August 27, 2007
While Northside does have more than its fair share of Thai and Japanese places, it has thus far resisted the Park Slope-like glut of French Bistros. Fada, near McCarren park has been flying the Gallic flag solo for a number of years now, but hold on, now there is Juliette, more upscale, less roots, and with a broader menu.
The lower level is nicely appointed and does indeed look like the interior of many a French Bistro in France, no doubt the look and feel the design team was looking for. Upstairs, the terrace is a mixture of the local inner-urban look and a Parisian sidewalk café, which works well if the wind is not blowing too insistently. If so, hang on to you napkins, for they will surely find themselves plastered against the windows of the apartments across the street.
The food is better-than-average French bistro fare. You can get the usual moules frites, steak frites and salad niçoise. There are other offerings that appear from time to time, such as Cornish game hens, and the peppered loin of lamb is great. If you are a vegetarian you may find dining here a challenge. But you can round out your salad with grilled polenta and a side of sautéed spinach.
The terrace features a reduced, more casual menu. But the wine list in both the Upper and Lower houses is nicely designed and features affordable bottles for those light on funds for the month.
A welcome addition to the neighborhood, but still with the kind of spotty and/or non-existence service that sometimes leaves one aghast.
For those who like to brunch, this might just be your new favorite place, at least for a Bloody Mary.
Tags:
French Bistro, French Bistros Williamsburg, Juliette French Bistro, Williamsburg restaurants
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Posted on 8/27/2007
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August 27, 2007
Williamsburg is always changing, always sending out the hip & cool shoots and vines, seeking new places to bloom and leaf. And now, Northside is abloom like a desert after spring rains. Here is the first in a series of local reviews:
Relatively new to this corner of Williamsburg (Northside), Sense Sushi Lounge is located just down the block from the immensely crowded and very noisy Sea. Unlike its flashier neighbor, Sense is much more subdued and relaxing. The bar, which opens onto the street, is stocked with a very pleasing selection of sake. The ambience is local, which is to say laid back almost to the point of ennui, but the pleasures of Sense are tied to the less achingly kitsch elements used to construct the space and adorn the menu & staff. It is Japanese meets Urbania not only in the visual sense, but also in the presentation and enjoyment of the fare at hand.
The bar is a great place to grab some sake and sushi before heading out to one of the local music or performance art venues. But if you choose to stay you will find a very hospitable staff and a menu that includes a selection of yakitori in addition to the sushi. Wile many rave about the sushi, the other dishes offer a variety of dishes often lacking in the neighborhood.
While Japanese eateries are not unknown in this part of Willy B, there is a new experience for the local crowd, which is sake both as a Japanese version of wine (complete with the same ‘pairing’ possibilities’) and as a component in cocktails. The modest size of the sushi, rolls, and yakitori items also makes this a fine “tapas” joint.
One other thing to mention: the bartenders here will not react with disdain if you are not dressed in Japanese street wear, early 80’s goth or the local hipster uniform. That art house glam chic uppity attitude hasn’t penetrated the entirety of Northside.
Tags:
achingly kitsch, Japanese restaurants New York, Sense Sushi Bar, Williamsburg, yakitori
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Posted on 8/27/2007
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August 13, 2007
For those you who loved Kate's last novel, The Epicure's Lament, Kate has a brand spankin' new novel out called The Great Man.
Personally, I am in love with Kate and have been stalking her for weeks, so I am really excited about this book launch (this is a joke, for those of you who take things too seriously).
Stop by to meet the author and schmooze.
Later, we can all head out to Epistrophy for a glass of Sardinian brew.
TUESDAY AUGUST 14TH
7 PM
MCNALLY ROBINSON
52 PRINCE STREET
Take the 6 train to Spring Street or the R to Prince Street.
Tags:
A Great Man, books, Epistrophy, Kate Christensen, novels
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Posted on 8/13/2007
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