Skip to main content
Mid-June Updates
From the sister of Cafe Drake, mother of three and decades-long resident of France comes the following super simple tip: pan fry seasoned filets of salmon until almost done to your preference, then drizzle with pure maple syrup and finish off under the broiler. We gave it a try and nearly inhaled the crispy skin with its carmelized sweetness, offset by the salted fish itself. Try it with mustard mashed potatoes and barely steamed sugar snap peas for a surprising twist on a familiar flavor. Hint: sliced oranges add an additional "pop".
The nuevo Latino explosion hitting North Brooklyn is a welcome and wonderful thing. Quickly disappearing are the dubious and sometimes unhygenic diners of South Williamsburg and far east Manhattan Avenue, and rising from their greasy ashes are a new crop of sparkling clean cafes with menus full of fresh tastes. More full-service restaurant than coffeeshop is Pio Pio Riko (996 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 718/349-5925), home of the best roast chicken we've sampled in many a moon. Two diners can EASILY share the Combo Chalaco ($18.95), which consists of an entire bird, avocado salad, french fries and rice and black beans. If you can handle the starch overload, the tostones ($2.50 for a decent portion of perfectly fried and seasoned plantains) are also not to be missed. Across the street is an internet cafe more unique than most in this neighborhood, boasting not only amazing cafe con leche and rocket fuel-strong iced coffees, but the Quick Bite of Summer '07 - Venezuelan arepas ($2.50 -$5.95), thick and chewy cornmeal cakes stuffed with your choice of tangy tomatos, salty cheese or sweet cured ham. The Colombian pastries and grilled sandwiches here at Cafecito (1015 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn) look amazing as well, as does the attractive and friendly staff and bright, modernist surroundings. And the list keeps growing with Tipico BK (221 South 1st Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn), a Paraguayan self-proclaimed "yerba mate bar". Tipico BK offers much more than the highly energizing tea however; Sunday brunch is becoming a Brooklyn legend with homemade BBQ from the restaurant's backyard supplemented with a steaming cup of batido ($4), a thick and rich coffee made creamy with steamed milk.
From the sister of Cafe Drake, mother of three and decades-long resident of France comes the following super simple tip: pan fry seasoned filets of salmon until almost done to your preference, then drizzle with pure maple syrup and finish off under the broiler. We gave it a try and nearly inhaled the crispy skin with its carmelized sweetness, offset by the salted fish itself. Try it with mustard mashed potatoes and barely steamed sugar snap peas for a surprising twist on a familiar flavor. Hint: sliced oranges add an additional "pop".
The nuevo Latino explosion hitting North Brooklyn is a welcome and wonderful thing. Quickly disappearing are the dubious and sometimes unhygenic diners of South Williamsburg and far east Manhattan Avenue, and rising from their greasy ashes are a new crop of sparkling clean cafes with menus full of fresh tastes. More full-service restaurant than coffeeshop is Pio Pio Riko (996 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 718/349-5925), home of the best roast chicken we've sampled in many a moon. Two diners can EASILY share the Combo Chalaco ($18.95), which consists of an entire bird, avocado salad, french fries and rice and black beans. If you can handle the starch overload, the tostones ($2.50 for a decent portion of perfectly fried and seasoned plantains) are also not to be missed. Across the street is an internet cafe more unique than most in this neighborhood, boasting not only amazing cafe con leche and rocket fuel-strong iced coffees, but the Quick Bite of Summer '07 - Venezuelan arepas ($2.50 -$5.95), thick and chewy cornmeal cakes stuffed with your choice of tangy tomatos, salty cheese or sweet cured ham. The Colombian pastries and grilled sandwiches here at Cafecito (1015 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn) look amazing as well, as does the attractive and friendly staff and bright, modernist surroundings. And the list keeps growing with Tipico BK (221 South 1st Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn), a Paraguayan self-proclaimed "yerba mate bar". Tipico BK offers much more than the highly energizing tea however; Sunday brunch is becoming a Brooklyn legend with homemade BBQ from the restaurant's backyard supplemented with a steaming cup of batido ($4), a thick and rich coffee made creamy with steamed milk. 
We always love the hospitality and food at Cafe Miki-san, as evidenced above in our contented, comfortable smile.
A speedy lunch favorite at Cafe Drake is the mini cheese sandwich, constructed from slices of a good quality baguette and any manner of literally endless variations. Also useful as snacks, nibblers to accompany cocktails or quick fixes for the back-from-the-bar "Fourth Meal". Above we prepared all three with Amish yogurt cheese, mildly creamy with the hint of a tang, and topped with mango chutney and green chiles, chopped cilantro and garlic and flash-pickled onions.
Comments