At SmorgasburgShucks, the new fried clam stand at Smorgasburg was so delicious, I’m basing this glowing review off of a single bite snatched from mike’s dish.
Never have I had fried clams so light and tender. Usually even good clams can be rubbery and taste heart-stoppingly fried.
This will be a must on my next Smorgasburg visit.
at Smorgasburg and 284 Van Brunt StreetThe Red Hook Lobster Pound lobster roll is gauaranteed to be one of the best bites at smorgasburg but it’s also one of, if not the priciest at $16. Makes it hard to accept if you want to sample lots of goodies.
So here’s a tip. For a mere (ha!) $10 you can enjoy their tarragon tinged shrimp roll which is arguably as good as their name sake sandwich.
It’s a refreshing summer bite on these record breaking hot days.
From EpicuriousThe original recipe is called “Spicy” Thai Steamed Mussels, but this is completely mild. Not bland, mind you, just not spicy.
It is flavorful and super easy once you’re past the tedious de-bearding and cleaning stage.
Don’t forget bread to mop up the fragrant broth.
At SmorgasburgOh, Bon Chovie, how I love thee. If I had to pick just one bite at Smorgasburg this would be it. But how to decide between fried (always opt for heads on) and the fresh boquerones? Well, usually only one or the other is available so the choice is made for you.
If I was ever called upon to brag about my life as it stands, I think the fact that I can walk down to the waterfront with my awesome baby and husband and eat up fresh anchovies would be a major talking point.
On Block Island, it’s all about seafood and I am going to steer you away from the mediocre to the great.
Starting with Ballard’s, which is often party central, I’m talking dudes with tramp stamps (a phenomenon we speculated and joked about all trip), and views of all sorts of revelers on Ballard’s Beach. You might think the place was a mere tourist trap, and even if it is, it’s got the crab legs to make your summer blissful. Great oysters, chow-dah, mussels, and steamers too. And of course, once can’t pass up their Del’s plus vodka.
Another Old Harbor favorite is Finn’s, which also boasts great steamers and fried whole belly clams with a great outdoor deck. We also got huge shrimp for their market for barbecuing.
We started our trip with a dinner of great fried clam strips and weird but good doughboys from Rebecca’s. Heard their lobster rolls aren’t so hot, but just hop across the street to the Del’s spot for a pretty good one.
Best meal, though, next to those succulent crab legs, goes to Three Sisters, a tiny outpost of sandwiches during the day, and an amazing fish cook out menu at night. We had blackened bluefish, grilled zucchini, awesome clams, and incredible slightly teriyaki tuna steaks which made me obsessed with making tuna this summer.
1073 Manhattan Ave, GreenpointNorth Greenpoint is home to all sorts of new goodness including the recently opened Lobster Joint that has taken over the previous Lamb and Jaffy space (which really went down hill).
Airy and casual, it seemed like the perfect place to pop in during the hot weather.
After a sweaty walk, I honestly was just not in the mood to fork over $17 for a sandwich, so I opted for the slightly cheaper crab roll because I really do love me some crab.
It was creamy but not over powered by the mayonnaise and was filled with good lumps of crab, not filler. Super yummy.
It came with a bag of chips and slaw, which was eh, but I am not a slaw lover so I couldn’t really say how it fares in comparison to others.
The menu features all sorts of stuff I’d like to try eventually: lobster bisque, fish and chips, and a raw bar.
Inevitably with lobster rolls and the like, the question of cost comes up – and I don’t know yet how to answer it. I can’t expect the incredible value of the Connecticut shore in NYC (a foot long lobster roll for about $13) but is the price we pay really reasonable?
Well, I’ll let that arguement sit for now and not let it cloud judgement on this particular restaurant since the price of lobster is what it is. At the same time, I can’t afford to come here as often as I’d like and get my usual overdose of Summer lobster.
from EpicuriousI know that slathering mayonnaise on food doesn’t appeal to everyone and I admit this turned out looking a little more like a burnt marshmallow than I expected, but I promise this simple three ingredient Scallion Crusted Arctic Char is delicious.
I found the recipe on epicurious after seeing an Iron Chef char battle and wanting to prepare the salmon and trout like fish.
383 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, BrooklynI epically failed to get an appetizing photo of my Chip Shop fish and chips, apologies. But even if it wasn’t photogenic, the battered cod and thick fries were very tasty.
We ordered in at a friend’s house and made a night of it, so I do think everything would have been slightly less soggy in the restaurant itself, but it properly scratch the itch we were both feeling for the British classic dish.
Between the cod, haddock, and plaice, our group ordered some of each and really, there’s not too much of a difference. All are white fish, but my cod was firm and mild.
Chip Shop boasts more English delicacies like mushy peas, fried candy bars and haggis, but it’s hard to add anything to the meal when it’s already all things fried. We did share a great comforting side of baked beans though.
Aside from the Park Slope location we ordered from, Chip Shop has a location on Atlantic Avenue.
Don’t forget the vinegar and go ahead and ask for extra tartar sauce – it’s excellent.
from Serious EatsI love crab, I love fried rice, so this Crab Fried Rice recipe was a guaranteed hit in my house.
from Epicurious and MarthaAn evening at Astrid and Marcus’ always means we are in for a special meal. They have the patience and attention to detail to offer us friends restaurant quality food with the comfort of friendly gossip while eating off our laps and letting Van chill out on the rug.
Recently we were treated to the best collard greens I’ve ever had, a lovely kicked up blackened halibut and a refreshingly mild, lemony potato gratin. Smoky beers, great wine and a thinly sliced fennel salad (that has me wanting to buy a mandoline slicer) rounded out the delicious meal. Thanks guys, yummy and memorable as always.