Brooklyn, I'm Trying https://www.brooklynimtrying.com an urban lifestyle + travel blog by liz norment. Fri, 15 Nov 2019 18:25:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://i0.wp.com/www.brooklynimtrying.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cropped-bk.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Brooklyn, I'm Trying https://www.brooklynimtrying.com 32 32 109043934 Where to Drink | Have & Meyer in Williamsburg https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/where-to-drink-have-meyer-in-williamsburg/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-to-drink-have-meyer-in-williamsburg https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/where-to-drink-have-meyer-in-williamsburg/#respond Fri, 07 Jun 2019 17:51:14 +0000 http://www.brooklynimtrying.com/?p=7325 There are certain expectations you have when entering any eating establishment or glorified watering hole in North Brooklyn. It will be cute. It will feel charming. It will have clever lighting, it will feel thoughtful, it will make you want]]>

There are certain expectations you have when entering any eating establishment or glorified watering hole in North Brooklyn. It will be cute. It will feel charming. It will have clever lighting, it will feel thoughtful, it will make you want to sit, and stay, and have a drink and a small plate, or three. It will be all of these things because if not, honestly, it will never make it. If a place doesn’t feel well thought out and “unique” it will not grab our coveted attention. 

And then there are certain places you walk in that you can tell aren’t playing the same game. They’ve subscribed to no algorithm. 

They greet you with a warm, genuine, “Buona sera!” even though you are neither Italian nor in Italy. There are photos and wine bottles covering nearly every surface of the walls, enveloping you with a warm history of vintages and memories within these walls. There is a leg of Spanish jamon sitting on the bar, ready and waiting to cure any small plate craving you’ve got.

This feeling is inimitable. It’s genuine. And it surprises me still every time I walk into Have & Meyer. And probably because they aren’t trying to be anything else. They are an Italian wine bar owned by Italians, with only Italian wines on the menu. All available by the glass, because they have no desire for that by-the-bottle-only pretension. They want to invite you into their space, to help you navigate their rather intimidating wine list, to let you try wines until you settle into one that suits you, and to make you feel at home… if home, of course, was a small town nestled in the Tuscan hills and not this concrete jungle of a city.

I should mention, also, that all of the wines on the list are natural or biodynamic. And this is not because they’re trying to be trendy. It’s because they believe in the original, non-industrial method of winemaking, and want to support those winemakers who do the same. And this does come with a bit of a pricetag, but know that that extra $2 is helping an Italian vintner keep his family tradition alive and the wine in your glass alive and well too. 

If you need help imagining said farmer, as you sip, take the time to read the stories on the back of the menu. “The Farmers’ wines you are about to relish are not simply made by winemakers that respect. They are made by nonconformist, defiant mavericks that we are proud to call ‘artists’, apostates, and rebels for whom “respect the Earth” is not a marketing claim, but a way of life.” What follows is an evolving list of impactful anecdotes that will make every sip feel more profound, and the pricetag less painful.  

Find yourself here on a date or on your own. Trust the friendly Italian staff to help you navigate the menu. My recommendations? Choose a funky orange wine and a portion of jamon for one, or two, or three, regardless of how many you are. Sit and sip and appreciate this untouched and rather hidden gem in the middle of trend-hungry, misguided Williamsburg.

Have & Meyer, you give me something to believe in. 

Find them at 103 Havemeyer St.

Follow them at @haveandmeyer

Keep up with their events calendar at haveandmeyer.com

]]> https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/where-to-drink-have-meyer-in-williamsburg/feed/ 0 7325 Where to Eat | Win Son, Bushwick https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/where-to-eat-win-son-bushwick/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-to-eat-win-son-bushwick https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/where-to-eat-win-son-bushwick/#respond Wed, 20 Feb 2019 18:18:29 +0000 http://www.brooklynimtrying.com/?p=6607 Here’s the thing about Taiwan. It’s far away. So far, actually, that the longest straight domestic flight in the world is from New York to Taipei, 16 hours straight. A flight so long that you physically age during it, and,]]>

Here’s the thing about Taiwan. It’s far away. So far, actually, that the longest straight domestic flight in the world is from New York to Taipei, 16 hours straight. A flight so long that you physically age during it, and, perhaps if you drink a bit too much before the flight,  your feet swell up like balloons and you’re unable to fasten your sandals for the next two days while touring around the city. Or so I’ve heard.


