NYC Restaurant Week
Winter Edition 2018

It’s here once again…NYC Restaurant Week, that is. From today January 22nd through February 9th many of NYC most popular restaurants will offer diners a special menu for Lunch and Dinner. Special pricing for 3-course lunch for $29.00 or $42.00 for dinner per person – these prices do not include beverages, tax or tip.

With some 376 participating restaurants from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, we have so many great options to choose from. It is the perfect opportunity to try a new spot, visit an old favorite or pick a restaurant off that list in your phone (You do have one, don’t you?).

DECISIONS! DECISIONS! I know you’re thinking 376 restaurant is a lot to choose from however it is the perfect time for an adventure. Of course, this article is only about the options available in Brooklyn, I would recommend you try all seven of the Brooklyn Restaurants participating and one of the cool things about the NYCGO website, is that you can search by name, cuisine, Borough, Neighborhood or near a location. Check them out NYCGO.

If you’re not sure where to begin or how to navigate this adventure, ask a friend or an associate to share a few of their favorites spots, or attend a meetup. I know BK GirlsNightout has organized a meetup at a Mexican Spot for January 28th – check that out.  If the restaurant you’d like to visit have several locations, it always best to call ahead and make sure the location you’re visiting is participating. Also, another great thing to do is make a reservation, remember there are so many foodies who take advantage of NYC Restaurant Week so definitely be ahead of the game. I usually do my best to skip the weekends if I can, I go during the week especially if it’s a new spot I’m trying and it works perfectly. I skip the crowd and I’m able to really get a feel for the place.

Here is a list of the BROOKLYN RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATING:

Leuca (Lunch & Dinner)

The William Vale, 111 N. 12th Street, Brooklyn NY 11249

Italian, Williamsburg

If you read my earlier post about Brunching in Brooklyn, Leuca is on my list of places to Brunch however it’s wonderful for dinner as well. I love the NYC feel of the place and the NYC Restaurant Week menu is AMAZING.

Here’s what I’m trying for Lunch & Dinner:

Lunch

• ROASTED BEETS, ROBIOLA, WALNUT VINAIGRETTE
• SCAMPI RAVIOLI, SUGU ROSA, OREGANATA
• LIMONCELLO TIRAMISU

Dinner

• SCALLOP CRUDO WITH MEYER LEMON & SUNFLOWER
• SHORT RIB AGNOLOTTI, PIZZAIOLA, BASIL
• PISTACHIO CAKE, OLIVE OIL GELATO (so delicious)

Yellow Magnolia Cafe (Brunch & Lunch)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG), 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225    

Cafe, Prospect Heights

Since BBG had a face-lift and added this Cafe I added them to my list. This is the perfect time for me to try them – I am so excited about the space especially since it overlooks the Garden. The menu isn’t extensive however they have really great offerings. If you’re a member of BBG it’s perfect because there’s no admission fee however if you’re not a Garden admission is required (still worth a try).

Lunch

• CHEF’S DAILY SOUP
• HOUSE TACOS
• CHOCOLATE TORTE

Brunch

• BABY PURPLE MUSTARD GREEN
• BRÛLÉE CHALLAH FRENCH TOAST
• PERSIMMON CHIA COCONUT PUDDING

Buttermilk Channel (Lunch & Dinner)

524 Court Street, Brooklyn NY 11231

(New) American, Carroll Gardens

I been here a few times and have never had a disappointing experience, a really nice vibe, and the service is great. I didn’t have a great Brunch experience only because of the long wait but in the end, it was totally worth it, the food very tasty. I love that there’s something for everyone on the menu, the cocktails are delicious and they have a pretty nice wine list as well.

Lunch

• HOUSE-MADE RICOTTA
• BEER-STEAMED MUSSELS & FRIES
• BANANA PUDDING

Dinner

• ROASTED POTATO & LEEK SOUP
• HAND-CUT FETTUCCINE
• MINI PECAN PIE SUNDAE

The Duck Meatloaf is A MUST TRY for me – it’s been on my list for a while.

