PRIME MEATS

Last night, EH and I strolled over to Carroll Gardens for an early dinner. I had picked up a Groupon for a meal at a wine and tapas bar on Court Street, Palo Cortado, and we were eager to give it a try- the menu looks fabulous! Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was closed. This isn't the first time that's happened either. A few Sundays ago, after a rain terrible storm (actually worse for us in Park Slope than Hurricane Irene), we trudged out with umbrellas and jumped puddles to get to the new Bareburger on 7th Ave, only to find it was not going to open that day. So disappointing, because we really do love food, and when we have our hearts and minds set on a particular fare, it's difficult to switch gears (Whaaa!).

With all the culinary choices on Court Street, we cut our moping short and decided to head over to Prime Meats. The last time we wanted to have dinner there, it was about a 2 hour wait so we skipped it, and here was our chance to have a go! I used to live a couple of blocks away from Prime Meats, and at that time, the restaurant wasn't fully opened. I did enjoy their chocolate bread and iced coffee on summer Sunday mornings, but I was a vegetarian- a recovering vegan, in fact- so I honestly never thought dinner there would be an option for me. Prime Meats is Germanic alpine cuisine, and I am part German, yet another reason I was really looking forward to the experience! Do you feel the same way, that taking part in food and drink that is part of your heritage adds something special?

EH and I were NOT disappointed. Being that it was early, maybe 6:30 or so, there was no wait for a table. The staff was very courteous and helpful, and the decor is nice- in the larger dining area there is a second floor balcony and skylight, which made it feel like we were in some one's house. Lots of wood and amber lighting and the typical Brooklyn tin ceiling in the smaller dining areas. There is a long menu of Six Point beer, wine and delicious sounding cocktails. Because I don't drink very much I went with the punch, which changes daily. It was made with green tea, vermouth, ... was served in a lovely little decorative clear glass tea cup, and was quite delicious!



I ordered the Grillerd Thuringer Bratwurst served with house-made sauerkraut, with a side of sauteed kale and EH ordered Pork Schnitzel (loin, breaded and fried) served with
home-made potato salad and a side of the braised red cabbage. We shared and devoured everything, including the little pot of tangy brown mustard served on the side. My seal of approval usually comes in the form of the statement, "We have to come back here with my family," and that's exactly what I said about 4 bites into this incredibly satisfying meal.


Frank and Frank, of Frankies Spuntino just next door, are the ones behind Prime Meats, as well. It's safe to say, these guys know what they're doing.

Juventino

This past Friday, unused to having days off from work, EH and I were thinking it was Saturday and attempted to bring his mom to Stone Park Cafe for brunch on the first morning of her visit from London. We were looking forward to taking her to some of the restaurants we've really enjoyed visiting since we moved into the neighborhood and Stone Park Cafe is one of our favorite brunch spots. But, like most Park Slope restaurants, Stone Park only serves brunch on the weekends and we were all famished, so the frantic search for good food in a pleasant environment was on! EH remembered we had a nice breakfast at some place on 5th ave, but couldn't remember the name, and while scouring menupages and trying to figure out what he was thinking of, I finally recalled a restaurant that looked newly opened and I had been eager to try when we first moved here: Market to Table or Table Market, or some thing about a market and a table.

With fingers crossed we looked for it on yelp, googled it, looked down 5th Ave at street view on google maps and eventually found a phone number. Turns out it is now called Juventino (no longer Get Fresh Table and Market) and they serve brunch EVERY DAY! Thank goodness! Still a bit nervous since I had no idea how much it had changed since the newest naming, and I wanted to leave EH's mom with the perfect first impression of our neighborhood, we walk with high hopes to the restaurant. It was indeed open- victory #1!- and the same simple rustic decor that it had been when it was Table and Market- victory #2!- and the menu offered many mouth-watering options- victory #3!



We shared a large french press coffee, Stumptown, I believe, and lingered over the menu, since choosing a dish was difficult. Being pancake-aholics, we knew we would share a plate, but while we narrowed down the choices for our main dishes, Juventino Avila presented us with a beautiful tasting of local plums with yogurt made by Sara at Culture down the street. Nice touch! Mom and I had the Steak and Eggs with grass-fed wagyu eye-round from Texas, and EH had the Full English Breakfast, and none was disappointed! The staff is quick and accommodating and we took our time and talked, commenting throughout on how much we enjoyed our meal and overall experience.

A great commodity to have in the neighborhood, I left Juventino thinking of excuses to return as soon as possible. Looking forward to having our next guest so we can share another brunch here!