Here’s the other thing about Taiwan. Once you taste the flavors there, you become a bit frenzied about having them again. My fervor for pork buns post-Taiwan shamelessly led me to dusty brown-bag laden windows in Chinatown, my need for shabu-shabu had me sinking into grade-pending spots in Flushing, twice. But nothing quite brought me back to the crowded-yet-savory breakfast markets in Taipei, the late-night hot-pots of Kaohsiung the I’m-not-going-to-ask-why-this-is-on-a-stick markets throughout the streets of Taichung. 

win son brooklyn


Until I happened upon an unassuming yet profound victory in Bushwick. Win Son is a hip, unpretentious, and unbelievably savory discovery on Graham Avenue dedicated to purveying the addictive flavors of Taiwan and doing it so well, you’ll have to pinch yourself between savory soup slurps to know you’re still in Brooklyn and that your sandals are still on.


Here’s what not to miss, and how not to miss it, at my favorite find this side of the South China Sea.

win son bushwick


Marinated Cucumbers 

The better answer for when you feel that i-need-a-salad-in-my-life pull, this saucy, garlicky, cilantro adventure topped with fried scallions is addictive. Order these first. $6

win son bushwick


Dou Jiang You Tiao

What I wouldn’t do to have this savory soup as part of my regular morning practice. I first discovered such an experience at a breakfast market in Taipei and have been dreaming of waking to it ever since. It’s only on the Brunch menu and will make you understand every opportunity we aren’t taking in the US with morning soups, or soy milk, or spoons in general. Choose the savory, although I have no doubt the sweet is probably amazing too. $7

win son bushwick


Sloppy Bao

Once you get a sense of the flavors of Taiwan from these first two dishes, you’ll be ravenous to have them stronger, better, faster, stronger, and next. The sloppy bao is all of this wrapped up not-neatly in a brave little steamed bun. It’s the bao you’ve been dreaming about. $11


Pan Griddled Pork Buns

This may seem like overkill considering the insistence upon ordering the sloppy pork bao, but just trust me when I say it’s not. This dish comes with 6 fairly humble buns smothered in fried shallots, green onions, sesame and some magic sauces that you’ll eat so fast you’ll forget being nervous that they’re too hot and also your own name. You’ll forget your own name. $11

This is how happy you’re about to be.

All of this, with two of those magical cans of Taiwanese beers, cost us $50. Meaning it was the perfect way to satisfy my tasteful nostalgia for the flavors of the Pacific island while still maintaining my sandal-fastening integrity. 

Go. Fast. Because all you are about to do is Win, Son!

159 Graham Ave

Tuesday through Sunday, 5:30-11pm.

Saturday and Sunday for lunch 11-3pm.

]]> https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/where-to-eat-win-son-bushwick/feed/ 0 6607 Keep It Light | The Best Wines To Lighten Up Your Thanksgiving Table https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/keep-it-light-the-best-wines-to-lighten-up-your-thanksgiving-table/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=keep-it-light-the-best-wines-to-lighten-up-your-thanksgiving-table https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/keep-it-light-the-best-wines-to-lighten-up-your-thanksgiving-table/#respond Wed, 21 Nov 2018 21:13:26 +0000 http://www.brooklynimtrying.com/?p=6228 best red wines for thanksgivingThanksgiving can be heavy- the 17-lb birds accompanied by thick scoops of potatoes with sticky gravy adhering the two; stuffing that although by name it warns you of its intentions, you still partake willingly; the desserts that just seem like]]> best red wines for thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be heavy- the 17-lb birds accompanied by thick scoops of potatoes with sticky gravy adhering the two; stuffing that although by name it warns you of its intentions, you still partake willingly; the desserts that just seem like a mockery; family drama that is haphazardly swept under the narrow table runner just to seep out as you pass around the casseroles; the delicate dance of avoiding any political conversation while desperately coming up with anything to say but instead just stuffing stuffing into your face; it’s fucking heavy.

