NYC Restaurant Week
Summer Edition 2018
NYC Restaurant Week is back with its Summer edition. From July 23rd through August 17th, we will explore some 380 eateries in NYC and the surrounding Boroughs. Participating restaurants will offer a prix-fixe menu for two-course Lunch, at $26.00, and a three-course dinner, at $42.00.
Reservations opened on July 9th. This is the perfect opportunity to scope out New York’s ever-expanding culinary culture. From Brooklyn to the Bronx, we can visit our favorite restaurants or try new ones…either way, it’s exciting.
I know…I know…so many Restaurants, so little time! What are you waiting for – let the adventures begin. Today I’m sharing the participating restaurant in Brooklyn. Try all 10 of them. I’m excited to see some old favorites and exciting new places to try.
If you’d like to step out of Brooklyn – I’m encouraging it. Head over to NYCGO. You can search by name, cuisine, borough, neighborhood, or location.
Here are a few tips to help you navigate NYC Restaurant Week
While Restaurant week can be exciting, it can be overwhelming as well. I suggest you plan well. Grab your girlfriends via group text, phone call, etc., and let the planning begin. Ask friends and family for suggestions, be ahead of the game and make reservations. Remember, we’re all taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity, which only happens twice a year.
Make a reservation for Lunch vs dinner (I do this when I’m trying a spot I haven’t visited before); you get the best tables, and you’re also able to enjoy your experience without the crowds. And the cocktails are better (in my opinion) because the bartender isn’t stressed with everyone competing for attention.
If the restaurant you’re visiting has more than one location, call ahead to ensure that a specific location is participating. Finally, if you’re like me, visiting the same place twice – sometimes the second time around is even better.
Here’s a list of the Participating Restaurants in Brooklyn:
Leuca (Lunch & Dinner)
The William Vale, 111 N. 12th Street
Italian, Williamsburg
If you read my earlier post about Brunching in Brooklyn, Leuca is on my list of places to Brunch, but it’s also wonderful for dinner. I love the NYC feel of the place and the Restaurant Week menu is AMAZING. I am looking forward to trying some newbies on the menu – see my list below. There is an a (*) by the items I’ve tried.
Here’s what I’m trying for Lunch & Dinner:
Lunch
TOMATO & WATERMELON SALAD, RICOTTA SALATA
SEA BASS CRUDO, SUNFLOWER PESTO, SHAVED RADISH
LOCAL FISH, SWEET CORN RAGU, CHARRED TOMATO CONDIMENTO*
SICILIAN PISTACHIO CAKE WITH OLIVE OIL ICE CREAM (*)
SUMMER GARDEN BERRIES, MASCARPONE, VERBENA GRANITE
Dinner
WHIPPED RICOTTA, HOT HONEY & CRISPY GARLIC
BABY GEM SALAD SESAME DRESSING CACIOCAVALLO CHEESE
MALFADINI, RAPINI PESTO, SWEET & SOUR PEPPERS
Yellow Magnolia Cafe (Brunch & Lunch)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG), 990 Washington Ave
Cafe, Prospect Heights
Since the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens (BBG) had a face-lift, they added this Cafe. Last Restaurant week, I visited them three times – it was amazing. I love the space, especially since it overlooks the Garden. The Garden is often the source of some ingredients used to prepare meals. The menu isn’t extensive; however, they have great offerings.
The vegetable-centric menu was creatively developed by Rob Newton. If you’re a member of BBG, it’s perfect because there’s no admission; however, if you’re not a member, an admission fee is required (still worth a try). I am excited to try the new offerings this time around.
Lunch (2-Courses)
CHEF’S DAILY SOUP
BABY PURPLE MUSTARD GREEN
FIRE-ROASTED BROCCOLI
GARDEN MEZZE
HOUSE TACOS
Buttermilk Channel (Lunch & Dinner)
524 Court Street
(New) American, Carroll Gardens
I have been here a few times and have never had a disappointing experience. A nice vibe and great service – what more can a girl as for? For Brunch, it is usually a long wait, but it’s worth it – the food is delicious. I love that there’s something for everyone on the menu, the cocktails are delicious, and they have a pretty nice wine list. They have not published their menu for the Summer Edition NYC Restaurant Week yet (look out for my update as soon as they do) – below are some of the menu items I tried last Restaurant Week.
Lunch
HOUSE-MADE RICOTTA
BEER-STEAMED MUSSELS & FRIES
BANANA PUDDING
Dinner
ROASTED POTATO & LEEK SOUP
HAND-CUT FETTUCCINE
MINI PECAN PIE SUNDAE
The Greenhouse Cafe (Lunch, Dinner & Brunch)
7717 3rd Avenue
Bay Ridge, American (New), Italian
This is a neighborhood staple; this is the go-to spot for most of my friends from Bay Ridge. It’s also 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, the service is excellent, and the food could be a hit or miss, but I have to say mostly a Hit. Perfect place for you Carnivores out there 🙂 and there are some pretty great Seafood options. I tend to rotate my go-to faves when I visit.
