Fletcher's Brooklyn Barbecue 06-08-2014

Location: 433 3rd Ave. BK
Time: 4pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-It's quintessential Brooklyn Barbecue: sustainable and humane in practice, wooden communal tables, bar with great beer selection.
-Sleek and stylized comfort food.
-The sides are the winner of this joint. Creamy mac and cheese, pit-smoked baked beans, great burnt end chili-- if you are not a fan of meats and barbecue, just go for the sides.
-I asked RB regarding the meat, and he says, "very meaty."
-This is Gowanus after all. You will encounter some musicians whose guitar cases will take over the entire space before/after their show at The Bell House.

Ramen-Ya 07-06-2014

Location: 181 W.4th St.
Time: 1pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-Cash only, unpretentious cozy ramen shop in West Village, which did not have much ramen presence until now.
-Quintessential superb Japanese service.
-Everything is made in house including miso and sauces.
-Broth is clean and simple, no frills, just the way I love.
-They serve a respectful, delicate bowl of ramen, similar to the flavor you get in Japan--no over-salted, spicy, fatty broth you get at famous ramen shops around the city that gears towards American palate.
- Shio black ramen is $12. With extra $1, you can have a spicy option of chili oil.
-Soupless ramen (abura soba, $15) is delicious and flavorful.
-They have a perfectly cooked bowl of smooth, shiny rice. That's how you can tell if they are a legitimate spot for Japanese restaurant.

French Louie 07-05-2014

Location: 320 Atlantic Ave. BK
Time: 5pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
- This new French Boerum Hill restaurant by the Buttermilk Channel team has a beautiful outdoor garden.
- Go at 5pm, secure the outdoor table and enjoy the most serene dining experience. Experience a little oasis in Boerum Hill.
- French Louie is by no means French Louie CK. It is named after a Canadian folklore, Mr. Louis Seymour.
- There are small dishes (1er, $10-$14) to large dishes (2eme, $19-$27) plus steak frites ($24-$37), sides, dessert and of course, cheese.
- Each dish is playful, clean and fresh. It is mainly French bistro food with new American influences such as grits with bacon paired with snail.
- Highly recommend "cauliflower and mixed grains with Harissa yogurt ($7)." It is nutty and creates a lovely flavor heaven.
-Warm, friendly service.

Mexicue Kitchen and Bar 07-01-2014

Location: 1440 Broadway /40th street between Broadway and 6th Ave/Midtown West
Time: 12pm
People: JH and myself

List:
-Offering a tasty hybrid of Mexican and BBQ, one of the original artisanal New York food trucks, Mexicue's new restaurant is more upscale with full bar.
-Definitely go before 12:15pm to beat the crowd and long line.
-Take-out and table service are available.
-Prices are reasonable, mostly under $10. Kale and Quinoa Bowl (pictured above right) ($8.50 with blackened brussels sprouts) is fresh and flavorful.
-Specialty drinks are available. Spiked Palmero ($8), Mexicue Mule ($8) may be perfect for after work over some chips.

Oddfellows Ice Cream Co. East Village 06-28-2014

Location: 75 E. 4th St.
Time: 3:30pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-No seating... compared to the original Williamsburg location. There areonly four stools inside and an outdoor bench.
-Eight unique flavors to choose from, which rotate regularly from their 120 truly adventurous flavors. Chorizo caramel, miso butterscotch cherry, celery sorbet, anyone?
-Buttermilk blueberry honey has velvety, smooth texture. It is slightly sweeter than other competitions in the area.
-Nice Jesus art.
-If you are still hungry, try El Diablito nearby for some tasty tacos.