 

The best way to lighten things up? Choose some light wines that compliment the dishes, a few varietals that will serve as conversation topics, inoffensive wines that are non-polarizing, wholly drinkable, and of course, will naturally smooth things over after a few glasses bottles.

 

I teamed up with my in-house wine expert and favorite drinking buddy Zachary to help you pick out a few of the brightest, the lightest, the merriest, the most nefarious, and offensively shareable wines for your Thanksgiving table this year. Read on, drink up.

 

 

The Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Nouveau 2018

Why You’ll Like It: Is there anything more charming or captivating to share around a table than the story of the Beaujolais Nouveau? I say neau.
Why You’ll Drink It: Because it’s Thanksgiving and you’ll need alcohol.
What You’ll Taste: Each year during the third Thursday of November we (the French) celebrate the newest harvest of Gamay grapes with fireworks and revelry. Likewise on the fourth Thursday of November we (Les Americans) celebrate a long standing tradition, a meal that was the supposed heralding of the dawn of a new symbiosis. While it will likely be inappropriate to discuss politics with your seldom seen relatives, what will be appropriate is engaging them on a thousand other topics over a glass of perfectly drinkable Beaujolais. Raise a glass, stemless or stemmed, and care not what divides us save for how much we’ve loved the food and drink this day. Because odds are, we should find little to be at odds over when coming together this Thursday. Family, friends and neighbors: unite(!) over good food and drink and let’s take a page from the French playbook by eating, drinking and being merry with one another. Besides, we could use the practice before the *official* holidays roll around.

 

The Fleur De Lis Riesling

Why You’ll Like It: It will surprise the fuck out of everyone to hear “riesling” and not taste sweet. Or they won’t know what the hell you’re talking about and you’ll be in your own private sippy little state of bliss.
Why You’ll Drink It: Because it’s Thanksgiving and this is what seems to be the pinnacle of our young country’s cultural traditions.
What You’ll Taste: Every sommelier worth their table salt would agree that no Thanksgiving meal should be without the king of all grapes being present at the table: the Riesling. Our pick for this year is a very affordable German varietal, Fleur de Lis, for under $15 a bottle. With a delicious smack of apricot, mandarin and subtle hints of pear, this delightfully refreshing wine is a perfect complement to your garlic mashers, cranberry relish and Brussels sprouts. Enjoy!

 

Big Top Zinfandel 2015

Why You’ll Like It: It’s domestic. And that means it will be your best defense against your parents’ comments about how much “you liberals hate America.”
Why You’ll Drink It: Because it’s Thanksgiving and the only thing that’s uniting the table is the agreement on an overall clockwise passing of the plates.
What You’ll Taste: Juicy plum and cherry flavors make this wine a very nice complement to a hearty plate of turkey on this Thanksgiving day. A bit of sprite acidity accompanies the peppery finish to this deliciously drinkable wine. Much like the poultry served on Thursday, this easy-to-indulge-in wine is difficult to resist. Hug your neighbor, give thanks, and drink responsibly-ish.

 

