thin crispy shell and creamy, macaroni filled center. Here it is in all of it’s golden glory.
Since I have no self control, I had mac and cheese for the next course too. The Mushroom Mac was really yummy, with large pieces of meaty portobello throughout. And despite a warning that the Dine in Brooklyn portions were smaller than those on the regular menu, I found myself with more than enough cheesy goodness to fill me up. Plus there was a pile of peas. Hardly enough green to redeem me on that night, but at least they were there.
As I was busy eating cheese followed by more cheese, my table-mates enjoyed Fish & Chips, Chicken Curry, and Haggis (google that one if you’re curious, but not if you’re sqeaumish). And for dessert? I continued my eating extravaganza with a decadent and boozy “Adult Milkshake” and the infamous Fried Twinkie, which as you can see masquerades as a (tasty) heart-shaped cake:
While this may have been my unhealthiest Yummy Brooklyn adventure to date, I do recommend ChipShop. It’s a fun place to grab a few pints with your buddies, overindulge a bit, and relax and enjoy the Britain-meets-Brooklyn vibe.
Atlantic Chip Shop, Brooklyn Heights
129 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11201
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By vanessa [yummy brooklyn], on February 27, 2013, at 10:21 am  Margherita Mac (Oven Roasted Tomatoes, House-made Mozz, Fresh Basil) “A really long time ago a diabolically smart person (possibly even your grandmother’s grandmother’s grandmother) decided that elbow pasta and cheese should be mixed together and served as a dish. An American classic was born.” - Elbow Room BK
 Mushroom Mac Topped With Crispy Shallots Mac and Cheese is indeed an American classic. For many it is a favorite childhood memory and the ultimate comfort food. So, if you’re going to devote an entire restaurant to the dish, you better do the right thing and make it amazing. Luckily, the Mac and Cheese gods seem to be smiling down on Brooklyn, because Elbow Room Barclays does just that.
The same gods must be smiling down on me too, as I was recently invited to visit Elbow Room for a taste. On a chilly Saturday afternoon, Mr. Yummy Brooklyn accompanied me to Barclays where we found the entrance to Elbow Room on the quieter, less traveled, Atlantic Avenue side of the arena (during an event, ticket-holders can also access Elbow Room from inside of Barclays).
So… What makes Elbow Room different from Mom’s Mac and Cheese?
 Vegan Queso Fundido Super Fresh, High Quality Ingredients: No Velveeta here! Elbow Room prides itself on sourcing artisan crafted cheeses, local organic veggies, and 100% grass fed beef. The Margherita Mac (quite possibly my favorite of the day) featured a beautiful melty, house-made mozzarella.
A Global Twist: It’s totally cool if you want to keep it classic and opt for the “Old School Mac” featuring NY State cheddar and garlic breadcrumbs. But it’s equally cool that you can take your pick of Elbow Room’s globally inspired macs like Chicken Tinga or Jamaican Jerk. And with rotating weekly and seasonal specials, who knows where their Mac and Cheese will take you next.
A Vegan Version: Arenas, stadiums, ballparks and other such venues are not always the most vegetarian/vegan-friendly of places. So it’s extra nice that Elbow Room offers several tasty vegetarian macs. On top of that they offer a vegan mac so good that it’s actually one of their best sellers. The Vegan Queso Fundido “cheese” is made with a soymilk/tofu base and comes topped with soyrizo, jalapeno slices, avocado, cilantro, and a fun pile of crunchy tortilla strips. It’s a yummy option for vegans, the Meatless Monday crowd, and for those who simply want to try something different.
An Awesome Executive Chef: On their website you’ll find a playful but very mysterious description of Elbow Room’s chef. However, I was fortunate to meet “Mr. Elbow” in person and I found that there was no air of mystery about him, only a passion for food and the joy that eating good food (like mac and cheese) instills in people. So while you’re enjoying your mac, know that a lot of heart went into it. Oh, and the talents of a Le Cordon Blue grad.
 Jamaican Jerk Chicken Mac with Grilled Pineapple, Toasted Coconut, & Scotch Bonnets Fellow Mac and Cheese lovers, go on and check out Elbow Room for yourself the next time you are in the area or going to Barclays. The smallest size mac (actually called “Big”) is a meal in itself and an affordable one, especially where arena food is concerned. And if you are in need of more tempting, take a look at the full menu. Which mac is calling your name?
