A simple guide to NYC restaurants

1or8 - New Sushi Restaurant - South Williamsburg

2010-04-18T21:35:00.001-04:00

The new restaurants just keep on coming to the Burg. This time, what the neighborhood definitely needed, a high quality Japanese restaurant. 1or8 - Atelier of Food, has been open just two months, and is located in a quiet stretch of Williamsburg, at the corner of South 2nd and Wythe.

The restaurant specializes in sushi - with an extensive selection, including special fish flown daily from Tokyo. Along with the usual sushi selections, there were items that most ordinary sushi restaurants don't serve, like Ankimo (monkfish liver) and Anago (sea eel). While we didn't try it on this visit, the Omakase is recommended, and features sushi chefs formerly of Jewel Bako and Sushi Samba. The appetizer selection is quite diverse and tasty as well, with special dishes ranging from Yellow tail Carpaccio, to Short rib croquettes.

The space is big and ultra modern, with white washed brick walls, and white furniture- all very reminiscent of Morimoto. While some may think the decor doesn't fit the neighborhood, it seems 1or8 is purposefully trying to set itself apart as a destination restaurant within Williamsburg.

What makes it good:
- Fresh fish flown daily from Tokyo
- Omakase option available at $40 per person at the Sushi bar
- Extensive sake and cocktail selection
- Open late (2-3am) and a nice big bar in front if you just want to have a drink and lite bite

Know before you go:
- A bit fancier than most restaurants in the burg, and the bill can add up
- Not very crowded yet

1or8 http://www.oneoreightbk.com/
66 South 2nd Street Brooklyn NY 11211 | 718-384-2152

Dram- New Mixology Bar on South 4th

2010-04-12T23:21:00.000-04:00

Lot's of new places opening in the Burg this summer. Dram is a cool new bar that just opened across from the also newly reopened Pies & Thighs.

The bar is completely wood paneled, with huge open windows, for an all around unique vibe. Drinks are classic cocktails, and some specialty concoctions like the "Knuck if Buck" Buck (Rye & House ginger beer).

If anything, stop in and have whiskey while you wait for your fried chicken from Pies & Thighs.

Dram 177 South 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Fatty Cue- New Asian BBQ in South Williamsburg

2010-04-05T23:11:00.000-04:00

Great new South Asian influenced BBQ restaurant just opened in south Williamsburg. Think slow roasted pork, fish and other meats, with sides of curries, lots of chili and steamed buns.

What makes it good:
- An alternative to the usual Williamsburg comfort food
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Cool, fun vibe
- Great bar

Know before you go:
- Packed on weekends. If there is a spot, eat at the bar - it was quick and the service was great.
- Portions are fairly small, so try a bunch of dishes

Recommended dishes:
- Whole Mackerel with chili-lime dipping sauce
- Beef Rendang
- For dessert- Fatty Bar Dark with almonds, chili, and sea salt

Fatty Cue 91 South 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718)-599-3090

ReelTasty - Brooklyn Supper Club

2009-08-04T22:49:00.001-04:00

Supper clubs combine the quality of a restaurant meal, with the familiarity of breaking bread with friends. One recent summer night, we had the pleasure of attending a supper club held on a spacious roof deck of an apartment in Greenpoint.

The night started with drinks, including a potent homemade sangria, and appetizers - candied bacon peanuts, goan avocado salad, hanger steak bruschetta, and corn & mushroom fritters with a spicy dipping sauce. Though some of the guests new each other, most were only distantly connected, so in addition to the great food, the other nice thing was a chance to meet a whole new circle of people.

Dinner was served after an hour or so. The table was set for 16, with specially printed menu's folded into paper airplanes, in honor of the movie to be shown. The meal that followed was excellent. The dishes complemented each other well, and included prawns with yogurt sauce, a vegetable cous-cous, and my favorite, an Indian roasted chicken, which had just the right amount of spice and was succulent and tender.

Prawns with Yogurt sauce, & Vegetable Cous-cous:

Indian spiced roasted chicken with chickpeas:

One twist from other supper clubs, was that following the dinner movie was projected onto the building across the deck. This night's selection - Airplane. Of course, the hosts kept the food going through the movie and served home made popcorn, and shortcakes for dessert.

All in all, a great and unique experience - highly recommended. This particular supper club was co-hosted by two friends, who aren't in the restaurant business, but definitely have the knack for it. Check out Reel Tasty Brooklyn for additional pics, recipes, and information on the next supper club event.