Robert Debuisson Morgon 2015

Why You’ll Like It: It’s French, it looks and tastes more expensive than it actually is, and
Why You’ll Drink It: Because it’s Thanksgiving and you realize your family keeps getting weirder.
What You’ll Taste: The fruit flavors include currants and a bit of over-ripe blackberries, with a subtle dark chocolate finish. This slightly more mature varietal has medium tannins and acidity that deliver a robust round mouthfeel that would be well met with a tasty turkey day dessert such as, dare I say, pumpkin cheesecake.
]]> https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/keep-it-light-the-best-wines-to-lighten-up-your-thanksgiving-table/feed/ 0 6228 Brooklyn, I’m Trying | All The Ramen in Greenpoint https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/brooklyn-im-trying-all-the-ramen-in-greenpoint/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brooklyn-im-trying-all-the-ramen-in-greenpoint https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/brooklyn-im-trying-all-the-ramen-in-greenpoint/#respond Wed, 20 Jun 2018 18:53:29 +0000 http://www.brooklynimtrying.com/?p=5452 Is it just me or has Greenpoint gotten kind of… soupy? Our community formerly known for its extensive amount of shitty laundromats and indie coffee shops has been submerged in hot broths and among soft boiled eggs and within the]]>
Is it just me or has Greenpoint gotten kind of… soupy? Our community formerly known for its extensive amount of shitty laundromats and indie coffee shops has been submerged in hot broths and among soft boiled eggs and within the residual depths of miso flotsam.
 

 

And not one of us hates it.
 

 

I’ll help you take stock of the new, the old, and the non-existent and navigate the formerly uncharted waters of our soup infiltration here. Dive in, brotha.
 

 

 
Wanpaku Greenpoint

The Most Charming

Wanpaku

Nestled among the pomposity of Torst, the place where they serve you 2 oz pours of beer in whisper-thin wine glasses for $16, and the mystical (but definitively unseductive) polish social club, Wanpaku popped up with open windows, minimalist decor, air ferns and what could be tempted to feel like an air of pretension, until you step inside. The staff here seem genuinely happy to see you and to share with you the magic and warmth of their offerings, and the prices don’t reflect the pristine decor.
 
 
We ordered both the Kakuni (pork) bun and the Chicken Tatsuta bun, which both contained the perfect amount of flavor and magic that can be held between the soft, steamy bun folds. My date went for the Shoyu Ramen which for only $12 is one of the best values in town considering how perfectly balanced this bowl was. I went for the $20 Washu Beef Ramen which was almost worth the price for the rare slices of beef atop it. The garlicky-soy base had just enough going on within it to have me completely forget it was 85 degrees out and slurp every last drop. Oh, yeah, and there is a stunning speakeasy in the back called the hidden pearl. Go, discover. 621 Manhattan Ave
 
 

 

 

this beautiful photo was borrowed from their website.

Most Authentic

Amami

The one who didn’t ride the wave of broth into our fair community, they set the tide. Amami place easily has the best sushi in town but also has been bathing us in tradition and reliably rich ramen since 2016, when Greenpoint was still the land of pierogis and weird burger places “hidden” in the back of Subway shops and, well, exceptionally bold rats. And while it’s really hard not to focus on sushi here, their ramen is just as well-thought-out as every delicate dish of fish they serve. The guy behind the mTonkotsuagic (and often the sushi bar) at this beautiful space on Nassau Ave is focused on a balance between simplicity and sophistication, and every steaming bowl is a reflection of those tenets. Go for lunch, get the Tonkutsu, and understand finally what Ramen is supposed to be. 57 Nassau Ave
 

 

 

 

The Most Approachable

Ramen Spot

I don’t like to take a chance on ramen. I want to know it will be good. I want to find integrity in my bowl from the first hot sip to the last cool slurp. Ramen Spot is your go-to for reliable, undeniably good ramen with a bare-bones approach. They have created a space that feels most like the traditional ramen “spots” you hear about in Japan, focused on the food without the fanfare. My Takayuki was rich and bold with perfectly-cooked noodles, soft mushrooms, crisp pea shoots and well, you know, that hypnotic little fish cake thing that I always don’t mind but never want. The spicy miso was meticulously crafted with sleeves of sweet yellow corn and just the right amount of heat and seduction. These guys know what they’re doing by focusing on building the perfect broths and let everything else fall quite simply into place. It will make you forget the absence in your heart that appeared once Radio Shack shuddered its doors. (Oh, you already did, didn’t you, you heartless savage…) 760 Manhattan Ave.
 
