The Grocery......more like Grossery

Ok it's an exaggeration, but who doesn’t love my kitchy lines? I wanted to take Eric somewhere nice in the neighborhood for his birthday and judging from the great reviews and recommendations from friends, what better place than the Grocery (288 Smith Street)? I mean if my friend from the Upper West Side is willing to travel all the way to Brooklyn to go to the place, it’s gotta be good right?

So we walked into this living room size restaurant (this time NO exaggeration) and found the tables so cramped, that even my little body had to suck in and pretend I had a size zero physique, after the table was pulled out to let me in. Sort of felt bad for our neighbors. Knowing I was stuck there for the night, I was hoping I didn’t have to take any bathroom trips.

The restaurant was populated by older married couples in their 40s, 50s, even 60s--the men mostly in suit jackets. Not sure we were quite in our element, being that that Eric was wearing sneakers and ripped jeans, but hey there’s no pretense from us!

The staff was extremely friendly, I mean to an extreme that is rarely seen. It’s not that often that a number of different waiters attempt to strike up a genuine conversation with you. We got so close to our waitress that we found out she and I had the same birthday! The chef came over to our table to offer us a complimentary appetizer, which was parsnip soup--good, but forgettable. The prices on the menu were not cheap, but what the heck, it was a special occasion and judging from what we had heard, prices should not even be an issue since the food was supposed to be beyond our expectations. I ordered the stuffed guinea hen with chicken liver and corn bread stuffing, and Eric chose the duck breast. I wasn’t so excited about my choice, however being that I’m Jewish and love chopped liver, what could be so bad? (that was in my mom’s Jewish Brooklyn accent) For an appetizer we ordered the crispy farro cake with roasted cauliflower, mushrooms, house smoked bacon, and charred balsamic onions. I told you we are obsessed with farro now, thanks to the Dumbo General Store.

Our food took FOREVER to arrive, to the point that we were offered another complimentary forgettable appetizer. I was still trying to maintain a positive attitude, but I wasn’t happy considering we had a birthday celebration after, where people were already waiting. When we were finally served, I attempted my meal. Unfortunately I could not muster the after taste and had to perform surgery on my entrée and only eat around the edges. Disappointment personified. I would have ordered something else, but nothing else sparked my interest. I repeatedly ate off Eric’s plate, and I don’t typically like duck. It was better than mine though. Wow, I always do this, I have such high expectations when I should really just walk in with a blank slate. After I used the restroom, the chef called me back into the kitchen to see what I had thought of the meal. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I wished I had ordered something else because he was so nice!

For dessert they gave us a complimentary passion fruit and hibiscus sorbet which was refreshing, but eh. The staff did come over and sing to Eric and served him a rhubarb crisp, and I can finally say that I enjoyed something of the night. For the money spent though I had hoped this visit would have been one for the books. Instead, it will unfortunately be nixed from the record. Sorry to say that I will be indulging in my Groceries elsewhere.

Next entry, I will be tossing away the white linen table cloths of Carroll Gardens and travel to Central America… oh I mean Red Hook… for some Latin deliciosa comida mmm mmm.

Erica’s Rating for the Grocery: 6

The One the Only the Fabulous DUMBO

I stole that title from one of my all time favorite Disney movies, I like to give credit where credit is due. This was my first trip here. Getting off the train, I noticed that the neighborhood was more spread out than Cobble Hill. It's composed of artsy loft-like spaces, warehouses, and high rise buildings. I was almost jealous until I heard the incessant racket of the subway crossing over the Manhattan bridge. To each his own, Dumboites!

Anyways, first stop was the ReRun movie theater in the back of Rebar, which is located on Front St. Walking in, I immediately wanted to sit down and eat in Rebar, but we had tickets to see an independent film for the evening (the theater's eclectic film line up is curated by a film writer for the Village Voice). I was completely surprised when I walked in the back and saw a funky little theater with seats taken from old minivans that I could recline in during the movie, and a small bar for some pre-movie sipping. The snacks were no ordinary movie theater snacks either, you couldn't get icees there if you tried. More like popcorn with your option of grease, (brown butter, drawn butter or herb butter, bacon fat or duck fat) powder (garlic, paprika, or herb salt), or both. I was not feeling the duck fat and stuck with the garlic powder, however my ever more adventurous paramour, chose the duck confit stuffed and baked focaccia with corn and marscapone and he recommends it. I didn't love my popcorn, and probably should have went for the fatty grease( in my eyes all things fattening= heaven). Other options include stuffed pretzels, gourmet hotdogs and sausages, and a variety of desserts for all around 5-7 dollars. After the movie was a Q and A with the movie's director which was cool. Eric, being in the movie business, likes to support independent movies and bought a DVD off him. Hopefully one day someone will pay it forward for him. Two annoying things that I found in this place was the noisy subway that at times distracted me from my movie and the fact that the bar had no water. What????? Seriously, I was so dehydrated and the bartender had to get the water from the front of the restaurant......which I never got since he forgot by the end of the movie. He did offer a sincere apology though.

