My New Favorite Restaurant...

...(well it's more of a winebar then a restaurant, but the food is delicious)

Black Mountain Winehouse is a rustic, off-the-beaten path gem.  Just one block away from the Smith St biz strip in Carrol Gardens, this winebar manages to feel like a much needed mountain retreat, with it's discreet entrance, rustic decor, and wood burning fireplace.  Plus, with a carefully selected menu of wines and cheeses from around the world, it's easy to ween the evening away in a boozy, lactic coma.

Images courtes of Black Mountain Winehouse

MMM.... Chocolicious!

 
One can't rightly talk about local food artisans without giving mention to the Mast Brothers. Located in North Williamsburg, the Mast Brothers is the only bean to bar chocolate factory in NYC. These bars are decidedly more than just pretty packaging, though I have to say, each time I unfold the beautiful paper to reveal the gold foil beneath, I get an old-lady urge to save it for some future application.
 
With tantalizing flavors like Fleur de Sel, Serrano Pepper, and Stumptown Coffee (a collaboration with the roasters themselves, it's a dark chocolate bar with roughly chopped, fresh roasted coffee beans), in this case, you truly can read a book by it's cover. All photos by The Selby, check out more of the Mast Bros. pics here.

Green Grocery

With so many farmer's markets and organic grocery shops to choose from living local can be quite easy in NYC. Lucky for us there are a variety of cheaper, more convenient, and underground options outside the doors of Whole Foods. 

A great resource for buying local is the Local Fork. With listings on a variety of eats, you can see who's growing local and where to get it. 

  Some of my favorite local vendors include: McClure's Pickles, who recently launched a Spicy Bloody Mary Mix into there line up, is another reason for me to plan a boozy brunch at home. It's a mixture of the spicy pickle brine (apparently inspired by their great grandmother's recipe), tomato paste, cucumber juice, and other locally sourced yummies. 


Though you may not be an imbiber of the viscose, and vinegary likes of Kombucha, I'm a die-hard fan. For a less aggressive and incredibly delicious version try, KB BK. Once upon a time, I saw them stationed at the Fort Greene Flea Market, but they have since eluded me. You're best resource may just be there website, where you can even by a kit to brew your own. 

 Another great local harvest option is a CSA, check and see if you're neighborhood has one. Bargain basement prices will get you a crate full of seasonal veggies either delivered to your door, or picked up at a local park or garden. 

Get involved with, or browse the veggies at the Brooklyn Grange. A New York City Rooftop farms organization, the Grange was founded, in part, by famed Bushwick pizzeria, Roberta's, owners, Chris Parachini and Brandon Hoy. 

Ukrainian Eats

Veselka may be the classic outpost for Eastern European eats, but for a more traditional (and I mean seriously dry and old-school) feel, try the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant. Just a hop, skip and a jump up the street from Veselka, the Ukrainian East Village remains a bit hidden, down a hallway inside the Ukrainian National Home. My personal favorite is the old stand-by Varenyky (pierogi). The Ukrainian East Village Restaurant is located at 140 2nd Ave NY (between 8th and 9th Streets)

For you Brooklyn-ites who are weary to cross the river check out Christina's in Greenpoint, at 853 Manhattan Ave. Oddly enough, I sort of fell in love with a blueberry pierogi here.

Madiba Restaurant

For delicious South African fare, check out I-Shabeen Madiba in Fort Greene. The first of it's kind in the US, Madiba opened it's doors in 1999. The rustic, flea-market feel is a perfect "sanctuary to the weary and well-traveled". For something classic I reccomend the Oxtail Potjie-kos Bredie.
Photo by Yun Cee Ng for New York Magazine

Steam Punk Dining and Drinking

For those of us who enjoy reveling in the bygone era chic of the ever-present steam punk revolution, whilst we munch on delicious comestibles and imbibe delightful cocktails, there are loads of speakeasies and rustic saloons around the city. Some of my favorites include:

HENRY PUBLIC

One of the best Bloody Mary's in town, house-made juniper pickles, grass-fed hamburgers, and turkey-leg sandwiches... What more could you ask for?

For a selection of some of the best and most creative cocktails in town try...

HOTEL DELMANO

The smoke and flowers is a personal favorite, this destination has tasty snacks, coffees, and for the more adventurous, is one of the only spots in NY to serve Absinthe the proper way.

For a romantic and rustic dinner checkout...

FREEMANS

This restaurant specializes in seasonal rustic food, to sate any appetite.

A must taste of the moment, is...

VINEGAR HILL HOUSE

A bit off the beaten path, this restaurant is worth the trip and worth the wait. My recommendation, arrive early!

For an old-time eat-in dry goods and soda shop feel go to...

BABA

Though the restaurant and store has a more mediterranean feel, with house cured meets and an assortment of locally sourced cheese. It's rustic-chic approach has a small town early America overtone, that any old timey aficianodo can appreciate.

Other favorites include: MARLOW & SONS, DINER, ROEBLING TEA ROOM, and FORT DEFIANCE to name a few.