 

 

 

 
This photo borrowed from their inspiring Instagram

The Most Adventurous

Di An Di

Ok, ok, I know. This isn’t ramen per se, it’s pho. And yes I know the difference. But is it a hot new soupy spot in Greenpoint? Do I think it deserves a spot on this list and that you need to go there, immediately, and check it out? Yep. Diandi has boldly entered one of those Brooklyn black holes, a place that has been so many other places that we all probably thought about entering but instead waited in the 2.5 hour line at Paulie Gee’s. No one knows why these spots feel unapproachable; it’s like they carry the ghosts of all the failed businesses of their past, and no amount of bright lighting or 6-layer sprinkle-covered cakes in the window (blessed Hail Mary, no grace could have saved you…) can tempt us inside. Enter Diandi, a fresh as phock Vietnamese spot that will make you soon forget all of the woes of 68 Greenpoint Ave’s former tenants. Get the wok-seared beef pho with a friend donut, for dipping. 68 Greenpoint Ave.
diandi.nyc/
 

 

 

ramen railroad
Photo snagged from Daniels delightful Instagram.

The Most Elusive

Ramen Railroad

Daniel Birnbaum became a student of the Japanese art of ramen and we were all along for the ride, 3 days a week, tucked inside a Nordic cafe on Greenpoint Ave. Ramen Railroad wowed us with his interpersonal approach to soups and then immersed us in dynamic flavors and inventive elements. He easily tempted me to dismiss the often cold service behind the coffee bar at Budin and instead get cozy with a bowl of hot ramen while sitting and feverishly typing away at my laptop much more satisfied than virtually every other freelance inhabitant of the space. And it seems that Daniel took his train out of there just at the right time as (very unfortunately) Budin lost its battle with some likely piggish landlord and has permanently shuddered its doors. While we all indefinitely drown our coffee sorrows in other establishments, Daniel’s soups will be popping up at the Diamond nearly monthly for their Thursday night #diamonddinners. His spicy miso is made with almond milk which adds a rich, delicate balance and a surprisingly Vegan approach to this familiar friend. His Shio Paitan focuses on that seductive slow game by marinating, slow-cooking, and ruminating over the elements for 10-24 hours. But the best part about Ramen Railroad is inevitably the conductor. Pick his brain about his love of the food as he selectively chooses every element that goes into his meticulously-crafted bowls. His pop-ups will always be featured in your Weekend Guides, so I’ll help make sure you don’t miss him. And, of course, get on board here too.
 

 

 

 

The Easiest to Refuse (despite their slogan)

Ramen Mafia – CLOSED.

Come on, guys. Where are you? The “first” of the wave of hot broths to claim steak and pork in the neighborhood threw up a bold sign on Franklin St that got us all talking and then six months later, that’s still all we have. They came in hot and left us cold. The last anyone heard is that they are still waiting for National Grid to install a gas meter, which simply tells me that ironically, they aren’t paying off the right guy. Come on, Ramen Mafia. We’re hungry. 208 Franklin St.
UPDATE: Well, that didn’t last long. Ramen Mafia opened and then closed within a year. Can’t say I didn’t see it coming.
 

 

 

 

The Most Acclaimed

Baoburg

Among the first and also the most expensive options in the neighborhood, the cousin to Williamsburg’s famous Ichiban inevitably knows what they are doing. And also, they were the first restaurant review I ever wrote. Read it here, then go, get the short rib Ramen and fall apart. 614 Manhattan Ave.
 

The One with the Cult Following

Mu Ramen, in LIC

Read my full review here, and get there early. There is always a line out the door and for a damn good reason.

]]> https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/brooklyn-im-trying-all-the-ramen-in-greenpoint/feed/ 0 5452 Where to Eat | Bistro Petit, Williamsburg https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/eat-bistro-petite-williamsburg/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eat-bistro-petite-williamsburg https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/eat-bistro-petite-williamsburg/#respond Wed, 24 Jan 2018 19:33:47 +0000 http://www.brooklynimtrying.com/?p=4683 Bistro Petite WilliamsburgBrooklyn, I’m Trying… to eat like I’m in Paris.     I know, I know. Me too. As a shameless Francophile, I’m often longing for the palpable beauty, the audacious nonchalance, the understated decadence, the untouchable chic of France’s capital city.]]> Bistro Petite Williamsburg

Brooklyn, I’m Trying… to eat like I’m in Paris.