Elbow Room, Barclays Center
614 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
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By vanessa [yummy brooklyn], on February 19, 2013, at 11:57 am 
North Brooklyn is getting some extra Southern flavor today with the grand opening of Sweet Chick. Located on Bedford Avenue and North 8th Street in Williamsburg, this new restaurant will be serving up Chicken & Waffles (including a veg version) and other Southern-inspired dishes. I was lucky to have my first taste of Sweet Chick at their preview event last week. Read on for the yummy details, y’all.
My friend Ilana was my date for the night and thanks to her Southern roots, she was the perfect accomplice. It was divide and conquer as she sampled the Chicken & Waffles and I tasted the vegetarian version of the dish, made with seitan (pictured above). We each found our version of the signature dish to be crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. And while Ilana was jonesing for some hot sauce to give her chicken some more heat, my veggie chicken had an awesome kick to it as is. In any case, we both happily cleaned our plates, which also included some of Sweet Chick’s house Mac and Cheese made with an ultra-creamy and rich mix of gruyere, aged white cheddar, and fontina cheeses.
The sneak peek feast featured additional menu items including super addicting fries, pickles (including a delicious pickled okra), Kale BLT Salad, Artic Char, Duck Sliders, and Pork Tenderloin. Ilana raved about one menu item in particular: “The sliders were pretty awesome – probably my favorite thing actually. I love a good old fashioned sloppy joe! And it doesn’t show up on menus nearly often enough. Their version, featuring duck, is delicious, delicious, delicious without being the least bit pretentious! If I was planning a party, I would want them on the menu.”
All of this nosh was complimented by Sweet Chick’s delicious cocktail menu which included Purple Drank (gin, Welch’s grape soda), The Sweet Chick martini (made with house-infused watermelon vodka), and my favorite, The Heirloom negroni. However, you can also quench your thirst at Sweet Chick with one of seven craft beers on tap, a selection of wines, and a custom-made Arnold Palmer soda from the always wonderful Brooklyn Soda Works.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Luckily, we did and enjoyed a jar of rich Double Chocolate Pudding (topped with vanilla whipped cream and a crunchy graham cracker) and a slice of their classic New York style cheesecake. And just in case that wasn’t enough, we each went home with a jar of treats, a smaller version of Sweet Chick’s Cookie Jar dessert.
Welcome to (yummy) Brooklyn, Sweet Chick!
Sweet Chick, Williamsburg
164 Bedford Avenue (at N. 8th Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11249
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By vanessa [yummy brooklyn], on February 2, 2013, at 12:50 pm 
Every once in awhile a Saturday or Sunday rolls around when you don’t feel like sleeping in and going for brunch, a mid-day event which more often than not includes unlimited mimosas and a meal so large you’re not hungry again until 6pm. The next day. Sometimes, you need something a touch more like Park Slope’s Cafe Dada.
Cafe Dada, or simply “Dada” as we like to call it, is situated on the corner of 7th Ave and Lincoln, in the space formerly occupied by Ozzie’s, and long before that a shop that sold “trusses and belts.” It is a French-Hungarian cafe, but I prefer to think of it as an oasis of coffee (Blue Bottle espresso drinks and Brooklyn Roasting Co. drip) and perfectly portioned food. It’s a great place to de-stress after a long work week. Though it’s a busy, the atmosphere is relaxed and the baristas and servers are always very friendly. They are always patient as I stumble over the French or Hungarian words on the menu.
As far as the menu goes, it’s all yummy. You can go the healthy route with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh berries, or perhaps a yogurt parfait. Or, enjoy an eggy breakfast sandwich (Mr. Yummy Brooklyn enjoys the Potato Pogacsa, a hungarian style potato biscuit with ham, eggs & asparagus) or quiche. Instead of a heaping mound of greasy home fries, these items are served with a a healthy, light accompaniment of mixed greens.
Of course, you can also indulge with potato pancakes (served with smoked salmon) or crepes (of either the sweet or savory variety), but even these dishes are light enough that you won’t require a 2 hour afternoon nap to recover from them. Pinky swear.
So, if you’re not interested in eating your body weight in Huevos Rancheros this weekend, drop by Dada to try their deliciously strong coffee and tasty menu offerings. There’s also a pastry case if you need something sweet to grab on the go, but I haven’t tackled that yet. Enjoy!
Cafe Dada, Park Slope
57 7th Avenue (corner of Lincoln)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Cafe Dada Facebook
View all photos from Cafe Dada.
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