The much anticipated annual Unfancy Food Show was held this past Sunday at East River Bar, celebrating all things local, organic, sustainable, artisanal and Brooklyn. Organized by Annaliese Griffin and Tom Mylan, the show included nearly twenty vendors supplying a vast mouth-watering and curious mix of edible goods from raw chocolate and rooftop grown vegetables to authentic kimchee and peppery beef jerky. It was a packed mosh pit scene with sweat trickling from the pores of both skin and tongue. I arrived too late to sample Marlow & Sons’ brisket and whitefish sandwiches, or Salvatore’s freshly cut prosciutto sandwiches, but I left content at having tasted some of the best produce, cheese and sweets on this side of the East River.

Best In Show award undeniably goes to Mama O’s Kimchee, where Kheedim Oh (of The Beatards) and his mother have successfully created an authentic kimchee which isn’t overwhelming to the unfamiliar, while maintaining the pride of a Korean foodie such as this writer.  I was stricken with a nostalgia upon sampling the kimchee that was just the slightest bit undercured and salty, maintaining the perfect balance of crunch and spice.  You may get some at Marlow & Daughters, Foragers, and Jeffreys.

READ MORE

Anywhere you go in the country you are bound to find a craft brewery or brew pub serving up fresh beers for the local public, but here in North Brooklyn we are very privileged to have one of the best. The brewery is located right in our back yard near the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, and it is very easy for New Yorkers to take such a great institution for granted. Everyone knows their beers, especially Brooklyn Lager, but occasionally you find one on tap, or cask that you have never seen before…and this weekend that beer is Dark Matter.

A couple months ago Garrett Oliver, the brew master of Brooklyn Brewery, spoke to the New York City Home Brewers’ Guild at one of their monthly meetings. He discussed the the brewery’s beers, told stories, explained that they are not relocating but expanding their operation right here on North 11th Street in Williamsburg, and he also brought beers for everyone to taste.

Most people are familiar with Brooklyn Brown, one of the flagship ales that the brewery makes. Brooklyn Brown is a fine American Brown Ale with hints of caramel, rich chocolate undertones, just a hint of coffee, and balanced perfectly with hops. Brooklyn Brewery originally only made this ale as a holiday specialty, but it has since become a year-round offering…and for good reason. One of the beers that Mr. Oliver brought to share with the Home Brewer’s Guild was a beer called Dark Matter. He explained that it was a beer that was brewed specifically for himself and the other members of the brewery team to enjoy. Dark Matter is the Brooklyn Brown ale aged 9 months in Woodford Reserve bourbon barrels. The already delicious brown ale picks up hints of vanilla, a touch of bourbon, and a bit of booze during this aging creating one of the most drinkable bourbon aged beers out there.

READ MORE

Last Sunday was the launch of the Williamsburg Flea Market, and I ventured to the outdoor lot on South 2nd & Wythe, near the Williamsburg Bridge, to browse through the goods wide and varied. I bought a vintage dress for $15, sampled the most delicious mustard on the planet, savored raw chocolate ice cream, drank free beer, refrained from buying accessories I don’t need, and marveled at tiny plants that grow out of thin air.

READ MORE

Wondering what’s happening today on Bedford Ave during “Williamsburg Walks?”  In addition to claiming the streets for pure pedestrian enjoyment, here’s a schedule of activities and names of organizations who will be present.

BLOCK BY BLOCK

N8th – N9th  Southside CSA Block — Seasonal Spring Eating

Southside CSA, a grassroots group that supports getting produce and products from local fields to Brooklyn kitchens, is sponsoring a block at Williamsburg Walks dedicated to food activism and activities. For all workshops, discussions, and events, some seating will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own beach chairs for guaranteed comfort!

READ MORE

John Ricco, owner of Grandma Rose’s — a brand spankin’ new pizza and homecooking joint at the corner of  Graham and Meeker set to open on June 17 — sent the WG an advance copy of their menu today, and it’s more clear than ever that it’s a godsend for Graham area residents looking for good, cheap eats.

Ricco has populated the extensive menu with everything from philly cheesesteaks ($7), to homemade soup like “pasta fazool” ($4.50). (“Yes, I spell it like I say it,” Ricco notes.) Among Grandma Rose’s most affordable offerings are the “Recession Specials”:  $4 for two slices and a small fountain soda, $5 for a cheeseburger, french fries and a Coke. What is it 1992?!

READ MORE