Enoteca on Court, that little Italian place at 347 Court Street (formerly Marco Polo Take Out), is holding educational tastings on March 2nd through the 10th. For $27 per person, you’ll be able to figure out which wines go best with stinky, smelly cheeses. The class is an hour long, from 7 to 8pm, and you can call (718) 243-1000 to make reservations.
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New Red Hook Wine Store-Uncovered
Image from The Brooklyn Paper
Every Friday morning, I take myself, my son, a friend and her daughter over to Fairway for weekend grocery shopping before the crowds. And the past few weeks I kept catching sight of a new, very attractive storefront on Van Brunt with the words Botta di Vino on it. So I finally got around to Googling it and here’s what I found out: I’m not sure if it’s open yet, but it was chosen for a T.V. Production called “CONSTRUCTION INTERVENTION” on the Discovery Channel, which provides help for small businesses. Basically, the TV show got a crew in to build the store in four days in early February.
It looks like it will be a wine store first, but will also offer wine tastings, private events, and even a section of the store solely focused on BYOB at restaurants in the neighborhood. The owners, Jeff and Triciann Botta, mention they wanted to open by 1 March so we’ll keep you informed. Check out their site and keep your eyes open for this gem on your next trip to Fairway.
Montreal Bagels Take a Road Trip
We’ve already mentioned the mega-publicity hounded Montreal deli, Mile End, that opened in Boerum Hill a few weeks ago. And though your mouth may be watering for one of the tasty smoked meat sandwiches, there’s another star in the making. Namely, Montreal bagels, which owner Noah Bernamoff has been importing to NYC from his hometown on a weekly basis. But, as his business partners mentioned to us in a recent email, it was costing him a bit much to get them there by courier–and if a shipment were to arrive just a few hours late the bagels would lose a day of freshness. Add to that the higher prices he had to charge to make up for all this and things just weren’t working out the way they had hoped.
But have no fear, there will be Canadian bagels for everyone. The foodies decided to contact their favorite childhood bagel maker–the famous St-Viateur, located in the heart of Montreal’s Mile End district– and struck a deal with them to pick up fresh-out-of-the-oven bagels at midnight and drive them down personally to Brooklyn. This would make them fresher and cheaper. After a very successful trial run this past weekend, fresh St-Viateur bagels will now be available every Saturday morning at the deli, located at 97A Hoyt Street right near Atlantic Avenue.
Bagels are on sale by the unit, ½ dozen and dozen at the restaurant, but to guarantee availability we advise that people place orders in advance through their website (doing so will allow for a choice of variety and also save $2 per dozen).
New Brick Oven Pizza on Smith-Coming Soon
Photo from the Village Voice
Chili, Whiskey, Beer @ Char No. 4
Come one, come all and rate the Texas chili served up at posh bbq/bourbon joint Char No. 4 on Tuesday February 23rd. The Smith Street eatery will host a Texas Chili Battle between their chef, Matt Greco, a Texas native, who will put his smoked short rib and pork shoulder chili up against the all beef chili of fellow Texan and friend Julie E. Farias, chef of Fort Greene’s The General Greene.
The $21 price-tag will buy you a side-by-side comparison of each chef’s chili, as well as accompanying sides, a shot of whiskey and a bottle of beer. Ballots will be on hand so you can cast your vote for the best chili and find out via email who wins. If you live closer to The General Greene (or want to vote twice) , the same offer will be available on Monday, February 22nd.
Is Cafe on Clinton Closed?
I walk by this darn restaurant every morning and it never occurred to me that it might be closed. The tables are still there and everything looks in place, but I just read a post on Eater that says Cafe on Clinton has been closed for a few weeks with no sign of reopening. Huh. Another reader mentions that it is being shown to potential owners but heard them say the restaurant has “had its day.” If anyone’s heard anything, I’d love to know what’s doing. We were just saying how they have a nice weekly special board (especially lobster night).
2nd Night Added for Bonny Doon Dinner at Buttermilk Channel
Because of an overwhelming response to a dinner and wine pairing with Bonny Doon founder Randall Grahmat Buttermilk Channel, owner Doug Crowell is adding another night on 24 February. Space is limited so give them a call at 718-852-8490 asap to reserve your spot.
And while we’re on the subject, I’m still thinking about the chunky country pate; salty, sweet, maple and bacon roasted almonds; fried chicken and ridiculous pecan pie sundae I imbibed Saturday night at our pre-V-Day meal. Add to that a great atmosphere, a not-so-hip-I’m-embarrassed-crowd, and well-poured cocktails. Thanks Doug for making it special!
Next Week: Nutritionist Addresses Allergies for Bococaland
Next week, we’ll be posting a great article on pediatric allergies written exclusively for us by a professional nutritionist and dietitian. We’ll address why allergies have become so prevalent in the past decade and what you can do to spot them and deal with them. We’ll also field any questions you might have. So be sure to tune in!
Be My Valentine (Or, Buy Me Stuff Please)
Break out the credit cards and quick think of something to make your spouse or partner happy cause it’s Valentine’s Day yet again. Whether it’s facing a heart shaped, overpriced prix fixe menu or perusing lingerie and golf clubs, you know you’re going to do something.
So might as well keep it local and check out “A Valentine Fling: A day of fun, flirting, and handmade shopping on Smith Street,” brought to you by Brooklyn Indie Market and The {NewNew}. Vendors include eclectic KimmChi designs, individual patterns from Better Than Jam and FINE & RAW chocolates.
Come on out this Saturday, February 13 from 11-6 at Starting Artists, 211 Smith Street. Admission is free.
Land o’ Cakes
In an article about new Williamsburg establishment Cupcakeland (hey, we like the ring of that name), The Brooklyn Paper observes that “Cupcakeries seem to be popping up in Brooklyn by the baker’s dozen.” When it comes to bakeries in our neck of the woods, we can sing the praises of both One Girl Cookies on Dean Street and Baked on Van Brunt St. in Red Hook. Completely different cupcakes but both are excellent. Anyone else got a recommendation? Post it here or on the cupcakes thread in the discussion board.
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