Blue Ribbon Sushi - Park Slope

2009-07-24T12:56:00.000-04:00

Sushi is everywhere in NY nowadays. You can get cheap rolls from delis, and fairly tasty takeout from any of hundreds local sushi spots. In many ways its become a commoditized part of our food culture. But if you're a sushi fan, there's nothing like treating yourself to an authentic sushi restaurant. There's probably a few dozen of such spots in the city, and at all, sushi is still treated as delicacy.

Blue Ribbon Sushi's Park Slope outpost, definitely falls in this category. The restaraunt is on the nicer side, but still inviting. It's spacious and bright, with a long wooden sushi counter and twenty or so tables and booths. I prefer sitting at the counter, to see the sushi chef in action, and for them to see your reaction when you try their creations.

The menu is extensive, with a number of hot dishes, dozens of appetizers, and an extensive assortment of rolls, sushi, and sashimi combinations. The age dashi tofu was perfectly crispy and great hot dish to start with. Also tasty was the lightly seared bonito, with yuzu

For the sushi, it's best to ask the waitress what's fresh that day and what's recommended from the page of daily sushi specials, but you can't really go wrong with whatever you pick. There are some interesting rolls- the salmon and ikura melted in your mouth. But overall I would say stick to individual sushi and sashimi over rolls. The kanpachi (amberjack) was fresh and had great thick texture. The special anago (sea eel) melted like butter, and is far tastier than the usual unagi available in most restaurants. If you've never tried uni (sea urchin), this is a good place to start. The botan ebi (shrimp) sushi came with the body raw and the head deep fried and edible, a nice combination. To end the meal we had a maki roll with plum, cucumber and shiso.

What Makes it Good:
It's all about the quality of the fish, and the subtle flavors added

Know Before you Go:
- There can be a wait on weekends

- The sushi can add up, its not cheap

- There's a branch in Soho, but its not as good

Recommended Dishes:

- Age Dashi Tofu

- Salmon and Ikura Roll

- Spicy Lobster wrapped in Egg Sashimi

- Anago, Uni, and Botan Ebi Sushi

Blue Ribbon Sushi - 278 5th Avenue (bet. 1st Street and Garfield Place) - Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
718.840.0408

NYSimplified on Twitter

2009-07-05T20:23:00.000-04:00

For all those with short attention spans, you can now follow us on Twitter @ NYSimplified. We'll be adding more frequent reviews of restaurants and bars in NYC.

Larry Lawrence - Hidden Bar on Grand Street

2009-07-05T19:49:00.000-04:00

Unless you look carefully, you're likely to walk right past the entrance of Larry Lawrence, a chill bar on Grand Street in Williamsburg. The entrance has a simple sign that says bar. Once through the speakeasy-esque wooden door, you walk through a long dimly hit corridor to get to the main space. Its a big space, with exposed brick walls, wood panels, modern furniture and a long bar. The vibe is chill, and the crowd is mixed (not another hipster hangout). Drinks are cheap, and even smokers are treated well - there is an elevated outdoor smoking area. The bar is also used as a space for photo shoots, weddings, and other events during the day.

What makes it good:

- There's something satisfying about "discovering" a hidden bar

Larry Lawrence Bar

95 Grand St Brooklyn, NY 11211-4406 - (718) 218-7866

Hotel Delmano - Cocktail Bar on Berry Street

2009-03-02T21:58:00.000-05:00

Good restaurants and bars tend to cluster together, and that is exactly whats seems to be happening at the corner of North 9th and Berry. On one corner you have Silent H, on the other Miranda, and then there's the Hotel Delmano, a cocktail bar that shares the intimate and classy vibes of its neighbors.

From the outside, the Hotel Delmano does not call much attention to itself. With oldish looking frosted glass windows all around, and a simple sign by the door that says "Bar", it would be easy to walk by this place, if not for the usual steady flow of patrons coming and going. When entering, you feel like you are stepping into another era, like someplace out of the Great Gatsby. The lighting is low and dim, the furniture is vintage brasserie style, and the bar is long with plenty of seating, and backed by shelf after shelf of bottles reaching to the high ceilings. The crowd here is a little older and a little cooler than your usual Williamsburg hipster hangouts.

While there are small snacks available like cheese and meat plates, patrons seem to brave the waits (yes there can be wait to get in on the weekends), mainly for the cocktails. In addition to the dozens of types of rums, whiskeys, brandys and other liquors on hand, the Delmano makes some killer cocktails. On my last visit I tried a concoction that included rum, egg whites, chartreuse, amongst other things. Between the taste and the beautiful presentation, you can tell that these bartenders take pride in their craft.

