Last night braved the storm for Kaz An Nou: an adorable French Carribbean restaurant on the Park Slope/Prospect Heights border. They just updated their menu, and while the flawless jerk chicken and West Indies burger are still in full effect, they’ve fortified their offerings with curried escargot, cheesy crab-stuffed chayote and a signature riff on Niçoise salad that brings smoked whitefish and okra to the mix. For dessert, we had a Galette des Rois, or King Cake: a traditional French pastry typically served on January 6, the Christian feast day of Epiphany, that contains a bead somewhere inside that turns the lucky recipient into a king (or queen) for a day. Although Kaz An Nou’s take on the cake didn’t include such a bead, I felt particularly regal after the meal. 

Photo courtesy of kazannou.com

Just as I am an iced coffee pioneer on the first thawed out day of March, so am I chomping at the bit for hot cappuccino. I took advantage this non-sweltering morning with a cup from Milk, which unlike its iced cousins, did not drip condensation all over me on my morning commute. Nice. And besides that, could you do this with an iced drink? I think not.

image courtesy of goodfoodonkcrw.vox.com

I give The Vanderbilt so many props that I neglect to mention how much I love Flatbush Farm. Sitting in the back patio is an absolute dream after work: not too crowded, really nice service and refreshing drinks — just the thing after a long day. We usually split a steak, a salad and maybe one more app. This time we went for the Grilled Iceberg Lettuce with homemade Caesar dressing, which is more or less a BBQ salad — so good. We also had the chilled peach soup special, which was reminiscent of spicy baby food, in a good way. And the grassfed steak of the day never fails — this ribeye came with a sweet corn and edamame succotash with lardon and baby red potatoes. Blue Marble profiteroles were the proverbial icing on the cake.

I am pretty lucky. My boyf surprised me with a welcome-home takeout feast from The Vanderbilt last night. He ordered with extreme precision: their can’t-live-without Blistered Shishito Peppers and Golden Pickled Eggs, a seize-the-season Heirloom Tomato Salad, House Smoked Kielbasa, La Placha Fluke w/Olives & Zucchini, and, last but not least, an unbelievable Chicken Oysters & Risotto special dish. In case you don’t know, chicken oysters are two to a bird, succulent dark meat morsels located behind the thigh. Typically regarded as an in-the-know chef’s treat, I’ve never heard of them being served in a restaurant dish, until now. Way to go Vanderbilt (and Guy)—you never cease to amaze. 

A pre-diet lunch at Cafe Shane on Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights.

The perenially packed Milk Bar in ProHeights is branching out to another ‘hood I’ve been digging lately—Ditmas Park, Cortelyou Road to be semi-exact. The new spot, slated to open September 1, will be called Café Madeline, after the owners’ precious pup, and will serve pastries, their famous toasted ham & cheese croissants and ficelles—including an Asiago cheese & prosciutto number and a yet-undetermined veggie option. They’ll also feature boutique blends of Counter Culture coffee. Sweet.

Update on an earlier post regarding the Hot Bird food truck’s chickenlessness. Turns out there will be bird, and it will presumably be hot, at least in the proverbial sense.

photo courtesy of Brownstoner

From the menu:

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN
local free range chicken, brined with garlic and herbs and slow roasted
1/4 chicken hacked with fresh lime 6
1/2 chicken hacked with 2 sides 10
whole chicken on a platter, hacked, bunch of sides 15

Phew!

I have heard new bar in on the block Hot Bird is just the best. I’m glad to hear it. However, since moving to ProHeights, I have been regularly taunted by the Hot Bird sign, which makes reference to a defunct BBQ joint that sounds awesome.

According to TastingTable, Hot Bird’s food offerings will be comprised of

artisanal hot dogs and wurst. But as the season progresses, Harding hopes to churn out fare such as upscale grilled cheese, lobster rolls and an all-American brunch.

…but no wings/ribs/BBQ of any sort. I can’t pretend not to be bummed to never have the option to get hot bird at Hot Bird. 

photo courtesy of Brownstoner

Pressed Young Chicken w/Napa Cabbage & Nebrodini Bianco Mushrooms at James in Prospect Heights.

Strawberry Pizza w/Balsamic Drizzle @Amorina Prospect Heights.

At first we were sad that Garden Cafe was gone, but we’re more or less over it. Having Milk Bar nearby is really nice for a Counter Culture cappuccino to-go before work or a sun-drenched weekend brunch.