Saturday Splurge: Rucola (Brooklyn, NY)

Image courtesy of rucolabrooklyn.com

Adam and I went to Italy 2 years ago. Though we did Rome (like any good tourist should do), we found true vacation bliss in a little place called Cinque Terre, five tiny villages along the Italian Riviera. I've never been so smitten with a place in all my life (well, minus my study abroad trip to Fiji, where not much 'studying' went down). In addition to the sights and sounds of Italy, we, of course, were taken in by the food. The Italians are famous for it and there's definitely a reason. 

Though New York is chock full of Italians, it's not quite as easy to find a truly authentic Italian restaurant here that compares to the ones in Italy. So you can imagine my utter surprise when we stumbled upon Rucola in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. It's on a quiet, residential block and it's actually quite unassuming during the daytime. But at night, the place comes alive. For starters, the space is quite gorgeous. The ceiling is made of wood beams (reclaimed wood, I think?). Mason jar chandeliers hang from the ceilings. They've even found a way to make fancy lighting fixtures out of old meat grinders (you heard me right, meat grinders).

Adam started with an old-fashioned cocktail - the New Rider - a delicious combination of rye whisky, Maraschino liquer, ginger and sage. I was having a major hankering for red wine, so I kept it simple with a quartino of Malbec. And since it was date night, we decided to go all out by starting with the chef's selection of cheese, meat and vegetable antipasti. Though the cheese and meat were both spectacular (how could they not be?), the vegetable antipasti was our favorite part by a mile. The chef was generous, including marinated olives, pickled fennel, balsamic roasted beets and eggplant caponata. By the time we were done, I was beginning to get worried about tackling my entree.

Speaking of entrees, we both chose something hearty, to compliment the brisk fall evening. Adam chose the duck breast with wild rice, champagne grapes and romano beans, while I was in the mood for pasta. It was a tough decision because the night's special sounded particularly tempting, but I chose the strozzapreti, a delicious combination of summer squash, green garlic pesto and grana padano. Though we were already full, both dishes were so fantastic that we wiped them clean.

Image courtesy of rucolabrooklyn.com

Oh...and the brussel sprouts! How could I forget those little bites of heaven?!? They were served crispy, drizzled with maple and parsley and topped with thin-sliced apples. I might just be in love with a sprout. For real.

I realize the post is getting lengthy. I could keep going on and on about the food, but I think you'd be better served trying it out for yourself. Maybe tonight? Brunch next weekend?

...But don't wait too long. It would be a damn shame.


RUCOLA
190 Dean Street (at Bond Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718.576.3209
www.rucolabrooklyn.com

Saturday Splurge: Buttermilk Channel (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn)

Image courtesy of idsgn.org

It's not very often that I have absolutely NOTHING to say. I can strike up a lively conversation with a rock if I have to, but I'll tell you what...

...not here. The food is so sinfully good that I keep the conversation to a minimum.


If you haven't been to Buttermilk Channel, you have to go. Maybe find a discount plane ticket (no joke). Jay Z and Beyonce frequent this place, and I'm pretty sure they'd agree with my review. 

Buttermilk Channel is one of those restaurants that is warm and welcoming from the start. I almost felt like I was back South! It's modestly decorated, but the lighting gives it a warm glow, making it perfect for a date or any special night really. Hell, you should just go alone if the mood strikes!


I went with the girls this time and we all dove head first into the sweet ambrosia they laid before us... light fluffy popovers with a glazing of sweet honey. It was almost too good to be a starter! And did I mention it was free?!?


Next up were the BBQ Oysters. For the record, I don't like oysters. But let me tell you, I may have been converted! Hallelujah! Preach, Buttermilk!

Following the oysters, we shared the Summer Market Salad, a refreshing blend of cucumbers, nectarines, radishes, red onion, lively run goat feta (hehe...whatever that is) and lime vinaigrette. I just love it when healthy things are tasty things!

Now for the entrees... make sure you sit down for this.

I had the Buttermilk Fried Chicken over cheddar waffles with savoy cabbage slaw and a maple syrup/balsamic reduction to drizzle over the top. Obviously, chicken and waffles are a staple in the South, but it's not very often you find that sort of thing in these parts! The cheddar thrown into the waffle was so yummy that I let my friends do all the talking while I sat there silently savoring every bite.

The beautiful Marissa Roy went with the Parsley-Crusted New England Hake over a warm bean salad with basil, pickled peppers and a green olive vinaigrette. Very healthy and flavorful choice! Maybe SHE should be writing the nutrition page.

Out-of-towner #1 Claire Kelly went for Caputo's Fresh Linguine, which was a glorious combination of sweet peas, pea leaves, spring onions, green garlic, fried egg and chili oil. Kudos to Claire for sharing!     ... At the end of the day, I would have stolen some bites either way.

Out-of-towner #2 and soon-to-be NYC resident Kristen Schloegel asked for a vegetarian menu, which they actually produced! Shocking! She went with the Roasted Market Vegetables, which was a beautiful combination of fresh summer vegetables, topped with a heaping pile of grilled asparagus drizzled in lemon oil and balsamic vinegar. Good call, girl!

After dinner, we were coerced into a dessert (only because every review of the restaurant mentioned it AND I am a sucker for pecans). We shared Doug's Pecan Pie Sundae. I can't even do this dessert justice by describing it, so I'm not even going to try.


If you aren't making a reservation right now, we just can't be friends. It's as simple as that.


Buttermilk Channel
524 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718.852.8490

Two very happy girls post-dinner.

P.S. Our shoddy iPhone pictures will never do this food justice. Forgive me, Buttermilk!