New York City - Part III

So… dinner in the city. What to do with so many options? Stay in Brooklyn, that’s what I say. Looking at three potential dinners out, we decided to take advantage of the all-mighty Canadian dollar, do a little bit of research and treat ourselves to one “fancy-ish” meal out (keep in mind we are still dining on quasi-student budgets) – more on that in a minute.

1) Flatbush Farm - 76-78 St. Marks Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn

For our first evening out in Brooklyn, our hostess brought us to Flatbush Farm, a small, stylish restaurant, a mere stone’s throw from her apartment. With the darkly-lit interior, warm candles and dark wood, this restaurant set the tone for a perfect autumn dinner out. Bearing in mind that this restaurant’s raison d’être is organic farm fresh produce and given that we were plum in the middle of root vegetable season, I was surprised at the lack of produce (seasonal or otherwise) on the menu. There were a number of bar-food options (easily explained by the fact that the restaurant also comprises a bar next door) and a couple of bistro stand-bys. We began our evening with the charcuterie plate which was quite delicious. I then opted for a main course of duck with potatoes, while my dining companion sampled the Hungarian goulash. Both dishes were good, but not great and once again, given the fact that this restaurant calls itself “farm,” there were surprisingly few vegetables. Ho-hum.

Mains: $15-25

6/10


2) Raymunds’s - 124 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn

When searching for the address of this place, I stumbled upon a review which referred to Raymund’s as the “Polish hooters.” While it is true our waitress was wearing a snug sweater, I can’t say the rest of the décor (white stucco walls, timber beams, 1970s design) fit the bill. Actually, in re-reading that last sentence, it does sound like an Eastern European equivalent. Anyways, barring the décor, and the somewhat slow, but capable service, the food is all about Polish grandmotherly love. We all began the meal with a Polish beer - something like a pilsner - the name of which I only partially remember and have no clue how to spell. Knowing that the portions were likely to be large, we forewent the requisite beet or tripe soup and headed straight for the main courses. Between the lot of us, we were about nine, we sampled most of what was on the menu. I ordered the pierogi plate, which was delicious -- the dumplings were moist, tasty and served with the requisite fried onions, apple sauce and sour cream. Each dish also comes with two sides, so having skipped the borscht, I chose the beet salad and hot cabbage – both of which were homey and hearty. I rounded off the plate with a piece of smoky, garlic-y kielbasa, which was definitely overkill, but enjoyable all the same. So, if ever you find yourself in Williamsburg with a hankering for some hearty home-cooked fare, this restaurant is a must – both delicious and affordable.

Mains: $8-15

8/10