The Greenhouse Cafe (Lunch, Dinner & Brunch)

7717 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11209

Bay Ridge, American (New), Italian

This is a neighborhood staple, most of the friends from Bay Ridge this is their go-to spot – it’s definitely a wonderful place for special events, such as Weddings, Birthday Parties or Anniversary Celebrations. It’s not your typical young and hip crowd however still perfect for an intimate dinner – the space is beautiful, service excellent and the food, well it could be a hit or miss. Perfect place for all you Carnivores out there 🙂 and there are some pretty awesome Seafood options.

Lunch

• ZUPPA DE MUSSELS
• FRIED CALAMARI
• BAKED CLAMS
• EGGPLANT ROLLETINI
• BROILED TILAPIA
• SEAFOOD LINGUINI

(All Delicious Options)

Dinner

• SHRIMP SCAMPI
• RACK OF LAMB
• BURGER DELUX (JUST YUMMIE)
• SALMON FILET
• PORK CHOPS

Dessert

• CHEESECAKE
• APPLE STRUDEL
• BROWNIE

Try my faves listed here or try something new – I’d like to hear about it.

French Louis (Lunch & Dinner)

320 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11201

French, Boerum Hill

I’ve been here maybe six times, once with a friend and the other times by myself because it’s the kind of place that will somehow take you away and on a day when you just need to get away this is the perfect spot. The staff is very attentive without being overbearing and the food, well you’ll have to try it – I don’t quite think I could put it into words (yes that great). It can be a bit loud at times and it’s one of those places I feel have that ADULT ONLY vibe. Let’s talk menu – I’ll share my recommendations first and then I’ll asterisk*** what I will be trying during Restaurant Week.

Lunch

• CAULIFLOWER & POTATO SOUP
• AVOCADO TARTINE***
• ROASTED BEET SOCCA
• MOULES FRITES***
• BANANAS FOSTER PROFITEROLES

Dinner

• MUSSELS NORMANDE
• STEAK TARTARE***(heard only good things)
• STEAK FRITES
• PAN SEARED TROUT***
• BAVARIAN CREME

BKW By Brooklyn Winery (Dinner)

747 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11238

(New) American, Crown Heights

This is a perfect spot if you’re looking for a nice place with a laid back atmosphere. I’ve been here twice but my experience was great both times. First time I had a complaint about something (I don’t remember what) because it was handled so well – the service great and I enjoyed the menu. The wine list is Amazing but Brooklyn Winery, duh 🙂 so if you only show up to drink wine, it is totally worth it but why not try their menu at the same time.

Dinner

• MUSHROOM SALAD
• STEAMED PEI MUSSELS
• VEGETABLE MASSAMAN CURRY***(Must try for me)
• CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER BREAD PUDDING(This A-M-A-Z-I-N-G)

Benchmark (Lunch & Dinner)

339-A 2nd Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11215

(New) American, Steakhouse, Park Slope

I’ve never been here before and I’m looking forward to the experience. A few months ago I took a wrong turn and passed by this restaurant since I couldn’t find a paper and pen, I immediately pulled over and bookmarked it on Yelp. Yelpers are all over the place with their reviews of this place but I’d say it’s somewhere in the middle anyway I like to try places myself because it’s really difficult to judge a restaurant on one visit – restaurants like any other business can have an off day or night and I believe it’s only fair to give them a few tries. I love that they offer you a special lunch menu at $25.00 instead of $29.00 and dinner at $38 as opposed to $42.00. Below are my must-try for Restaurant Week.

Lunch

•  HORSERADISH CRUSTED SCOTTISH SALMON
• ROASTED ACORN SQUASH
• ANCHO CHOCOLATE CUSTARD (this)

Dinner

• SEARED MAINE DIVER SCALLOPS
• BLACKENED CHATHAM COD
• COOKIE DOUGH EGGROLL (I just didn’t see myself missing this)

Well, Dahlings Happy Dining! I hope you’re as excited as I am about restaurant week. I’d love to hear about the places you try even if they aren’t in Brooklyn. I hope you follow me on IG because I will definitely be sharing other MUST TRY spots in the other Boroughs in my stories and bits of my experiences in Brooklyn on my feed.

Cheers

Nat

Picture via BKW