What makes it good:
- Intimate, classy vibe
- Well made cocktails

Know before you go:
- Friday and Saturdays can mean a wait at the door
- Drinks range from $12- $14

Hotel Delmano 82 Berry St (at North 9th), Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718)-387-1945

Egg- Southern Brunch in the Burg

2009-02-17T23:00:00.000-05:00

One of the nice things about eating out in Williamsburg, is that you rarely have to wait in line for a table. You especially wouldn't wait in line for a table for brunch. But every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, without fail, there is a line of people outside of Egg on North 5th Street.

Egg is set in what could be mistaken for a garage. In fact it may very well used to have been a garage. Its a long, narrow unadorned space with small wooden tables, squeezed together and an open kitchen on one end.

If the atmosphere isn't that exciting, its the food that doesn't disappoint. The brunch menu has tasty traditional southern breakfast dishes like Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs and Cheese Grits, and Country Ham. The sides are just as good, with crisp bacon, sausage and crunchy hash browns.

For good, hearty southern food Egg is worth the wait.

What Makes it Good:
- Theres no health food on the menu
-Sometimes you just have to have biscuits and gravy for breakfast

Know Before you Go:
- Egg has just extended their hours- From 9am on weekends and open for lunch and dinner.
- Breakfast is available all day

Recommended Dishes:
- Cheese Grits
- Eggs Rothko

Egg 135 North 5th Street, Williamsburg Brooklyn (Between Berry and Bedford) 718-302-5151

Walter Foods - Williamsburg Raw Bar

2008-11-10T19:51:00.000-05:00

As much as Bedford Avenue is the street for pizza joints, coffee shops, and other hipster hangouts, Grand Street is developing into a serious destination for those looking for good restaurants. Walter Food, at 253 Grand Street, just recently opened, and offers a raw bar, seafood and meats. It is rare for people in Williamsburg to actually agree to wait for tables, but here customers endured 30-40 minute wait because the place looked that good.

With large picture windows facing Grand Street, the newly renovated space has classical feel. A long wooden bar with fifteen or so high stools lines one side of the restaurant, and comfortable booths and tables fill up the rest. When I went last Friday night, the place was filled, with many drinking at the bar waiting for tables to open up. We started at the bar and enjoyed cocktails from a drink menu that contained many classic American cocktails. I started with a very stiff Tom Collins and we had some fresh oysters from their raw bar.

As an appetizer, the grilled shrimp was perfect. Just the right mix of crisp outside and juicy inside. For entree's, we went big and had the Surf and Turf and the Filet Mignon. The lobster in the Surf and Turf was very tasty and juicy, though the portion could have been bigger. The lobster came with a strip steak that was good, but would have been better if I had ordered it cooked more. The dish was served with a side of "crushed potatoes" - think slightly crispy mashed potatoes, and various greens. Overall a very good dish.

The Filet Mignon was the best. It was served with similar sides, but was so soft and succulent that it just melted in your mouth. The pepper sauce on top gave it an extra kick that put this over the top.

Walter Food had all the right elements to make it a restaurant that will keep people coming back. Stiff drinks, a comfortable but classy atmosphere, fresh seafood and savory steaks.

What makes it good:

- Fresh seafood and great steak

- Classic retro restaurant atmosphere

Know before you go:

- The bill can add up
- There can be a wait, but you can eat comfortably at the bar

Recommended dishes:
- Shrimp appetizer, Oysters, Filet Mignon

Walter Foods 253 Grand Street, Williamsburg Brooklyn (between Grand and Roebling) 718-387-8783

Persimmon - Neo-Korean

2008-10-15T22:30:00.000-04:00

Located on 10th street near Avenue A, sits a quaint restaurant named Persimmon - Kimchi House that serves a tasting menu of modern Korean food. It has a long communal table that seats 20 people and a counter with 4 seats facing the open kitchen. The atmosphere is nice and clean, nothing over the top.

The appealing aspects of this restaurant come from the chance to taste a lot of different Korean dishes in a less chaotic atmosphere than the places you will find in K-Town. The modern aspects applied to the Korean food didn't come through when tasted. However, if you like Korean food, Persimmon definitely delivers on flavor.

The friendly servers liked describing the food in great detail. During busier times, the staff may be overwhelmed, but the slow night that we went, the service was great. If you like Korean food and live in the area, this place should definitely be checked out.

