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Shinju II Review
Saturday, November 8, 2008
As the Gowanus Lounge reported in October, the new sushi place Shinju II has opened in the space formerly occupied by Inaka sushi. Inaka was never my favorite place, but there all-you-can-eat sushi deal was a fun way to sample different types of sushi.
Shinju has completely renovated the interior, choosing a design style very similar to the new Oshima. The service was polite and speedy, although almost devoid of personality. My favorite feature was the non-disposable chopsticks included in the table setting, which I really enjoyed using.
Despite those positive features, the food was quite a let down. Each normal sushi roll consisted of only 6 pieces, which is a bit skimpy in my opinion. My Philadelphia roll contained only the slightest sliver of smoked salmon, and the fish covering the top of my rainbow roll was paper thin. The edamame was slightly overdone and the miso soup was a little bland.
As I was sitting down at the table, the couple next to us was finishing their meal. When asked if everything was ok by the waitress they commented that the tuna "didn't taste right," which is why they left some pieces behind. This was disconcerting, and although I didn't realize it right away the Spicy Tuna roll I had ordered came to my plate as a Spicy Salmon roll. Freshness of the fish is paramount for a sushi restaurant, so I hope this was a misunderstanding or a freak occurrence.
While probably an improvement over Inaka, I was not impressed by Shinju II. With so many other great sushi restaurants in the neighborhood I don't think they will get my business again.
Labels: businesses, opening, photos, restarant review
11/08/2008 11:31:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Lookout Hill Smokehouse
Sunday, May 18, 2008
While walking to the Brooklyn Blogfest I passed by the corner of 5th Avenue and President, where I noticed a new restaurant called the Lookout Hill Smokehouse. The space was previously inhabited by Biscuit, a BBQ joint I had never tried but which had mixed reviews. I was craving some BBQ this weekend, and rather than take the three hour round trip journey to Dinosaur BBQ I decided to give the Smokehouse a chance.
In my opinion, the atmosphere at this restaurant is pitch perfect. Thick wooden tables, drinks served in jelly jars, and a landmark bourbon selection transport you from this uptight Brooklyn neighborhood to a relaxing Southern hangout. Although we were seated inside, the outside seating looks perfect for people watching on a warm night.
They have a short list of appetizers, but they are classics that everyone can agree on. I tried the deviled eggs and the mac and cheese, and while the eggs hit the stop the mac was just OK. Some reviewers on the Brooklynian message board claim that this is the best mac they've ever had, but my bar has been raised substantially by the fair at S'MAC.
Unlike other BBQ places I've been to, at the Smokehouse you order meat by the pound, in quarter pound increments. While this makes ordering a bit more mathematical, it allows you to try a few different options without committing to a large portion of each.
I sampled a bit of the pulled pork, kielbasa, and ribs. The pulled pork was delicious and melted in your mouth; the sausage was cooked well but only had a mild smoky flavor; the ribs were a disappointment, tough, dry and lean. I'm a huge pulled pork fan so I was happy to see this dish done right, but ribs are often the trademark of a BBQ joint and here they fell flat.
The service was a bit slow, but this place is just getting going and the tables were full, so I'm willing to let this one slide.
My review: the best BBQ place in Park Slope, but that's not saying much. Get the pulled pork, load up on sides, and sit back and relax.
Labels: restarant review
5/18/2008 07:59:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Barrio
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I had been keeping an eye on the development as Barrio was preparing to open, and when I heard about the the 15% opening week discount, I decided it was time to get down there. I wasn't alone, even on a Tuesday night, and the place was pleasantly full of diners.
The atmosphere was great, casually lit with brightly colored paint and murals. The tables were packed tightly together (what restaurant in NYC doesn't?) but they had these nifty tile coasters built in to the table top. The wait staff was friendly and responsive, and even though they had just opened I didn't notice any problems.
The menu was a step in a different direction compared to most Mexican restaurants. I wouldn't call it a "Fusion" menu, but it combines Mexican ingredients and flavors in a way I haven't seen before. My girlfriend and I split the guacamole for an appetizer, and while she tried the steak tacos I opted for the Yucatan Shrimp.
When it comes to taste, the guacamole was good but not anything special. My sticking point with it was that the size of the serving did not reflect the price. While $5.95 buys a table's worth at La Taqueria, $7.50 at Barrio gets you a serving half the size. I didn't go into the restaurant looking for a bargain, but this one still came as a surprise.
