As I walked down 22nd street last night, up to the door of Borough Food & Drink , I admit I was bracing for a maelstrom. I'd heard Tuesday night's party for the neighbors turned into a 700-plus crazy full house. I'd seen Wednesday night's invite posted online. I was surprised to see a very low key crowd, comfortably dispersed through the space. Jeffrey Chodorow and Terry Zarikian were standing on the outdoor terrace, discussing the money tree the manicurists next-door had given them as a house warming gift and when was the best time to go over and say thank you.
The space is a lot of wood, industrial light fixtures, shelves of potables and open kitchen. I kept asking who designed it? It seems Avroko derivative. But with the rocking background music people looked at me quizzically "A who? what? I don't know." While it is exactly the same footprint as restaurants past, design-wise they have erased all trace of them.
Food and drink were passed and served a plenty. Flat breads with various meaty toppings, the pork burger (Josh Ozersky's favorite), brisket and kim chee in steamed Chinese buns (my favorite), and deep fried pickles (Will Goldfarb's favorite). Beers on tap, red or white wine? Or that Brooklyn cocktail described as gin and juice (orange) which reminded me of those easily drinkable fruity concoctions you made in high school college.
Consulting has been treating Zac Pelaccio well. Things are good on both sides of the pond , and he was happy with this latest project and the talent of chef Paul Williams in the kitchen.
So what's the verdict? Why it is far too early for a verdict I say. Restaurants need time. It has potential to be a comfy spot in the 'hood. But we'll have to wait a few months and see if that money tree blooms.
BONUS UPDATE:Download Borough_Food_& Drink_menu.pdf
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