Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Coming Soon
“Mission Dolores, the new Park Slope offering from Mike and Ben Wiley of Bar Great Harry, is expected to open in part of the old Cattyshack space in roughly two weeks,” says Zagat Buzz. The bar’s glass-ceilinged space is pictured above. (Photo by Jacqueline Wasilczyk.) Zagat Buzz also reports that Park Slope’s Reis 100 Sandwich Factory has shuttered and will be replaced by “a currently unnamed Italian small-plates concept.” … Michael Ayoub is returning to 256 5th Avenue, home to his former restaurant, Cucina, in the ’90s (the space more recently belonged to Tempo), and opening Fornino Park Slope in about a month. He’ll be serving “pizza, pasta, salumi, antipasti and other dishes,” says the New York Times… The owners of Bozu are opening Momo Sushi Shack next door to Roberta’s in Bushwick in mid-May, says Feast… And the Crop to Cup Cafe is getting ready to open at 139 Atlantic Avenue (near Henry Street) “This week or next (permits pending),” says Grub Street.

Recently Reviewed: Top Sandwiches
New York magazine’s Underground Gourmet relishes Saltie‘s “Clean Slate, a sort of psychedelic riot of textures, colors, and flavors spread out over a chewy, blistered naan. Roll it up to get everything in one savory bite: dill yogurt, red-cabbage sauerkraut, lentil hummus, nutty quinoa, sesame seeds, and beets, plus the signature Saltie garnish of parsley, dill, scallion, and julienned radish.” Time Out New York approves the smoked meat sandwich at Mile End: “it can skew a bit salty, but is otherwise assertively seasoned, smoked and marbled with melting fat.” And the New York Times recommends the “exemplary Cuban sandwich ($7.25)” at Pilar Cuban Eatery in Bed-Stuy.

Vanderbilt Avenue: New Food & Drink Destination?
The New York Post reports: ‘It’s the big kids’ Park Slope,’ explains Weather Up bartender Gabe Harrelson. ‘Less strollers, more bars.’ In addition to Weather Up, the article lists a few of the street’s hot spots: Cornelius, Maya Taqueria, Plan B, the Vanderbilt, Milk Bar, and Cataldo’s.

After the jump: Outdoor seating tips, new Korean in Greenpoint, bacon marmalade, and more…

Outdoor Eats
“Mediterranean Shawarma will soon be offering outdoor seating and, for those so inclined, hookahs!” says NYS of the Greenpoint restaurant. Meanwhile, Grub Street reports that Fort Greene’s Kif, which is equipped with backyard seating, “will reopen this Friday with new chefs, free Wi-Fi, and Moroccan products for sale.”

Chowhound Buzz
La Maison du Couscous in Bay Ridge has been replaced by a Greek restaurant, Chowhounds say… Bkeats reports on Atlantic Avenue’s Casa Tua: “The change in decor from the old La Pizzetta space was an improvement. Never was a fan of the colander lamp shades. Much of the menu from La Pizzetta carries over, but without the emphasis on pizza – no surprise with the name change.” … And didacdic katydid is digging the new menu at River Barrel in Greenpoint, which is about to change its name to suit its new offerings: “We went there last week and were highly impressed with the food we got: Korean fried chicken, ‘Korean hot dog’ (housemade lemongrass pork sausage with housemade kimchee and hot sauce on a roll), great Brussels sprouts with denjang, boquerones and wasabi greens crostini.”

Quick Bites
Gothamist shares some photos of Benchmark‘s interior and reports that the chef at this hidden Park Slope spot is Ryan Jaronik, formerly of Monkey Town… Greenpointers tells you where to grab some bacon marmalade…
And The Local discusses the closing of Green Apple Cafe on Dekalb.