Metromix New York's food tasting event, “Hot Plates Live!” returned to Brooklyn last night, and I ate more than should be allowed. Eleven new food enterprises were showcased; all welcoming and generous, and it was nice to see some of the chefs proudly serve their food.
Let's start with my favorite tables:
#3: Branded Saloon
Pulled Pork on Corn Chip
Tasty, crunchy.
Bourbon Pecan Pie
Any easy favorite. This was the only dessert in the room, and it came strong — with Jack Daniel's. I had two. I was encouraged to have more.
Branded Saloon is at 603 Vanderbilt Avenue. Their menu also offers bourbon glazed chicken wings!
#2: 1 or 8
Hamachi Ceviche and Braised Beef Short Rib Pate with Rice Salad
The most sophisticated table; this plate had a full range of textures and flavors. The ceviche was the most refreshing bite.
1 or 8 is at 66 S. 2nd Street, Brooklyn, NY
#1: Radish
Long Island Pulled Duck with Housemade Kimchi
Radish is a specialty food store that sells freshly prepared food. Their table came closest to feeling like comfort food, and this pulled duck spoon was my favorite of all. The tiny bite was a whirlwind of flavors: strong cilantro lead, crunchy kimchi with all its mighty flavors, and the carrot came in the end almost like a surprise—I'd never appreciated cooked carrot before this meal; and the duck held it all together.
Zucchini Pappardelle with Chanterelles & Olive Pesto
No match for the pulled duck, but this veggie delight was handsome, healthy and tasty.
Radish is at 158 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
And now for the rest:
Osteria Il Paiolo
Gnoochi Alla Bolognese
Vitello Tonnato
Focaccia
Mile End
Black Angus Brisket
The meat was great, but the dash of mustard on the bread doesn't do much. Wish there was a bit more to the combination.
Mile End is at 97A Hoyt Street, Brooklyn, NY
Fornino Park Slope
Shrimp with White Beans
A bit bland and one-note texture for my taste, but these looked the cutest.
Fornino Park Slope is at 254 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Benchmark
Pastrami-style short rib, truffled sauerkraut, rye bread
A lot more punchier than the Mile End sample, thanks to the truffled sauerkraut. The flavor in the meat was bolder too.
Benchmark is at 339A 2nd Street at 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Mode Bistro
Tuna Tartare on a homemade potato chip
There were only a few more chips left on this table when we got to it. As I was eyeing it to see if they were already closed, the person I assume was the chef lunged forward to tell us what his table was offering. The excitement was contagious.
Salmon Tartare on a homemade potato chip
The salmon version was definitely superior.
Mode Bistro is at 116 N. 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY
St. Anselm
Humble pie
with pork liver, pork shoulder, pork kidney on saffron creme fraiche
I couldn't help asking the chef what the reason was behind picking this daring dish.
He said the recipe originated in the medieval age, but also that
most of the restaurant's food is deep fried, making this one the most
portable.
St. Anselm is at 355 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY.
Blue Bottle Coffee
New Orleans Iced Coffee
I saved this one for the last. Top notch coffee!
Kyoto Iced Coffee
Though I didn't try this one, I was told it, too, was top notch.
Blue Bottle Coffee is at 160 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY
Carino
We missed out on these guys! Their stuff was all gone by the time we got to it.
Carino is at 82 S. 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY.
Thanks Metromix. Until the next tasting!