 

 

I know, I know. Me too. As a shameless Francophile, I’m often longing for the palpable beauty, the audacious nonchalance, the understated decadence, the untouchable chic of France’s capital city. I have never cowered to Paris’s inherent intimidation. Rather I have always waited, wished, and longed for Paris, and when I’m there, goddamn it if I don’t indulge, in art, in architecture, in music, in life, and in small cafes with delicate dishes and endless glasses of wine.

 

Bistro Petit is on the corner of Driggs and South 3rd in Williamsburg. And it is, mostly, a window; a window that I’ve biked passed so many times. Understated, you could tell that they are withholding some sort of secret inside. It’s seductive, the scene; foggy windows, a small and simple setting that you could tell speaks mostly of what is served. I was intrigued. After biking past one cold night in January, I had to figure out what was going on in there. I looked up the menu with frigid fingers as I locked up my bike and couldn’t believe that I found the words “foi gras” and “BYOB” on the same plane. As a self-proclaimed urban foi gras forager, and wine enthusiast on a writer’s budget, Bistro Petite seemed to be there, waiting for me. 

 

I was there the next night.

 

Parking my bike outside, a Serge-Gainsbourg-esque man was sitting alone on the other side of the steamy window, enjoying mussels alone in the Frenchest of ways. I entered to find the most french experience this side of the Atlantic. Seating for 10, semi-comfortably. Kitschy, french-countryside-chic decor. An open kitchen and a chef who greeted me as I entered. I showed my date the Riesling recommended to me at Dandelion Wine, one that paired perfectly with seared foi, he promised. The Mellifluous Elements. My date smiled at me to reveal the flower of life on the bottle was the same one he had tattooed on his chest.

 

You know, sometimes everything falls into place. And sometimes it’s into a very small little place. On South 3rd Street.

 

 

Bistro Petit

 

What not to miss

The Foi Gras. Seared and served with grilled grapes and a smear of rhubarb gelee. The chef was almost as happy as we were to order it. “Do you smell that?” he asked before unnecessarily wafting the steam in our direction, just a few feet away. “Mmmm. God, I love it, the foi gras. I just love it.” And my god. We savored it in tiny bites upon brioche. I felt not worthy, of such a perfect dish. Delicate, decadent, seductive, elusive. Just the way foi gras should be.

seared foi gras bistro petite

The Burrata. Served proudly with heirloom tomatoes, regardless of the season. “We found them, and even grown in a greenhouse, they’re beautiful aren’t they?” the chef asked. It was a rhetorical question but he knew we agreed. The tomatoes tasted robust and pure, the burrata nearly melted on the plate. Even the flatbread, which stuck out like wings on this cherubic dish, were something to behold. And then, be eaten.

I can’t honestly speak for anything else on the menu. We were eating on a (relative) budget, and two appetizers and $50 later, we were satisfied by the richness of each dish that still sat pleasantly on our tongues as we finished the fragrant, floral Riesling. From the other side of that steamy window, I was almost certain I’d open the door onto some cobblestone street in Montmartre.

 

 

How not to miss it

170 S 3rd St
Wed-Sat  6-midnight
Sun  6-11pm

 

 

