Weekly Food Round-Up

Spicy Mangoes and More
“One of Red Hook’s best treats is the weekend fare at the soccer fields (around the corner from the pool). There are a number of vendors there selling a delicious and affordable selection of South and Central American dishes… This was a new one for me — fresh mango sprinkled with salt, chili powder, paprika and lime. THIS IS REALLY GOOD!” [423 Smith]

Spartan Souvlaki
“The gyro is killer. Available in multiple formats, the mystery meat is best enjoyed in the version found among the ‘Spartan Specials,’ where $6.15 gets you a sandwich so big, the pocketless pita can’t contain it. Bulging out the top are red ripe tomatoes (the place prides itself on perfect tomatoes), curling strips of oozing meat, purple onions, romaine, and a tzatziki made with so much raw garlic you can smell it as the waiter foots it across the room.” [Village Voice]

After the jump: Christie’s Jamaican Patties, Provence en Boite, and Cafe Lafayette

Christie’s Jamaican Patties
“Unless you have some reason to shun it, beef is the best filling choice. It is moister and more flavorful than the very respectable chicken patty. (Both are $1.85.) Allspice lends an aromatic note to both; ground black pepper and chopped Scotch bonnet peppers tag-team for a double-fisted — but not overwhelming — punch of piquancy; and a splash of vinegar tempers the fattiness of the meat.” [NY Times]

Provence en Boite
“Pear and pistachio tart? Cream-filled Napoleon? Delice — a layered chocolate cookie and hazelnut mousse concoction? Say yes to all three ($6.50 each); these grown-up sweets — nuanced flavors with magical textures — shouldn’t be missed.” [The L Magazine]

Chow Experiences in Fort Greene
“Dessert may be the ultimate prize here — for the best chocolate dessert in all of Brooklyn, head to Cafe Lafayette and have the Chocolate Volcano. The quality of chocolate used with the not-too-sweet raspberry sauce and beautiful vanilla ice cream is perfection every time. The coffee is nice and strong, too.” [Chowhound]