What makes it good:

- Great value for a five-course tasting menu
- Enthusiastic service and nice atmosphere

Know before you go:

- The restaurant consists of a communal table of 20 seats and 4 counter seats.
- Only two dining options, $39 single portion tasting menu or $69 shared portion menu. Two people cannot share one single portion.
- The tasting menu courses consist of an appetizer, a mid-course, a main course, a soup, dessert, and tea. The menu changes frequently.
- No longer B.Y.O. due to lack of liquor license (They didn't know you needed one, even for B.Y.O.), but they are in the process of obtaining a beer and wine license.

Here's what we ordered as an example of the types of dishes Persimmons serves:

Appetizers- Salmon Sashimi, Chilled Sliced Beef (rare) with a Melon Sauce
Mid- Braised Pork Belly, Jap Chae (stir fried glass noodles and vegetables)
Main- Soybean Stew with Pork, Salmon and Salmon Roe Rice in a Stone Bowl
Soup- Tomato Gaspacho
Dessert- Watermelon Balls in Syrup, Sesame Cookies
Chilled Cinnamon and Ginger Tea

Also recommended: the fruit juices- Korean Pear, Grape, Tangerine, and Aloe. They taste similar to the Asian drinks have pulp or bits of fruit in the can.

Kasadela - Japanese Small Plates

2008-07-27T22:26:00.000-04:00

On 11th Street, near the corner of Ave C., is Kasadela, a neighborhood Japanese that does not disappoint. With its subtle entrance and simple sign, its easy to walk right by. Once inside though, you see why there is always a steady crowd. The waiting area is centered around a small sake bar, and the dining area is made up of around twenty tables in a warm and homey brick lined room with a glass front looking out onto 11th street.

The food follows the comfortable feel of the restaurant and is comprised of Japanese home cooking meant to be shared as small plates. Dishes range from bite sized portions of tofu, tar-tar, and salads to larger portions of fried dishes such as potato croquettes and tempura, to donburi's (meat or fish over rice), and grilled meats and fish. My favorite dish, and the perfect combination with a nice cold beer, is the Tebasaki which are sweet and crispy grilled chicken wings. In addition to the extensive regular menu, there is a printed special menu as well as additional specials on several chalkboards. With the wide selection of dishes, it can be difficult to judge what to order all at once, so if you have time, take the meal slowly and order one course at a time. The restaurant encourages this and usually will leave the menu with you even if you don't ask.

No Japanese izakaya can be complete without an extensive sake selection, and Kasadela definitely delivers on this as well. I've yet to master selecting sakes, but the few times I went, the friendly staff was able to steer us to a good sake to match the food.

What makes it good:

- Tasty Japanese home cooking

- Comfortable and casual atmosphere

Know before you go:

- Its not a huge restaraunt and the portions are small to share, so its best to go in a small group

- For two people - 1 salad, 2 small appetizers, and 2 larger dishes (chicken wings and unagi) was more than enough food

Recommended dishes:

- Tebasaki (the best chicken wings)

- Buta Kimchee (daily special)

- Snow crab and arugula salad (daily special)

- Miso Cod

- Potato Croquette

Kasadela 647 East 11th Street, (At Ave C), New York, NY 10009 212-777-1582

Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches

2008-07-26T23:55:00.000-04:00

I've been told that any true vietnamese sandwich shop has to sell other goods to be considered "authentic". Some of the most authentic in the city are apparently located in the back of jewelry shops, or sell their sandwiches alongside offerings as varied as as bootleg dvd's, fake watches and lingerie. Nicky's (fortunately or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint) keeps it simple and all about the sandwiches. Located in a little shop on 2nd street, just around the corner from Avenue A, Nicky's is a consistently popular spot for those looking for a quick five dollar sandwich fix. There's nothing fancy about the place, and I would have avoided it if not for the raving reviews from my friend. Its mostly a takeout joint, but if you can snag one of three tables, you can sit and enjoy your sandwich while watching The Simpsons (they've had it playing every time I've been).

What makes it good:

- Soft french bread and the perfect combination of ingredients.

Know before you go:

- If you're hungry, go for two sandwiches. You'll regret it for sure if you don't.

- You can order the sandwiches spicy, but I think it takes away from the taste (they use very spicy jalapenos).

- They are closed Mondays, and only open to 9 on other days. Also they sometimes sell out of sandwiches before 9.

