NYC Restaurant Week
Summer Edition 2018

NYC Restaurant Week is back with its Summer edition. From July 23rd through August 17th we will be able to explore Some 380 eatery in NYC and the surrounding Boroughs. Participating restaurants will offer a prix-fixe menu for two-course Lunch, at $26.00 and three-course Dinner, at $42.00.

Reservations opened on July 9th. This is the perfect opportunity to really 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 isn’t it?

I know…I know…so many Restaurants so little time! What are you waiting for – let the adventures begin. Here I’m sharing the Brooklyn Restaurants that are participating this year. Why don’t you try all 10 of them. I’m excited to see some old favorites and some exciting new places to try.

If you’d like to step out of Brooklyn – I’m definitely encouraging it…Head over to NYCGO Website. It’s a super cool space where you can search by name, cuisine, borough, neighborhood or near a location. Visit them today at NYCGO.

I know this is a big deal and it can be overwhelming therefore make sure you plan well. Grab your girlfriends via group Text, Phone call, etc. and let the planning begin. Ask friends, association and Family members for suggestions, be ahead of the game and make reservations – remember we’re all taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity and it 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, you’re able to really enjoy your experience without the crowds and the cocktails are better (my opinion because the bartender isn’t stressed with everyone competing for attention. If the restaurant you’re visiting has more than once location, call ahead to make sure that specific location is participating, And finally if you’re like me visit 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, 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. I am looking forward to trying some newbies on the menu – see my list below. I have placed 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, HAVED 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, Brooklyn, NY 11225    

Cafe, Prospect Heights

Since BBG had a face-lift and added this Cafe. Last NYC Restaurant week I added them to my list and tried them three times – it was amazing. I am in love with the space especially since it overlooks the Garden, which is often the source for some of the ingredients used to prepare the meals. The menu isn’t extensive however they have really 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 fee however if you’re not a Garden admission is required (still worth a try). I am excited to try the brand new menu items.

Lunch (2-Course)

• CHEF’S DAILY SOUP
• BABY PURPLE MUSTARD GREEN
• FIRE-ROASTED BROCCOLI
• GARDEN MEZZE
• HOUSE TACOS

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. For Brunch, it’s a long wait but totally worth it because the food is 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. They have not published their menu for the Summer Edition NYC Restaurant Week as of 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, Brooklyn NY 11209

Bay Ridge, American (New), Italian

This is a neighborhood staple, most of my 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, could be a hit or miss but I have to say mostly a Hit. Perfect place for all you Carnivores out there 🙂 and there are some pretty awesome Seafood options. I tend to rotate my go-to faves when I visit.

Lunch

• ZUPPA DE MUSSELS
• FRIED CALAMARI
• BAKED CLAMS
• EGGPLANT ROLLETINI
• 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, Brooklyn NY 11201

French, Boerum Hill

I’ve been here several times alone because it’s the kind of place that will somehow take you away. 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 think I could put it into words (yes that enjoyable). 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

• 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, Brooklyn NY 11215

(New) American, Steakhouse, Park Slope

I visited here last NYC Restaurant Week two times and loved the experience both times. I enjoyed the food and I am looking forward to a third and possibly fourth and fifth visit. They have not published the menu – please be sure to check back for updates however below is a list of menu items I tried last two times I was there for NYC 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, Brooklyn NY 11249

Pizza, Italian, Pasta Shop

Barano was added to my list a few months ago and I am super super excited to visit. I have swooned over their menu for months now and yelpers have had only 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, Brooklyn NY 11249

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 however I am even more intrigued to visit.

Lunch

• YELLOW TOMATO GAZPACHO
• TUNA TARTARE
• KING SALMON
• WAGYU BEEF BURGER

Dinner

• STEAK TARTARE
• WILD BLUE SHRIMP CEVICHE
• POTATO GNOCCHI
• WOOD FIRE ROASTED MONKFISH
• FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE (my fave)

Brasserie Séoul (Lunch & Dinner)
300 Schmererhorn Street, Brooklyn NY 11217

French, Korean,

This has been on my list for a while mainly because of Chef Kang who was 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 of yet. As a newcomer on NYC Restaurant Week list, I am excited; finally! I am a bit disappointed that they have re-launched recently with interim Chef Joquin Melo however I believe it will totally be worth the trip. They have promised to deliver the same attention to detail when it comes to 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, Brooklyn NY 11215

Asian Fusion (Asian American)

How Gorgeous image via Talde Brooklyn

I’ve heard some pretty great things about Taldea and I am excited to try them. Their regular menu is nicely balanced with great offerings made from locally sourced ingredients. I am told by my friends that I will fall in love with the space (can’t wait). I am totally 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 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 to another NYC Restaurant Week.

XXOO

Nat