After leaving ReRun, we decided to walk around to see which restaurants caught our eye. We walked one block and there it was, The Dumbo General Store (11 Front St.). Dark and dungeony but definitely kicking. This restaurant is a large open space that appear to be a converted warehouse. We perused the Italian style menu and we decided to order from the small plates.

It was Friday night at around 9ish, not too late.

They told us that it would be a while because there was a hold up in the kitchen. We didn't mind because we wanted to have a drink anyway to discuss the movie. Two drinks in, we were still waiting AND salivating at the smells from the tables nearby. Finally the waitress took our order, which was a variety of cheeses (gorgonzola, pecorino, Monte Veronese), farro salad, tomato ricotta bruschetta, liver, and the meatballs. The items came out in waves and each wowed us more than the next. Cheeses were so rich and savory it was like a little celebration in our mouths. Next was the faro salad, we both had never had farro before but gave it a whirl. We loved it, it's a grain that's similar to rice with more of an earthy nuttier taste. (Since then, we have gotten it whenever we see it on the menu). The bruschetta was on par with the farro and the meatballs superseded it all. I, of course, did not love the liver but for those who like it, Eric says it was amazing.

Although the wait and the service was not the best, I am willing to chalk it up and go again because my mouth loves a flavor party. I will most definitely try the lasagna because that was one of the mouth-watering smells we experienced while we were waiting. We were only feeling small plates that night. Dumbo was two for two and we plan on booking one of those communal tables to share with our friends.

ERICA'S RATING FOR THE DUMBO GENERAL STORE - 8.5 (lost for the service). Go there!

And it begins.....in Cobble Hill

We had just moved to the new hood... Cobble Hill to be exact, and after a long day's move my boyfriend Eric and I decided not to venture further than a one block radius. We expected to find greasy spoon Chinese, which we did, but lo and behold on our walk around the block we spotted a cute little basement level eatery called Brucie (234 Court St). Immediately, we expected to be a number just like all the other Manhattan restaurants we typically ate at, but we were welcomed by a warm and inviting host and an energetic ambience that immediately made us feel at home. Then, as we started to look around, it began to feel like we were actually IN somebody's home. The place is decorated with unique and eccentric little details and knicknacks that makes the place feel lived in.

We did not have to wait at all, granted it was on the later side, but still a pleasant surprise from what we were accustomed to. Most of the tables were communal, but we chose to sit at the back bar. The waiter shot the shit with us and gave us some recommendations. The coolest thing about this place is that their menu changes daily and with the seasons so that they are always serving the freshest produce. Unfortunately, because of this, and the fact it was so late, they had run out of some things by the time we got there.

We looked around and noticed that everyone was OUR AGE, something we were not used to coming from Murray Hill. The customers all appeared down to earth and just like us. No more yapping jappy girls talking about why he didn't call her back last night... just real people having real conversations. We noticed a lively party in the back room and discovered that you could have private gatherings for 15-20 people and pay $45 pre fix. Mental note for future special occasions.

We ordered the mussels as an appetizer and it had bleu cheese crumbles which were a great touch. Eric ordered the meatballs and I, the vegetable lasagna. The sauce was memorable and nothing failed to disappoint. And all were under $20! That's it, we loved Brooklyn already. The chef came over and asked us how things were and we raved at her, I think we were just overly excited at that point. But she genuinely seemed pleased, and you can tell that she takes pride in her food.

Brucie. What a cute name for a restaurant. Great food, great atmosphere. It's so comfy, I would sleep there if I could. We can't wait to go back.

ERICA'S RATING = 8.5

Going Going Back Back to........BROOKLYN

I am third generation Brooklyn born. Back in the 80's before the gentrification, my parents wanted me and my brothers to be able to live in a place where they didn't have to keep us in eye's view of the window, to be able to kick the ball in a real backyard, and keep our bikes outside without the worry of having to buy a new one a day later. So they shipped us to Jersey which was fine and I have great memories, but my heart was always in NYC.

I moved to Manhattan after grad school and lived there for 7 and half years, where I began my exploration of great food and drinks. Murray Hill is where I called home, which is far from a culinary haven. I've tried all kinds of restaurants and bars across the city from such greats as Batali, Meyer, and Flay all the way to the greasy spoon Chinese restaurants. Many were very palatable, but few in my eyes were a solid 9 on the scale (i.e, worthy of a return visit), when there are a wealth of other options in this city.

Since moving to Brooklyn I have had some great and memorable experiences that I never had in that glorified land they call Manhattan. Don't get me wrong Manhattan is great......but Brooklyn needs to be shared. I always hear people say..."ugh Broolyn, that's so far" or "thanks for coming all the way from Brooklyn" or "I don't do outer Boroughs". WE ALL KNOW THE BEST FOOD ARE IN THE BOROUGHS!

I invite you to join me on my journey into the memorable (and not so memorable) eats, watering holes, and neighborhood joints. From upscale restaurants and bars, to food trucks and festivals, to hole-in-the-walls. All straight outta the one and only borough of BROOKLYN .