Thursday, November 8, 2012
The 10 Best Restaurant Sequels in Brooklyn
Posted by Sarah Zorn on Thu, Nov 8, 2012 at 9:00 AM
Like The Godfather II is to The Godfather, some restaurant-related sequels are — if not arguably better than — at least just as good as their predecessors. There are even a few entirely successful edible trilogies, that continue to expand on the universe of the original eatery while still staying faithful to its essential spirit. No matter what twist and turns these following tasty franchises take, one thing’s for sure — we plan to see their storylines through all the way to the finale.
- Photo Hong-An Tran
al di la/Bar Corvo
An instant classic, al di la tops “Best Of” lists as reliably as Citizen Kane. That means it’s a bit easier to get seats at the no-less delicious offshoot Bar Corvo, a relaxed Northern Italian trattoria in Crown Heights.
Anella/Calyer, Bellwether
There are no turkeys in Josh Cohen and Blair Papagni’s restaurant canon. They first burst onto the scene with Anella (which produced rising star Joseph Ogrodnek of Battersby), and have since garnered significant adulation for their other farm-to-table projects; the veggie-driven Calyer and seafood-centric Bellwether.
Talde/Pork Slope/Thistle Hill Tavern
Chef Dale scored a major Asian crossover hit with his feisty fusion at Talde (ie: pretzel pork potstickers), which he quickly and effectively translated into Americana bar food (sriracha sauced chicken wings), before signing on for a prequel by taking over kitchen duties at Thistle Hill Tavern — partners John Bush and David Massoni’s original Park Slope eatery.
Vinegar Hill House/Hillside
Owners Jean Adamson and Sam Buffa have followed up their unexpected, critically acclaimed blockbuster with an unassuming, art house indie. More than just a waiting room with wine, a visit to Hillside is an excellent way to combat VHH’s excruciating no-reservations policy.
- Photo Brian Park
Five Leaves/Nights and Weekends
Five Leaves’ fun-loving Aussies took a trip to the Latin America in this sassy, sunny sequel, trading oysters, shepherds pie and beetroot-topped burgers for fish tacos, cubanos, and potent, rum-based drinks.
Littleneck/the Pines
Both edible entries came out within a year from each other, and while one the sings the praises of shellfish and the other takes a back-to-the-land approach, both embody the same DIY, devil-may-care sensibility.
Peaches/Peaches Hothouse, The Smoke Joint, Little Brother BBQ
This ever-expanding Bed Stuy and Fort Greene franchise has remained most consistent to its central theme — namely, southern comfort food favorites and piles of juicy, smoky ‘cue with decidedly Brooklyn flavor.
Queens Hideaway/Potlikker
Greenpoint’s favorite cult classic recently got a remake in the laid back Williamsburg eatery Potlikker, marking chef/owner Liza Queen’s evolution from goddess of quirk to sovereign of rootsy regional cooking.
egg/Parish Hall
Follow up your all-day, southern-meets-stoner style breakfast with a refined, American Northeast influenced dinner at Parish Hall, egg’s younger (albeit more mature) sibling. It’s like American Pie meets American Reunion — without all of the immature dialogue, overacting, or unnecessary pastry sex.
Colonie/Gran Electrica, Governor
The production team has remained on board throughout all three seasonally inspired, small-plate installments (bringing chef Sam Richman on as leading man for the Mexican-inflected, Day of the Dead themed Gran Electrica). Hurricane Sandy cast a pall over the fate of little sib Governor — we’re sure our heroes will make it out on top.
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