The tacos were good, but the temperature difference between the warm and cold ingredients was too severe, and the result was a luke-warm dish. The saving grace of the night: the shrimp was amazing. It was zesty, light, and just plain delicious.
My conclusion: it's an innovative restaurant off to a good start but it probably won't be a part of my regular rotation.
Labels: restarant review
5/06/2008 09:26:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Alchemy Named Best New in Brooklyn
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Time Out New York's Eat Out Awards 2008 came out recently, and the Reader's Choice award for Best New Brooklyn Restaurant was given to the Park Slope gastropub Alchemy. I ate there for the first time a few weeks ago, and I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was delightful and brings the name of the restaurant to life. The food was simple and delicious, but bringing together new flavors and not afraid to color outside the lines. But be warned: the fried chickpeas served as a bar food are highly addictive. Eat them at your own risk.
(Via Brownstoner)
Labels: restarant review
4/23/2008 08:17:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
La Taqueria
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Image courtesy of grubsnitch.com
The business has two halves: a sit down restaurant and a take out burrito bar. While the take out food is the same you will get in the restaurant, I recommend you grab a table for the full effect. The interior has a distinctive design, featuring bright colors, multiple levels, and large murals. The place is by no means spacious, but it can a fair share of people and I've never had too much trouble getting a table.
La Taqueria serves authentic Mexican food, which is a world apart from the Tex-Mex fare of the nearby Santa Fe Grill. You'll find the standard array of tacos and fajitas along with whole chickens and baby back ribs. But for me it's all about the burritos, which I often exclaim are "as big as my head!" Size isn't all that matters though, and the wide range of fillings and flavors (including many vegetarian options) are sure to please.
Their signature dish (at least among my friends) is the Chicken Mole Enchilada Platter. I'm not crazy about chocolate, but my cocoa-loving friends insist that the mole sauce is out of this world. It's a flavor that you just won't find at Taco Bell, and La Taqueria does it like no ones else. (I don't see this item on their online menu, I hope it's still there!)
My final recommendation is the table side guacamole. A mix of fresh ingredients are combined right in front of you and ground smooth with a mortar and pestal. You can choose your own level of spiciness, and I recommend adding in at least a little kick. It is served with fresh tortillas, which are useful for scraping out every last drop from the bowl.
My only complaint about the restaurant is that the service is a little on the slow side. One time I had to aggressively flag down my server, who was spacing out in the back of the restaurant.
La Taqueria serves quality Mexican food, has a great atmosphere, and at prices easy to afford.
La Taqueria Website
Labels: restarant review
11/27/2007 08:24:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Beet
Sunday, October 28, 2007
With so many restaurant options in North Slope I rarely venture below 9th street when I go out to eat. But looking for something new this weekend my girlfriend and I ventured south and stumbled upon a Thai restaurant called Beet. After some brief research it seems that this place has been in the neighborhood for over 2 years, so this discovery is just a personal one.
We were immediately impressed with the eye-catching look of the place, with the warm purple glow and modern interior striking the right cord that night. A quick glance at the fun and imaginative menu sealed the decision, and we took a seat near the window.
The service was a bit rough around the edges, but it was a busy Saturday night so I won't hold it against them. The food came quickly and was good, but not spectacular. Living so close to Mango and the Lemongrass Grill has raised the bar on Thai food, and while not disappointing the food at Beet didn't blow us out of the water either.
With reasonable prices, interesting atmosphere, and decent food Beet is definitely worth a try for Thai lovers in the neighborhood.
Beet Website
Labels: restarant review
10/28/2007 06:41:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Moim
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
It's been over a month since I had my first visit to Moim, a trendy Korean restaurant off of 7th avenue, but the experience was so positive that it's still on my mind. I was looking for a place to take my girlfriend for a nice date, and stumbled upon the restaurant online. I had walked by the intersection of Garfield and 7th numerous times over the past few months, but the exterior of the restaurant is so clean and unassuming that it blends into the surrounding buildings.
Upon entering I was pleased to find an amazingly decorated interior. It was clean, hip, and visually interesting. The ambient music was audible without dominating conversation and fit the theme of the restaurant nicely. It was classy enough to make dressing up acceptable if not quite required.
The menu provides a variety of tempting options without overwhelming. We sampled a few appetizers and entrees (which I can no longer remember) all of which were beautifully presented, delicious, and appropriately sized.
Moim is by far the best date restaurant I've found on the Slope yet, and I encourage everyone to give this place a try.
Moim Website
Labels: restarant review
10/16/2007 07:48:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)