Best Pizza - Lucali

After being away for a year, I'm finally back. To start off the year right, my hubby and I went to our favorite pizza place in Brooklyn, Lucali. There is always a debate on the best pizza in New York... Lombardi's in Soho ... Gramaldi's Pizzeria in Dumbo. Both of these places are well-known because of Zagat, so it's mostly tourists that go there. In my opinion neither of these places can beat Lucali. People that have been to Lucali know that it's not easy to get a seat in this small neighborhoody place. It has been a while since we've been back because the waiting time is at least an hour or more. Sometimes when they're too busy, they don't even do take out. So the best way to get a table is to call ahead and wait at home for them to call you when a table is ready. For people who don't live close by, be prepared to wait outside the restaurant.


We usually order the simple pepperoni pizza with basil. The thin pizza crust is perfectly baked, never soggy at all. The pepperoni has a smokey flavor, the mix of 2 cheeses: buffalo and regular mozzarella are the perfect blend, and finally the pizza is topped with fresh basil = The Perfect Pie.

Carroll Gardens: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn (btw Carroll St & 1st Pl)

Southern Bourbon Whiskey Bar

The distinct scent of charred oak bourbon barrel enriches the smell of whiskey as you walk past the 300 whiskey bottles in Char No.4. The smoky sourthern barbeque permeates throughout the small dining room and out to the intimate outdoor garden seating area. The perfectly grilled pork sausage over sweet red onion, scallion, and saute spinach was so juicy that a bib might be a good idea to avoid splatter on your nite-out dress.

Carroll Gardens: 196 Smith St, brooklyn (btw Baltic & Warren St)

Fragole

In the early 19th century, Carroll Gardens was settled by the Irish-American, then followed by the Norwegian-American in the mid-19th century, and final came the Italian-American. You will find old Italian pastry shops with giant canolli, neighborhoody meat and fish market, and 'of course' authentic Italian restaurants. Fragole is one the best Italian restaurant in this old Italian neighborhood. The Pappardelle con ragu di Carne, honey-braised short rib ragu, is one of my favorite dish that i can never resist. The home-made pasta and sauce are freshly made daily. The braised short rib was so tendered that it would melt in your mouth. They also has a great selection of "flat-priced" wine. So you can choose your wine base on taste, not price. 

So.....Tips to all tourist: You will not find good Italian food in Little Italy, it's a gimmick. Hop on the F train and head out to Carroll Gardens for the REAL Italian food.

Carrol Gardens: 394 Court Street, Brooklyn (btw President & Carroll St)

Patois Brunch

Patois weekend brunch includes unlimited mimosa, virgin bloody mary, bread, and coffee for $12. With a charming garden at the back, it's a great way to start a morning. Poached eggs with duck confit was nicely presented but it was not as tasty as i had expected. Even though the food didn't meet my standards - i'll give it another chance, only because i saw the french toast brioche on the table next to us. . . 

Carroll Gardens: 225 Smith St (x Degraw St), Brooklyn