PH Restaurants Recommendations not far from Grand Army?

I think I'm gonna cross the great divide tonight and head into the heights. Where would you recommend we go to dinner? I would prefer to stay closer to GAP, other than that I'm flexible.

Subject: Re: PH Restaurants Recommendations not far from Grand Army?

steve wrote: I think I'm gonna cross the great divide tonight and head into the heights. Where would you recommend we go to dinner? I would prefer to stay closer to GAP, other than that I'm flexible.

Any particular price range or type of food? How far from GAP are you willing to venture?

Geido, Flatbush across from 7th Ave, on the Heights side.

new prospect cafe... right off GAP on the north side of flatbush.

Garden Cafe on Vanderbilt and Prospect, Franny's on Flatbush and Prospect, or (of course) Grand Castillo de Jagua on Flatbush and Park Place.

Aliseo & Amorina are both near the GAP on Vanderbilt (both between Park & Prospect).

Oh and ... I may be a Sorrel later tonight - Carleton & St. Marks.

Ok, exactly what the heck is gran castillo? I've seen it and I've seen references here, plenty. Could I get a description?

Right now, Garden Cafe is looking to be the winner. I don't usually bother with reservations, anyone think I should?

What about Melt, any thoughts folks?

steve wrote: Right now, Garden Cafe is looking to be the winner. I don't usually bother with reservations, anyone think I should?

Definitely get reservations, because the place is tiny. They have a Prix Fixe on Tuesday that's a great deal, and this place definitively has the best food in Prospect Heights. I think you'll enjoy your meal.

steve wrote: Ok, exactly what the heck is gran castillo? I've seen it and I've seen references here, plenty. Could I get a description?

Smokin' Joe very kindly pointed us at the wikipedia page about it last night.

Turns out this cultural icon also has a homepage here, though it's in Spanish. Maybe someone can give us a synopsis?

steve wrote: What about Melt, any thoughts folks?

Melt is pretty good (not in the Garden Cafe league, although the price isn't far off if you get the Prix Fixe at GC). It's not that close to GAP though, and not really in Prospect Heights. I thought you wanted to check out our side of Flatbush...

I definately haven't seen that building on flatbush:P

doctorj wrote: [quote=steve]Ok, exactly what the heck is gran castillo? I've seen it and I've seen references here, plenty. Could I get a description?

Smokin' Joe very kindly pointed us at the wikipedia page about it last night.

Turns out this cultural icon also has a homepage here, though it's in Spanish. Maybe someone can give us a synopsis?

steve wrote: I definately haven't seen that building on flatbush:P

Then I guess you ain't been smokin' what Smokin' Joe been smokin'.

steve wrote: I definately haven't seen that building on flatbush:P

[quote=doctorj][quote=steve]Ok, exactly what the heck is gran castillo? I've seen it and I've seen references here, plenty. Could I get a description?

Smokin' Joe very kindly pointed us at the wikipedia page about it last night.

Turns out this cultural icon also has a homepage here, though it's in Spanish. Maybe someone can give us a synopsis?
Here's a pic from Daily Slope:

Here' a link to a review of the cubano at Carneviento from Gothamist. The article has a bunch of pics.

http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/07/16/the_hungry_cabb_11.php

Here's one of them:

Well, I know where I'm having lunch tomorrow!

steve wrote: Well, I know where I'm having lunch tomorrow!

Carneviento: 1
Park Slope: 0
Armchair Warrior: ;P

I'm gonna have to give it up for Miami too here. That's where my love of Cuban food was bred.

Carnivore wrote: [quote=steve]Well, I know where I'm having lunch tomorrow!

Carneviento: 1
Park Slope: 0
Armchair Warrior: ;P

Carneviento is NOT Cuban food. it is classic NYC Dominican/NuYorican food. If there's mofongo or yellow rice on the menu, it ain't Cuban.

In the end we went to Sorrel last night, which was fantastic top to bottom. Even saw Alfairnidia. Not a bad night to say the least. Thanks all for your recommendations. I'm going to try Garden Cafe next week, and I hope to get to Carneviento later today for the cubano.

steve wrote: In the end we went to Sorrel last night, which was fantastic top to bottom. Even saw Alfairnidia. Not a bad night to say the least. Thanks all for your recommendations. I'm going to try Garden Cafe next week, and I hope to get to Carneviento later today for the cubano.

I also highly recommend Beast when you have a chance - especially the skirt steak and the burger.

BrookFetish wrote: I also highly recommend Beast when you have a chance - especially the skirt steak and the burger.

I like the half chicken... and the burger... and many of the apps... all of the desserts.

Wine. Like the wine with the extra bit... good.

Bravely push thro the loud crowd at the bar and go into the quieter backrooms at Tavern on Dean 755 Dean Street (corner of Underhill-- one in from Washington Ave) for a delightful meal (hamburgers on up the food chain) and look at the constantly changing art in the romantic (twinkly lights) garden room. unusually friendly staff Music sometimes loud but, hey, just talk louder. Everyone always seems to be having fun...Tavern food plus. And a great weekend brunch. I think the hours are 4 to real late weekdays. And 11 AM on on weekends. Break the Garden Cafe Franny syndrome and branch out.
ALSO according to a Japanese friend of mine one of the best Japanese restaurants IN THE CITY has arrived at the corner of St. Marks and Washing. Called Geo or something like that. Dyn-o-mite and sublime at once. Habit forming. AND they deliver. Note: many Japanese restaurants have chefs from other Asian places. This one seems to have the genuine article! (My fussy Japanese friend's opinion...)

yikespjk wrote: Bravely push thro the loud crowd at the bar and go into the quieter backrooms at Tavern on Dean 755 Dean Street (corner of Underhill-- one in from Washington Ave) for a delightful meal (hamburgers on up the food chain) and look at the constantly changing art in the romantic (twinkly lights) garden room. unusually friendly staff Music sometimes loud but, hey, just talk louder. Everyone always seems to be having fun...Tavern food plus. And a great weekend brunch. I think the hours are 4 to real late weekdays. And 11 AM on on weekends. Break the Garden Cafe Franny syndrome and branch out.
ALSO according to a Japanese friend of mine one of the best Japanese restaurants IN THE CITY has arrived at the corner of St. Marks and Washing. Called Geo or something like that. Dyn-o-mite and sublime at once. Habit forming. AND they deliver. Note: many Japanese restaurants have chefs from other Asian places. This one seems to have the genuine article! (My fussy Japanese friend's opinion...)

I still think Taro is better, but Gen is great. The kitchen dishes (especially braised pork belly) are actually better than the sushi. Tavern on Dean is a reliable neighborhood spot, with cheap, tasty and abundant food, but not really comparable to Garden Cafe and Franny's, which are in a different league. Especially recommended at ToD is the steak sandwich- absolutely delicious, and perfect with a beer.