Bedouin Tent

Wow has it been that long!

MP and I were in the mood for some tasty Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean food. When Middle Eastern cuisine comes to mind; I think of big flavors, vibrant spices, and hot pita bread.

Oh—was I wrong. We ordered a five combination salad platter and (I kindly) asked to omit grape leaves because MP isn’t fond of them. Server comes back with grape leaves on the salad-- I kindly ask him if he can take the grape leaves out. He is slightly put off—and gently swipes the plate away.

In the meantime, my leg of lamb platter arrives and this time--there is no point of return. WHAT IS THIS--I thought. The slices of lamb are grey and dry. Is the kitchen staff taking shifts on cooking this same leg of lamb over and over again? I've finally given up on the dish when I tasted it.

MP's leg of lamb sandwich arrives at the same time--which is the exact replica of my grey leg of lamb platter (half the price)--Picture my dish rolled up on a stale pita. Voila.

Server comes back with the five combination salad. First glance: no grape leaves. Second glance: no feta. Where’s the feta? They gave us fava beans, instead. MP wants her feta. She immediately flags the server (who is already not happy with us) and tells him that we didn’t order fava beans. Server (turns red) lashes us with loud rants "I had to throw the first order out...!" (and some words in his native tongue). He was so enraged and staggered--we couldn't help ourselves but laugh (completely involuntary). To help mitigate the situation , I order the feta separately and the waiter storms off.

The rest of the story is history but I must say: this is one of the very few times that I felt that I was inconveniencing a server while he was on the job. But we did get a good laugh. It was kinda worth it.

One more recap: when we asked for the check, he seemed surprised to see so much food left over. He demands “Take rest, to go!”

Bedouin Tent 405 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217-1702 (718) 852-5555

Sheep Station

Local Australian sets up shop in Brooklyn. With publicity from Brooklyn Edible and other sources over the summer, I thought I give this place a try. Australian fare is similar to its English cousin until you throw in kangaroo, crocodile and vegemite. Rest assured: patrons won’t find such delicacies in this laid-back Brooklyn spot. Rather, it is shepherd’s pie and a pint beer all the way. The relaxed dim lighting and wooden furnishings takes you inside a cabin somewhere deep in the woods. Perhaps not to this extent but you get the point.

The grub:
The food is simple and straightforward. What you read off the menu is what you get. I ordered the fish & chips (13); and that was exactly what I got. Neither garnished nor extras. Would the dish score points if it was garnished? Yes. Same goes for the Grilled lamb chops with mashed potatoes & mint peas (19); the server did not ask how we wanted the chops cooked. Turns out it was cooked all the way through as opposed to what I prefer: medium.

The food does not push any boundaries. The technique and presentation are basic; comfort food done by the traditional-Australian way. I do confess: it is one of the better restaurants in the neighborhood. And I will go back to try the 'infamous' burger.

Sheep Station vows to be local and thrives for regulars to grab a beer at the bar and watch a game on the telly—as well as have the family come out with the kids for dinner.

I say: only can you find this in Brooklyn.

Sheep Station 149 4th Ave (between Butler St & Douglass St) Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 857-4337 www.sheepstation.net

2009's best...

Enjoy some of 2009 best eats for $25 and under by The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/dining/30others.html

For me, this year goes to the banh mi, hands down.

Jersey’s sloppy Joe

Sloppy Joes aren’t sloppy at Town Hall. They have been making ‘sloppies’ since the 1930's and said to be the birthplace of the sloppy Joe. What makes Town Hall’s sloppy Joe stand out is how totally unrelated it is to the sloppy Joe we grew up eating in school cafeterias, ground beef submerged in suspiciously sweet tomato sauce and dumped on a sesame bun.

Jersey’s sloppy Joe is neat. It is a large compact sandwich assembled with a variety of meats on three layers of thinly sliced rye, bound with Russian dressing and laced with cole slaw. The turkey and roast beef is a favorite and there are many styles to choose from the menu such as tongue and corned beef, smoked salmon with egg salad. The sandwiches are made to order and staff is attentive and open to specified combination requests.

Each sandwich holds a perfect rectangle shape--trimmed crust--cut into even squares of eight. The cole slaw packs and holds the sandwich together; adding depth to the texture and flavor. Every bite has a crunch and sweetness from the slaw and dressing.

I’ve never had a sandwich like this before and this is not a New York sandwich—it is different in many levels--in a good way. I enjoyed it and I wouldn't mind making a trip back there again.

Town Hall is a deli and a mini-grocery with a seating area. So grab a bag of kettle chips and a beer to go with that sloppy bite.

