Brooklyn's COLONIA VERDE in Ft. Greene -you have to go (6-13-25)

 I had one night in Brooklyn's Ft. Greene neighborhood attending an opera (which was WOW!!) and chose Colonia Verde which is an unassuming spot several steps off the main drag with some outdoor seats in the front, a bar and front room and then a cooler back space with a glass ceiling and behind it a garden dining are surrounded by park and trees. I had no clue I was anywhere near the city!

There are lots of choices and I knew I had an opera so kept it simple starting with the Trout Ceviche with Leche de tigre, crispy quinoa and cilantro. My server suggested the tostadas for the ceviche which was a genius move. They really should come with it, but the kick-ass spice was ideal, and the tostadas were crunchy and tasty with the amazing local Hudson River trout! A glass of Domaine Migot Cotes de Toul Vin Gris Rose from Lorriane 2024 made from Pinot Noir & Gamay was a super dry rose.

I could not resist the Duck Confit Tacos which were gorgeous tortillas filles with moist confit, chihuahua cheese, avocado, cilantro and pickled onions. The super spicy habanero creamy salsa was divine. At this point a child at the other end of the room had decided it was time for an aversion and the screaming was crazy until one parent took them out. There were lots of families with kids as well as so many different types of diners across the board as this neighborhood is so varied and welcoming., but loud kids are not for me.

I loved the blonde knotted wood tables and brick floors and the great service and huge wine list as well. This was a place I could come to ALL THE TIME.

I was not quite full so got a great cup of coffee and the "Little Piece of Brazil" a fab dessert of yucca/coconut cake with coconut cream, whipped cream on top and lime zest that was so superbly refreshing. 

I have no clue when I might be back in this 'hood, but Colonia Verde is on my radar.

DC's PAPPE is perfect for fiery Indian (6/2/25)

 We were down near Thomas Circle for an event last Monday and wanted to grab a bite afterwards, so chose PAPPE, which has been there for ages apparently, but I had never heard of. This small Indian spot has a bar and comfy tables with a muted and calm atmosphere. The service from Victor and the staff was attentive and helpful in deciding what to eat. If you ask for spicy, you WILL get it that way for sure!

Sam & I tried the PINKY UP with Blackleaf Vodka, Elderleaf Liqueur, Cucumber, Pomegranate and Lemon which was a delicious refreshing choice that was not sweet at all.

The wine list is short and reasonable, and I loved the Messanges Cabernet Franc from Domaine de Pallus 2002 which worked well with the spicy food.

We started with Samosas which came with both mint & chutney sauces underneath and were very good. The Gobi Manchurian Indo-Chinese Cauliflower (what a geographical mouthful) was nice and spicy and came with scallions and sesame seeds (which Victor put on the side since I can't eat them).

The Garlic Na'an was delish and indeed VERY garlicky. Sam loved it with his Zucchini Kofta Curry which was also a spicy fried zucchini ball with a besan/yogurt sauce/mustard seeds/ ginger and green chili--great for mopping up with na'an!

The Wild Shrimp Coconut Curry had large head on Carolina Shrimp in Black Mustard, Ginger, Green Chili, and a tamarind broth that was superb. The mains came with rice which sopped up the fabulous sauce. The Fiery Lamb Vindaloo was VERY fiery with Loamb Goan in a rich thick sauce.

No room for dessert, but a great meal had by all!!