Kettler Travel Journal: Brooklyn

It's about that time, finally, to share our epic trip to New York last year! My amazing cousins just welcomed a little girl into the world, so I decided to get my butt in gear and finally post about our trip to Brooklyn last winter. So in honor of little baby Harper, here we go...

I decided to surprise Hubby with a trip to New York City. My cousins, John and Shawn, kindly offered to host us for a foodie-filled weekend. We provided a few requests, then gave them free rein on our itinerary. 

When most people think of New York, they think of Manhattan, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Times Square...While these are all iconic elements of New York, one of the most best spots, in my opinion, is Brooklyn. My cousins moved there about six years ago and have been raving about it ever since. We finally decided to see what all the hype was about. I had been to New York before as a teenager, but mostly stayed around Manhattan and the other tourist spots. I always wanted to go back since discovering my love for the culinary world and knowing that Hubby had never been.

The best part about visiting the city with locals is that you get to experience real New York. Sure, we did a few of the stereotypical tourist stops so Hubby could check it off his bucket list, but we also experienced some of the best meals we have ever had.

The Blue Apron - specialty cheese shop in Brooklyn, NY.

In the end, it was a jam packed 48 hours, but one of the most incredible food-filled weekends we have experienced in a while. I am lucky enough to have traveled across the States and even the world, but have never experienced such a concentrated Mecca of phenomenal cuisine as New York City. 

Brooklyn at its Finest

Our journey began with welcome snacks from our gracious hosts - Founders KBS Stout and a cheese called Roaring 40's. We then walked down to a local pizza joint called Toby's Public House to check out some fine New York pizza at its best. We split a Tartufata pizza with prosciutto and truffle cream and a Buffalina pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil. Sorry Chicago, but I'm a NY pizza gal!

After several drinks at John and Shawn's favorite corner bar, Jackie's 5th Amendment in Park Slope (which is sadly now closed), it was finally bed time for us...long day ahead tomorrow starting with New York bagels.

Just as good as everyone says they are! Pumperknickle bagel with Nova Lox starting my morning out right at La Bagel Delight - it had enough scallion spread to feed the entire city!

We then took the subway to Brooklyn Heights, walked to the Promenade for views and pictures, then back on the Subway again to lower Manhattan and Soho.

After exploring Manhattan and taking in some sites, we decided to stop into Katz's Delicatessen, an institution and know for that oh-so-famous scene from How Harry Met Sally. This was a process: walk in, grab a ticket (and DON'T loose it), make your way through all the people and get to the counter, place your order, then try to find a seat while carrying ten pounds of pastrami on rye. Despite the "process," it was worth it! (And probably set me back about ten pounds)!

After pastrami, we walked by Macy's to see the holiday window displays, through Times Square and over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree!! This was my one request, it got me so excited about Christmas!

After my Home Alone 2 moment, it was time to make our way back to the homestead to change and get ready for our big dinner!! But first, a quick stop into The Blue Apron (see the cheese pic above) for some specialty cheeses and meats to snack on (yes, more food). This little gem was on our walk back, which I insisted we stop into on the way home! I was in heaven and only wish that we had places like this in NC.

The highlight of the trip was the daring and unique food combinations of Do or Dine. This restaurant seriously challenged our taste buds in every way! Seriously, one of the most memorable dining experiences we have ever had, and so happy we got to share it with our cousins! The restaurant certainly pushed the boundaries of culinary experimentation. Recap of the meal:

Do or Dine

          

The Spherickle Back Shot (whiskey, spicy pickle juice in a crazy molecular gastronomy sphere) and Spheregarita Shot (tequila shot with sphere of kiwi, ginger, wasabi and Blue Curacao).

E666s (deep fried deviled eggs)

           

Heart Attack (deep fried jalapeno with chevre and salmon) and Preserved Crackleberry Salad (preserved egg in black tea, hazelnuts, arugula, black pepper olive oil, fresh figs).

Foie Gras Doughnuts with Blackberry Compote (no further description needed)

George's Steak Tartare (in the shape of a cow with micro greens and espresso aioli)

       

A Chicken and Woffals (jerk quail with spinach, pineapple, maple and spinach)
and A Fish (literally) and Some Chips (fish roe, yuji-shallot vinaigrette, fries).

Cherimoya Chimichanga (garbanzo beans, spinach, blackberries) to round out the meal! 

Afterwards, we had to work off all that food with some Karaoke!

Sunday morning brought a brand new day, and empty stomach! We walked over to the LadyBird Bakery so I could grab a coffee and scone for our trip back to Manhattan to see the 9/11 Memorial. After the long treck, we had worked up our appetite, so made our way back to Brooklyn for our final meal before flying home. 

Talde

Talde - Another amazing spot, especially for brunch. We enjoyed Pretzel Pork & Chive Dumplings with Spicy Mustard. Scrambled Egg, Sausage and Cheese Fried Rice. Korean Chicken and Waffles (another one). An Apple Pancake with Ham and Coconut Brown Butter Syrup. Spicy Chicken Lemongrass and Shrimp Toast. We washed this all down with Old Fashioned's and Belinnis.

As if that wasn't enough, we decided to walk over to the Beer Table for one last drink before heading to the airport.

Farewell Brooklyn, we shall return!