Recommended dishes:

- The classic and the pork sandwich

Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches 150 East 2nd Street (Bet Ave A and B) , New York, NY 10009 212-388-1088

East Village Soba #1 -Soba-ya

2008-07-16T22:39:00.000-04:00

I know my soba series is out of order, but in my mind there is no doubt, Soba-ya is hands down the best soba restaurant in the area and deserves to be number one. Located on 9th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, this casual, traditionally decorated Japanese restaurant always has a crowd. Both for lunch on the weekends and for dinner all week long, a sizeable crowd of Japanese families and twenty-somethings will be waiting. Don't be daunted though, as the hostess usually overestimates the wait time (she'll say 30-40 mins, but it will really be 15) and they'll give you a call when your table is ready.

The soba is hand made in the front the restaurant, and on many weekends you'll see the chefs pounding and stretching the buckwheat into noodles. I prefer to go to the restaurant for lunch on the weekends to get the lunch box sets. You'll get a serving of soba (either hot or cold), various appetizers, and an entree portion of a don buri (meat, fish or vegetables over rice). The don buri's and sides change, but include salmon sashimi, oyako, tempura, and my favorite combination- unagi. You won't be disappointed with the combination of cold soba and warm unagi over rice.

What makes it good:
- The soba lunch sets always leave you satisfied
- Good food, nice casual atmosphere, quick service
- The variety of dishes you can order with the soba are more appealing than Soba-koh

Know before you go:
- Soba by itself can leave you hungry. Go for the lunch sets.
- There is usually a wait, but it goes quick.
- If its just two people, sit at the bar - it'll be more spacious.
- The sets are not available for dinner so you'll have to order a la carte. You can order a serving of soba and small don buri separately.

Recommended dishes:
- Soba cha cold tea
- Cold soba and unagi lunch set

Soba-ya 229 East 9th Street (bet 2nd and 3rd Ave.) 212-533-6966

East Village Soba #2 - Soba Koh

2008-07-13T23:50:00.000-04:00

The second restaurant in my east village soba series, is Soba Koh, located on East 5th Street. A mixed crowd of Japanese families and east village locals, filled the row of ten or so tables along the wall and separate counter this sunday night. The restaurant is set in a tastefully decorated space, with beautiful art on the exposed brick walls. The menu has a long list of special appetizers, along with a set menu of about 10 cold and 10 hot soba combinations. I've been a big fan of soba for sometime, and have always felt that it tasted healthy and refreshing. But from the Soba Koh menu I picked up these health benefits of soba: 1) buckwheat (from which soba is made) is officially classified as a fruit, 2) buckwheat is high in protein and minerals such as rutin and glutamine, which are good for the heart.

Aside from being healthy, soba is the perfect seasonal food, and for me nothing beats cold soba in the summer. Most of the cold sobas come with a dipping sauce on the side, and a small entree such as tempura (anago - sea eel, softshell crab, shrimp or vegetables). I have heard from many that broth at Soba Koh is better than that served at Soba Ya. While overall Soba Ya is my favorite east village soba, I agree that the broth at Soba Koh is better. It is very strong and flavorful, and you feel like you've gotten your fill of minerals when you drink it at the end.

What makes it good:
- Authentic soba
- Small with a neighborhood feel

Know before you go:
- Service can be slow
- A soba only meal can leave you hungry, so order appetizers as well.

Recommended dishes:
- Cold Soba w/ Ground Duck and Deep Fried Eggplant
- Hot Tofu Clay pot appetizer

Soba Koh 309 East 5th Street (bet 1st & 2nd Ave.), New York, NY 10003 212-254-2244

Curry-Ya? Why not.

2008-07-09T21:51:00.000-04:00

I am a big fan of Japanese curry, so I was eagerly anticipating the opening of Curry-Ya on 10th Street (between 1st and 2nd Ave). Its a simple and bright place with a long counter and stools, nothing fancy. Here, the focus is clearly on the curry. There are some salads, but the only real choice you need to make is what type of ingredient to get in the curry, the spice level and whether you want toppings. We tried the organic chicken and the croquette, both were good. To be honest, its not the best Japanese curry I've had in the city (that honor goes to Kamui Den), but its good and authentic - it reminded my Japanese fiancée of home cooked curry.