Town Hall Delicatessen, 60 Valley Street, South Orange (973) 762-4900 www.wix.com/TownHallDeli/TownHallDeli/Page-8

Chavella's

They serve brunch, Mexican style. Packed with regulars in an uncomfortably small space where you are inevitably elbowing those next to you and unintentionally playing footise with the person across from you.

Slightly bothered by the lack of breathing room, my attention soon shifted as I learned every dish in the menu has some variation of eggs in it. For the egg lover, rejoice. For the cholesterol counter, you’re stuck.

For under $12, the brunch includes sweet Mexican bread and beverage: sangria, tea/ coffee or mango juice. The dishes are well seasoned—perhaps to the sensitive Brunch goer, the flavors may be too much to handle—and well portioned so you won’t leave feeling too full or dog-hungry, either. Somewhere in between. I was put off by the additional charge on sauce which was forcefully accommodated by tortilla chips.

Head to Chavella's, if you are in the definite mood for Mexican fare, because if it’s a Turkey BLT and a fruit salad that you seek to cure the hangover; head over to Tom’s, a block up.

FYI: Do try the Omelete de Nopales with cactus. Don’t plan on gathering a fiesta here, a table of four takes up half the restaurant.

Chavella's 732 Classon Ave Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 622-3100 www.chavellas.com

The Smoke joint

The Smoke joint has a full house on a Wednesday night. Fort Greene is craving BBQ and it shows. Equipped with a bar to eat or wait at, I graze over at what people are eating while sipping on my ginger ale. I sought out dry looking ribs at several tables. By the time it is our turn to order, I discover the Baby Back Ribs lean and mean (half 12.00) happens to be the same dry ribs. So dry—you would mistake it for microwaved-leftover-chicken breast from nights before. Perhaps it was meant to be eaten with the BBQ sauce (stationed on every table). But I refuse to mask the delicate flavor of the baby back with an outside condiment—at least, not on the very first bite. I soon forfeited, as it is not possible to get pass the second bite without the sauce.

Next order Crispy Catfish Sandwich served with barbecue aioli (7.50) is fairly tasty if you disregard looking at the catfish—or shall I say catfishes—three awkwardly looking nugget-sized pieces of fish resembling those from the childhood days of cafeteria food served on styrofoam trays. Despite the disfigured shapes, the sandwich fared well. One key part to the sandwich’s success was the toasted Kaiser roll which added an extra layer of crunchiness to the crispy catfish.

Sides. From least to favorite:
Barbecued Beans caution. contains hunks of meat (3.00) – should be called candied beans caution, overly sweet, overwhelming the smoky flavor

Corn On The Cob, barbecue aioli and green onions (2.50) – fairly seasoned and juicy

Spicy French Fries (3.00) – very well seasoned and nicely fried with a bold crunchy taste

If you’re trapped in Font Greene and in need for a BBQ fix, Smoke joint can help, sort of. Sandwiches are a safe bet. And if you’re a party of three you will be squeezed into a table for two.

The food is fairly priced for a very gentrified Fort Greene, though attracting a diverse crowd of people. Conclusion: BBQ definitely does not discriminate.

87 South Elliott Pl At Lafayette Ave. Brooklyn NY 11217 (718) 797-1011

Stone Park Café

Stone Park Café’s homepage touts its review from Frank Bruni “piquing surprises and consoling favorites, one that establishes a personality of sophisticated robustness…” Can this be Park Slope’s American fine dining at its best? Hold that thought.

A very American and contemporary driven menu—extensive wine list—with high prices: appetizers are above $10; and entrees (except the $14 burger) range from the mid-to-high $20s. The menu, décor and prices are very similar to the mother of Contemporary American, Gramery Traven—a la carte. So, shouldn’t the food be similar too? Far from it.

A Pan Seared Diver Scallops served with rock shrimp, fava beans, asparagus risotto, lobster beurre 27 sounds like a sort of meal served in Gramercy Traven (about the same price) is executed poorly at Stone Park. The risotto was salty leaving a depressing aftertaste that did not go well with overcooked rock shrimp.

Stone Park is a fine restaurant with an attentive staff with smooth cotton table linens and slightly over-exaggerated prices. There are good points: a romantic and unwind atmosphere, courtesy staff, pre fixe option, and kudos on the warm and toasty whole wheat baguette. It was really good.

It’s for the sophisticated Brooklyn couple who wants to stay close to home and enjoy an elegant meal made by an educated culinary chef (with mediocre execution). There is nothing wrong with that. But the price can go down. And aren’t we still recovering from a recession?

Back to the Bruni’s quote: he was complimenting the impressive assembly of the menu. Not on the food.


324 5th Avenue (between 2nd St & 3rd St) Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 369-0082 www.stoneparkcafe.com/