Forcella

The "Montonarra" or deep fried pizza is the draw here and it is delicious. Forcella has won accolades in a pizza saturated town. Starting with a wonderful eggplant(melanzane) appetizer you can see the love in the food. The sauce here is so fresh and simple yet so delicious. The accancino(rice and potato balls) are also good. The star is the deep fried pizza. Frying the dough adds a sweetness, much like a zeppole and with the five star sauce is soooo super tasty. Reasonably priced at $10 you could splurge a little at this Bowery joint. GO!

Sarabet's Tribecca

AMERICANA meets Tribecca at this Sarabeth outpost. The redone Bazzini space is a treat to eat in. Like a modern country inn Tribecca style. The breakfast/brunch here is pure American goodness. Hot chocolate was a suprise hit- rich and dark w/ some whipped creme. French toast was standard good fare. My buttermilk pancakes were not dark as ordered, but pretty on the plate with extra butter and warmed syrup. Fresh donuts with Sarabeth's jam of course, were not as good as the Bowery diner, but added some homespun goodness. The space here does trump the food. GO!

Pequena

This little, cute spot in Fort Greene beckoned on a beautiful day, with their front Florida like room. I was suprised with house made chips and pico de gallo. For lunch there is good selection of specials under $10. I went with a stuffed poblano with cheese and rice and beans. An order of guacamole at lunch is $1.50. The food was fresh, uber tasty and the spot was nice respite in Fort Greene. Definitely a place to return for some good grub.
GO!

Beso

Away from the brunch madness of Madhattan is Beso, close to the ferry in St. George. A recluse of stucco and decorative fireplace. There is a guitar player playing for the $19.95 brunch. Sangria, mimosa or bloody mary is included. Nice bread with garlicky oil and large, tasty Spanish olives. I went with the salad to start. Fresh greens nicely tossed with sherry vinaigrette. The main of salmon with avocado mousse and tequila with saffron rice was delicious. A tres leches cake with maccerated fruit topped off this sedate and seductive brunch.
GO!

Bowery Diner

Upmarket diners are a source of comfort to new fangled New Yorkers seeking better Americana chow. Like the Comfort Diner of yore and "The Diner" on 14th St. to the defunt MWells(Canadian American) upmarket diners offer retro and delicous comfort. Bowery Diner attempts this and accomplishes it somewhat. Retro decor, milkshake machine whirring away, lovely housemade donuts displayed all point to good food. I started with a clam chowder($7) which I later sent back. The expectation of a creamy chowder with potatoes and bacon was met with watery clam broth, overcooked carrots, not potatoes and no flavor. The fried chicken with apple pancake($19) redeemed itself as did the MAC'in mac & cheese($8) The fried chicken which was fried to order was splendid balanced by the sweet apple pancake(fritter) Mac and cheese with it's multi cheesed cheesy crust was delish. Donuts which are $2.50 each are spot on- orange blossom with a lime glaze and chocolate topped are tops. The toilet I used had no paper and one stall was closed- not cute.
SLOW GO!