Checking Out Hunter's On Smith Street

If you haven't yet checked out Hunter's on Smith Street in Boerum Hill,  you should definitely stop by the next time you are looking for a casual place to dine.
The seasonal American restaurant and bar opened late last year, but in just a few short months, Hunter's has become a favorite spot in the neighborhood and has found its place amidst Smith Street's culinary scene.
Co-owners Fernando Camberos and Angelo Schifilliti, two childhood friends, and their partner Michael Nee have transformed the space that was previously occupied by a Greek restaurant into a cosy 'lodge', complete with framed wildlife prints. The theme extends to the bar, which offers cocktails named "The Smoking Gun" and "Wile E. Coyote" and "Handsome Hound". (The restaurant's muse is Schifilliti's beagle, Hunter.)

The menu is created by Schifilliti, the former Executive Chef at Landmarc Tribeca and Nee. Many of the ingredients are sourced locally. The cheese, for example, comes from Stinky's next door.
Some of the must-haves are the Grilled Kale, served with roasted squash, puffed chickpeas and egg.  Also try the fresh house-made pastas.  The Papardelle is served with boar ragu and wild mushroom. And according to Peter Shelsky of Shelsky's,  the Bourbon mustard served with some of the appetizers is simply amazing.
Pair your meal with wines from the Finger Lakes or with one of the many local craft beers on the drink menu.

Hunter's is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Sunday. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays.

And if you need a coffee fix, Hunter's now serves Blue Bottle 'pour over' coffee that you can order to go.  (One word: amazing!)

Hunter's is really a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. Stop by and try it soon.

Hunter's 

213 Smith Street

(between Douglass and Butler Streets)

Brooklyn, NY 11201

(718) 246-2221

connect to Hunter's on Facebook

Read More

Poppy's Catering Coming To DeGraw Street Space Formerly Occupied By Sadie's Kitchen

Over the week-end, I received two separate emails from PMFA readers Abigail and Ariane letting me know that after months of inactivity,  there seemed to be some movement at the former Sadie's Kitchen.
The cute 1950's style diner at 243 DeGraw Street between Clinton and Court Street closed its doors back in April 2012 for a 'spring remodel', but never re-opened. (Before that, it was the home of Chicory.)
I walked by the place yesterday and saw that the windows have been papered over.  I almost missed a tiny little embossed label taped to one window, indication a web address:  www.poppyscatering.com.

From Poppy's Catering & Events website:

"Jamie Schmones Erickson opened Poppy's in 2012 after working as City Bakery's Catering + Events manager. Over the last several years, Jamie has produced and catered for companies such as J.Crew, Gilt, Vanity Fair, and Coach, as well as numerous other corporate + private clients.
Poppy's Catering + Events believes in using the top quality, seasonal ingredients, local purveyors, and working with knowledgeable, reliable staff. Keeping things simple, rustic and delicious is our mission.
As a fourth generation New Yorker, Jamie named Poppy's after her Grandfather, Leo, who was a well known counterman at NYC's infamous B+H Dairy. Food and hospitality has always been in her blood and with Poppy's Jamie hopes to continue his legacy.
Poppy's is available for drop off catering in your home, office, or on set, as well as full service catering for corporate events, weddings, showers, etc. handling all details from the staffing to the decor."

The space on DeGraw Street seems ideal for a catering business.  There is no indication yet on whether there will be food service to the general public in addition to catering.  If not, that would be a real pity.  The food offering looks great.

***UPDATE***
Poppy just left a comment with the following great news:
"This is Poppy's reporting that we hope to open by Spring to the public and have a rotating daily menu of prepared foods to-go. We also plan to have a farm table available for private dinner parties. Thrilled to be a part of the neighborhood community!"

Love it.  Welcome to the neighborhood!

Read More

Pacifico Is No More In Boerum Hill

It would appear that Pacifico, the Mexican bar and restaurant in Boerum Hill has closed its doors.
Yesterday, I received an email from Reader Lara, who shared this bit of news about the eatery:

Your readers might be interested to know that long time nabe staple Pacifico is no more.We went last night and were told they closed on Dec 9th for good as they had a dispute with the landlord over the lease (which was up) and the amount the landlord wanted to charge them for the space.

