These were the words of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who announced the March dates for Dine In Brooklyn 2017 earlier today at Brooklyn Borough Hall. The week-long event is sponsored by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Yelp and the NYC Hospitality Alliance, as well as Schneps Communications, which publishes Brooklyn Reporter, The Home Reporter and Brooklyn Spectator.
Executive Director of NYC Hospitality Alliance Andrew Rigie says, “This is a great event for the economy, for restaurants and really just great for foodies.”
Those foodies Rigie mentioned can dine on prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch and dinner specials at participating restaurants, some of which were on hand at the launch event, serving up samples of their favorite dishes.
Bay Ridge’s own Greenhouse Café (7717 Third Avenue) offered samples of Eggplant Parmigiana with three different cheeses. Miti Miti (138 Fifth Avenue), a new Mexican restaurant from the owners of Park Slope favorite Bogota, served Pork Belly Tacos and Crispy Brussel Sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette, mint and hazelnuts. Other highlighted restaurants included BKW by Brooklyn Winery in Crown Heights, and House of Juice in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens.
Therapy Wine Bar (364 Lewis Avenue) had a small wine tasting, accompanied by an elegant and decadent dessert featuring white, milk and dark chocolate. Owner Angela Terry said her business is a “great date-night spot” and that their variety of wines, small plates and tapas make it great for sharing.
Adams stressed the socio-economic impact that such an event could have, saying, “Restaurants are a cross-pollination of ideas, a cross pollination of people interacting. Nothing communicates a new friendship better than a good meal. “
Andrew Hoan, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, believes the concept of the event is simple: achieve economic development by eating and drinking, and support these communities in a positive way.
“We hope people go to both their favorite places and some new ones. You’re supporting local businesses, which employ people from the local community. We want people to expand their horizons – if you live in Williamsburg, why not try something new in Sunset Park?” Hoan added.
The event shows off Brooklyn as an epicenter of world class cuisine, something people no longer need to go to Manhattan to enjoy.
“At one time people would come across the Brooklyn Bridge and turn back around,” Adams said. “We want to encourage people to walk around and feel the energy that Brooklyn has to offer.”
Dine In Brooklyn 2017 will take place from Monday, March 20 through Thursday, March 30. Prix fixe dinners will cost $28; $15 for lunch; $12 for brunch. For more information and a list of participating restaurants, visit Brooklyn-usa.org/dine-in-bk.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