What makes it good:
- Curry, curry, and more curry

Know before you go:
- For curry its expensive
- The portion seemed small but it fills you up in the end
- If you like spice, ask for it - "Karai" - spicy or "Geki Kara" - ultra spicy

Recommended dishes:
- Croquette curry

Curry-Ya, 214 E. 10th Street (bet 1st and 2nd Ave), New York, NY 866-602-8779

Miniature Mercadito on Ave B

2008-07-08T22:15:00.000-04:00

Checked out Mercadito's second restaurant on Ave B (between 11th and 10th) that opened just last week - called Mercadito Cantina. Its dubbed a "modern taqueria" and along with a full bar, they have a menu of appetizers, tacos, a few entrees and sides. Its set in a narrow and deep space, but is bright and lively with seating around the bar/kitchen and on high tables with stools. It was a great place for a casual dinner along with some drinks on a Tuesday night. The portions are bite sized, so be prepared to order many tacos if you're extra hungry. Sit at the bar to watch the kitchen in action and to get quick and friendly service.

What makes it good:
- Atmosphere and service
- Tasty Mini Tacos

Know before you go:
- Small portions

Recommended dishes:
- Tilapia tacos
- Beer battered shrimp tacos
- Guacamole and chips

Mercadito Cantina 172 Avenue B (bet 9th and 10th), New York, NY 10009 212-388-1750

Zenkichi - Modern Japanese in Williamsburg

2008-07-04T23:51:00.000-04:00

On the corner of North 6th and Wythe, past the bustle of Sea Thai you'll find an unassuming wood paneled building, and through a nondescript door, you'll enter into a bamboo and rock zen garden waiting area. Up a flight of stairs into a softly lit space, you'll be escorted to sectioned off booths, separated from each other by wood partitions and given extra privacy by lowered bamboo screens. As the name suggests, the experience at Zenkichi is as much about being one with your surroundings as it is about the food. But, fortunately for us, the food more than meets the high expectations set by the surroundings.

I've been to Zenkichi three times now over the last year, and each time have had the Omakase (chefs tasting menu). It changes seasonally and focuses on freshly available ingredients. There are even variations based on the number of people (I've tried both a 2 person and 3 person menu). Most recently, the 3 person omakase came with about 7 different gourmet courses ranging from a sashimi appetizer, to a beef salad, to entrees like miso cod, shrimp tempura, and simmered pork belly. All the dishes are small and light, and at first you'll think it won't be enough food. But as the courses keep coming, you'll be more than satisfied.

What makes it good:

- The recently renovated interior
- Your own private dining area
- Fresh modern Japanese food

Know before you go:
- The Omakase is $45 per person, but is worth it. This would easily be double the price in a similar Manhattan restaurant.
- Best for small groups only (2-4)
- Make reservations

Recommended dishes (If you go a la carte):
- Miso Cod
- Tskune (chicken)
- Simmered Pork Belly

Zenkichi, 77 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, 718-318-8985

Miranda - Mexican/Italian Fusion on Berry

2008-07-03T01:16:00.000-04:00

For those that think it sounds too weird, think Italian with a kick. We really liked the food and ambiance at Miranda, a relatively new restaurant on Berry and 9th Street in Williamsburg. Its a big restaurant, that still feels cosy. The service was very friendly and efficient and seemed to be a family affair, but the food is on the gourmet side. Its a long and heavy meal, so go when you have some time to eat, drink and enjoy. The pastas can be ordered as appetizer portions, so if you like to try different things, sharing is possible. Also, we tried two specials of the day and they were both good.

What makes it good:
- A different take on Italian food
- Service and Ambiance
- Great beer selection - try the Argentinian beer

Know before you go:
- Good food comes with a price

Recommended dishes:
- Risotto with crab
- Mussels appetizer
- Branzino fish special

Miranda 80 Berry St (at 9th Street), Brooklyn 11211 718-387-0711

Silent H - Modern Vietnamese

2008-07-02T01:09:00.000-04:00

Maybe I'm particular to Berry street because I'm about to move there, but there are quite a number of good restaurants on it. Just a block from Bedford, but a world of difference. Located on Berry and 9th (just across from Miranda), Silent H is gourmet Vietnamese, with strong French influences. The restaurant is intimate and quiet, with a long bar, tables along the big windows, and black and white photographs of colonial Vietnam on the walls. There is a nice garden out back with two big communal tables. The menu has a good selection of appetizers but just a handful of entrees. The shrimp toast appetizer was amazing (but small) and the shrimp crepe entree was good as well. The food is definitely not traditional Vietnamese, but a tasty modern adaptation.

What makes it good:
- Great appetizers
- French and Vietnamese influences
- The tea selection

Know before you go:
- The garden gets crowded but is worth the wait
- Appetizers are small but the entrees are decent portions

Recommended dishes:
- Shrimp Toast
- Crepe

Silent H 79 Berry St , Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718) 218-7063