Pacifico, which opened in 2003, was one in a chain of eateries opened by 'pioneer' restaurateurs Brooklyn Alan Harding–Jim Mamary.
Pacifico at 269 Pacific Street was actually more of an outdoor venue on an empty lot that connected to a small storefront on Smith Street
In 2009, it was reported that the restaurant's manager, Richard Kraus, was going to take it over.

Just recently, construction began on the big empty lot right next to Pacifico. That may also have had something to do with the eatery finally calling it quits.

Read More

New Greek Eatery On Smith Street To Be Called "Avlee'

The new Greek/Mediterranean restaurant, which is slated to open at 349 Smith Street later this fall, will be called 'Avlee'. A web site is in the works, but does not yet provide menu information. According to owners Andrew Poulos and Peter Rogakos, the eatery will have counter service and seating both inside and outside in the back yard.

The storefront was once occupied by Joe's Superette, an Italian deli owned by Leo Coladonato. Many in the neighborhood still miss Leo's sandwiches and prosciutto balls.

Read More

Getting Ready For Ramen On Smith Street

There is some real excitement about a new eatery on Smith Street, and it hasn't even opened yet. DASSARA, a ramen noodle place has taken over the former Chestnut space at number 271 Smith Street, between de Graw and Sackett Streets and is in the process of putting the final touches on the space.
In May, Dassara, LLC, applied for an on-site liquor license in front of Community Board 6's Permits and Licences Committee and late last week, an artist was painting a steaming bowl of noodles on the roll down gate.
Judging by the comments of passers-by, this place will fill a real need on Restaurant Row.

Read More

A Look Inside Levant, Court Street's Newest Middle Eastern Eatery

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Sera Aghabi, the super-friendly owner of Levant at 316 Court Street. The new eatery, which opened last week-end, specializes in Middle Eastern Mazzeh, Grills and Manakeesh (a cross between pita and pizza.)
Sera and her husband, who come from Petra, Jordan, have decorated their new restaurant with objects from their native country. The feel is cozy and welcoming.
I didn't have the time to sample the food yet, but the chef offered me stuffed grape leaves which he had just made in the kitchen. They were amazing. If they are an indication on the rest of the dishes, I will certainly be back for a full meal.

Have you tried it yet?

LEVANT

316 Court Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 

1 (718) 797-1110

Open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Read More

'Burger On Smith' Opens In Former Faan Space On Smith Street

Burger on Smith at 209 Smith Street just opened its doors a few days ago in the space once occupied by Faan, one of the first Asian-Fusion eateries on Restaurant Row. 
The menu features a selection of  burgers, wings, fries and shakes, but as Kyle Huebbe and Blessing Schuman-Strange, the culinary team behind this new farm-to-table eatery, will point out the food is "New American, but elevated."  The burgers are made from grass-fed beef, ground daily and supplied by a local butcher.
The selection includes the 'Friday Night', which is topped with fried egg, caramelized onions, oven roasted tomato, arugula, truffle vinaigrette.  There's also the "Left Coast",  topped with gruyere cheese, avocado, oven roasted tomato, arugula and garlic aioli. 
For lighter options, there are turkey, lamb, chicken and trout burgers, and for vegetarians, the menu includes a nut-vegetable-quinoa burger.
Don't see what you want?  You can create your very own, by choosing from various toppings.
Kyle Huebbe, a Ditmas Park resident obviously knows a thing or two about food and burgers. He is a former short-order cook with stints at restaurants like Picket Fence.  In 2009, he beat out four other contestants to win Brooklyn Paper's first Burger Bash contest..
Blessing Schuman-Strange, a Brooklyn native, who moved to California five years ago, just came back East to help his best friend Huebbe with Burger on Smith.  "My background is more in fine dining" he told me.  "Mine is in burgers and wings" chimed in Huebbe.
Sounds like a perfect team.  
Good luck, guys!

Burger on Smith

209 Smith Street

718 694 2277

Read More