You can get to Paris for $310 round trip right now from New York and by all means, go. Go. But in the meantime, have a little Paris in South Williamsburg. A simple, unassuming setting, bold flavors, prices that don’t give a shit if you scoff at them and dishes that you will never regret. Bistro Petit.
]]> https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/eat-bistro-petite-williamsburg/feed/ 0 4683 Chez Ma Tante, Greenpoint | Where to Eat https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/chez-ma-tante-greenpoint-where-to-eat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chez-ma-tante-greenpoint-where-to-eat https://www.brooklynimtrying.com/chez-ma-tante-greenpoint-where-to-eat/#respond Fri, 23 Jun 2017 19:48:40 +0000 http://www.brooklynimtrying.com/?p=3462 chez ma tante, greenpointmaking the case for french canadien cuisine, with a distinctly british influence, in Greenpoint. now don’t you dare read that and start thinking about poutine. don’t go there, don’t do it. let’s all deliberately and culinarily reset our understanding of]]> chez ma tante, greenpoint
making the case for french canadien cuisine, with a distinctly british influence, in Greenpoint.
now don’t you dare read that and start thinking about poutine. don’t go there, don’t do it. let’s all deliberately and culinarily reset our understanding of French Canadian cuisine, and I’ll tell you where to do it.
chez ma tante, greenpoint’s new hotness, will help stretch your understanding and cleanse your palate of what you understood as “french-canadien”.
the name itself serves as an alibi. literally translating to “my aunt’s house” it’s the flat response you give when someone asks you where you were, where you’ve been, and perhaps what you’ve been doing at a place that perhaps you don’t wish to divulge. “chez ma tante” you say with a smirk. “i was at my aunt’s house,” and trust me, once you try their food, it’s a little secret you just might want to keep to yourself.
i’ll let you in, though, despite my inclinations to keep this quiet. provided that you listen to me. I mean it, lean in and listen close. they are making the best steak tartare in north brooklyn. and I’m only setting geographical boundaries here because i haven’t tried all the steak tartare in all of brooklyn, but I can say with confidence, holy shit.

tartare at chez ma tante, greenpoint
photo captured by hannah armstrong, @hannahea88

(holy shit)
there is no raw egg to run amok upon the terrain of thinly chopped beef, but it doesn’t seem to require it. this dish is delicate and powerful with a perfect balance of brine. with some sort of whipped magic beneath that I kind of wanted to spread all over my face. I mean, I wasn’t going to because this place is inoffensively refined, but I imagined putting it all over my face. twice.

oysters at chez ma tante in greenpoint
photo by hannah armstrong, @hannahea88

what followed this preposterously well-balanced dish was a taste of the country pate, and 6 oysters with a light parsley mignonette, perfectly paired with a sparkling white bourdeaux. the entire experience felt indulgent, as if, perhaps, i did need an alibi.
just over 4 weeks old, chez ma tante has been generating plenty of hype in the hood and beyond our blurred little boundaries. they moved into the old jimmy’s, which, ok, did pull at my heart strings a bit, but any tinge of nostalgia quickly dissipated with my first sip of my Dorothy Parker negroni amid the delicate lighting and vintage minimalist decor, and I swear not a trace of the former occupants, with their syrupy stickiness and bottomless coffee remnants, were to be found… although this canadien natives affinity for maple has found it’s way subtley into a handful of the recipes.

photo by hannah armstrong, @hannahea88

no part of my time at chez ma tante didn’t charm the pants off of me (good thing I wear only jumpsuits) (I’m serious, i only wear jumpsuits). it felt both lavish and clandestine, as most good things in life are. i learned also thet chez ma tante is the name of a hot dog stand in Montreal that the owner is particularly fond of.  And I like anyone who likes hot dogs shamelessly enough to open a restaurant named after a stand, and then peddle perfectly poised plates rather than weiners.
they’ve had a full house every night so trust me, so get in there quick. because the answer you want on your lips come Monday morning, when someone asks, where have you been?
chez ma tante. 
inoffensive refinement, approachable luxury, dynamic flavors, and a particularly delightful bathroom.

chez ma tante, greenpoint
photo captured by hannah armstrong, @hannahea88

 

what not to miss.
the steak tartare, the oysters, the country pate, the monkfish.
a dorothy collins negroni to start, a sparkling white bourdeaux to accompany the plates.
 
how not to miss it. 
wed-sat    5.30-11pm
sun           11:30–3pm, 5:30–10pm
mon, tues closed.
90 calyer st.
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