Battersby

Battersby was voted one of Bon Appetit magazine's ten best restaurants in America. Is it? Well it certainly is an eclectic albeit eccentric addition to one of new Brooklyn's original food strips- Smith St. Battersby takes no reservations and about half an hour after opening it is full. I sat at the bar in the corner which was fine. The bartender was attentive much different from my Happy Hour nosh at Ed's Chowder House. A crostini with chicken liver and a sliver of a mushroom arrives first- tasty. The rosemary flatbread with seasalt and accompanied by housemade ricotta is amazing. I went with the chowder. Smoked bacon, peeky-toe crab, and corn adorn this smoky, delicious chowder. Potatoes were slightly overcooked within the chowder. I also ordered a half wheat beer on draft which made me happy. For the main, I went with the green ravioli with earthy vegetables in a lemony brown butter sauce- delish. Finishing my meal with a banana-lime tart with dulce de leche and housemade whipped cream from an upstate creamery. Quite good though for such an eccentric meal, I would have preferred a more rustic finish. Total- $50 GO! GO!

Speedy Romeo

Speedy Romeo is on a new "Brooklyn Food Strip" on burgeoning Classon Ave close to the Classon Ave train station. It is a large corner spot in what used to be a garage. The light bright spot sports an open kitchen and has that hipster vibe one expects in this corner of Brooklyn. The brunch hosts breakfast and lunch foods which is great. I started with the butternut squash soup finished with creme fraiche and hazelnuts for $10. This was a stellar soup- rich and delicious. The pizzas which Speedy Romeo is known for is what I opted for. The Casey Moore($14) promised baked clams, spinach, and bechamel, plus tarragon. While the brick oven baked pizza was perfectly cooked and mega tasty- I was expecting clams with breadcrumbs and garlic. Otherwise, a nice Brooklyn spot. GO!

Ed's Chowder House

Ed's Chowder House is a pricey albeit fancy Lincoln Center Fish House. The views of Lincoln Center from it's second floor location are quite pretty. The "happy hour" daily offers budget conscious folks the chance to sample the chow at a bargain. Dollar littlenecks(pictured) are fresh and good. A sandwich of tuna with spicy aoili plus some NE chowder added on for $3.50 was a tasty light bite. The chowder is fine and creamy lacking the big potatoes of my fave at Extra Fancy in Brooklyn, but still quite good. Rolls and cornbread served are quite delish. The bar stools are cushioney and the views priceless. GO!