Lunch
ZUPPA DE MUSSELS
FRIED CALAMARI
BAKED CLAMS
EGGPLANT ROLLATINI
BROILED TILAPIA
SAUTÉED SHRIMP
SCAMPI
SEAFOOD LINGUINI
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
(All Delicious Options)
Dinner
SHRIMP SCAMPI
RACK OF LAMB
BURGER DELUX (JUST YUMMIE)
SALMON FILET
PORK CHOPS
Dessert
CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE
APPLE STRUDEL
BROWNIE
Try my faves listed here or try something new – I’d like to hear about it.
French Louie (Lunch & Dinner)
320 Atlantic Avenue
French, Boerum Hill
I’ve been here several times. I love visiting alone because it’s the place that will somehow take you away. This is the perfect spot on a day when you need to get away. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and the food, well, you’ll have to try it.
The food is enjoyable. It can be a bit loud sometimes, and I feel it’s one of those places with 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
CHILLED GREEN PEA SOUP
LANI’S FARM GREENS***
AVOCADO TARTINE***
SALAD NICOISE SOCCA
HEIRLOOM TOMATO SOCCA
MOULES FRITES***
Dinner
MUSSELS NORMANDE
STEAK TARTARE (I tried this during the Winter Edition and fell in Love)
STEAK FRITES
PAN SEARED TROUT (Love)
HOUSE-MADE LINGUINE***
SMOKED MUSSELS***
LEMON-POPPY PAVLOVA***
CHOCOLATE GATEAU***
Benchmark (Lunch & Dinner)
339-A 2nd Avenue
(New) American, Steakhouse, Park Slope
I visited here last Restaurant Week twice and loved the experience both times. I enjoyed the food and am looking forward to a few visits this time.
They have not published the menu – please be sure to check back for updates; however, below is a list of menu items I tried the last two times I was there for Restaurant Week Winter Edition.
Lunch
HORSERADISH-CRUSTED SCOTTISH SALMON
ROASTED ACORN SQUASH
ANCHO CHOCOLATE CUSTARD (Love)
Dinner
SEARED MAINE DIVER SCALLOPS
BLACKENED CHATHAM COD
COOKIE DOUGH EGGROLL
Barano (Friday Brunch & Dinner
26 Broadway
Pizza, Italian, Pasta Shop
A few months ago, I added Barano to my list and am extremely excited to visit. I have swooned over their menu for months, and yelpers have only had good things to say about this place. All I can say is I can’t wait.
Brunch
HOUSE MOZZARELLA + LUCKY’S TOMATOES
LITTLE GEM LETTUCE
SPAGHETTI ALLA CHITARRA
AVO & LOX PIZZA
Dinner
CHARRED CARROTS
MEATBALLS (drooling)
OCTOPUS
CORZETT
HERITAGE PORK TOMAHAWK
TORTA CAPRESE
Harvey (Lunch & Dinner)
96 Wythe Avenue
Breakfast, Brunch, (Traditional) American
A new addition to Williamsburg Culinary Scene – Located in The Williamsburg Hotel. There is a focus on fresh seasonal options. I am yet to visit, but it’s on my list for High Tea. This new addition does not have a good rep among yelpers, making it even more intriguing to visit.
Lunch
YELLOW TOMATO GAZPACHO
TUNA TARTARE
KING SALMON
WAGYU BEEF BURGER
Dinner
STEAK TARTARE
WILD BLUE SHRIMP CEVICHE
POTATO GNOCCHI
WOODFIRE ROASTED MONKFISH
FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE (my fave)
Brasserie Séoul (Lunch & Dinner)
300 Schmererhorn Street
French, Korean,
This has been on my list for a while, mainly because of Chef Kang, the Chef at Bistro Petit before it closed (which I loved). But with so many places to try, I haven’t made it there. As a newcomer on the NYC Restaurant Week list, I am excited; finally! I am a bit disappointed that they recently re-launched with interim Chef Joquin Melo; however, I believe it is worth a visit.
They have promised to deliver the same attention to detail when selecting ingredients. The website states, “The reinvented Brasserie Seoul will offer their signature, artfully crafted French dishes, layered with bold Korean flavors” doesn’t that sound amazing and makes you want to make a reservation this minute?
The Menu for NYC Restaurant Week has not been published – please be sure to check back for updates.
Talde (Dinner only)
369 7th Avenue
Asian Fusion (Asian American)
I’ve heard some great things about Talde and am excited to try them. Their regular menu is nicely balanced, with great offerings from locally sourced ingredients. My friends tell me I will fall in love with the space (can’t wait). I am down for the Oyster-Bacon Pad Thai #Yum. The menu has not been published – please be sure to check back for updates.
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 be sharing other MUST TRY spots in the other Boroughs in my stories and bits of my experiences in Brooklyn on my feed. Cheers to another NYC Restaurant Week.
XXOO
Nat