My husband and I love a late breakfast or early lunch on a quiet weekday, and one of our neighborhood spots is Cafe Colette. We almost always get the same thing too: the kale & butter bean stew is hearty & comforting, and topped with a fried egg, parmesan, & grilled sourdough bread. Derek gets it with an extra egg for added umph, and sometimes a side of sausage or potatoes. They make a mean cappuccino as well, which we occasionally double-up on. The team there knows us by now, and always make us feel right at home.
meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is one of Williamsburg, Brooklyn's best eateries- and the Michelin guide agrees, garnering it one star in both the 2015 and 2016 guides. The restaurant offers a delicious New American, Mediterranean-inspired menu by Chef Polo Dobkin. Chef Dobkin first earned a Michelin star for the previous occupant of the space, The Dressler, which was considered one of the great, original Brooklyn restaurants. He is now back as both owner and Executive Chef of Meadowsweet, partnering with his wife Stephanie, who acts as general manager. She also oversees the cocktail program, which uses herbs from the the restaurant's own garden loft, and is not to be missed. Besides being great at what they do, the couple is also extremely generous and helpful. They've been a great aid to my husband when it comes to running a restaurant, offering beneficial advice and support along the way. Furthermore, the food at Meadowsweet highlights my favorite cuisine, and I never fail to fall in love with the fresh, creative, and beautifully-plated dishes.
glasserie
Glasserie is a bit of a hike for most in NYC- it's at the very top of Greenpoint. But trust me, it's 100% worth the trip. The fresh and unique take on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is comforting and satisfying. It almost doesn't feel like you're in NYC! Sit outside at a cute table on the cobblestone walkway, or cozy up in the rustic-feeling interior. Whether you dine for brunch or dinner, prepare to be impressed! At brunch, the mezze feast is a must-order: freshly grilled flatbread (with herbs & flaky sea salt-so addicting!) with 10 varying small plates, complete with unlimited refills!
brooklyn kolache co.
Kolaches are a delightful doughy treat of Czech origin. They made their way to Texas back in the day, and can now be found at many bakeries throughout the state. Traditionally, kolaches are made with a slightly sweet, yeasted dough and contain sweet fillings such as poppy seeds, fruit compotes, or cottage cheese. Nowadays, many Texan bakeries make savory versions filled with sausage, eggs, and cheese. I was so excited to find a kolache spot in Brooklyn, owned and run by a Texan, that bakes fresh kolaches from scratch every day! Brooklyn Kolache Co. makes some seriously legit kolaches, and I love that they use seasonal, locally sourced, and organic ingredients. My favorites are the pumpkin, coconut, and spinach & feta! Enjoy yours in the outdoor garden out back!
semilla
Semilla is a vegetable-forward restaurant here in Williamsburg that serves a 10-course seasonal tasting menu. Chef Jose Ramirez-Ruiz plays with vegetables in ways that aren't widely found- he makes them the star of the show, and reserves meat and fish as more of an accent or garnish. Pastry chef Pamela Yung blew me away with her sweet creations as well, and I would happily indulge in a full dessert tasting if that were ever offered (hint hint). I've been twice and thoroughly enjoyed the fresh and seasonal menu both times. Semilla was recently named one of Bon Appetit's Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2015, and also received a Michelin star! Reservations are getting harder and harder to come by (especially since there's limited seating around the bar), so get in while you still can!