I used to live on the corner of E 3rd St and Avenue A, and I loved the neighborhood. This was before this blog existed, but I still was excited about the many food options available to me: Nicky’s Vietnamese Sandwiches, Mama’s, and a 24-hour Key Food, among others. I was not, however, aware of the existence of Perbacco, an Italian restaurant that blends tradition and the avant-garde. Lucky for me my friends Jess & Garrett knew about it, and the three of us met there for dinner last week. Lucky for you also, because their photos came out much better than mine (click the link to their blog if you don’t believe me).

Click to continue…

Last week I walked into the South Slope Union Market and was surprised to see fresh turmeric root (mislabeled as “tumeric root”), something I hadn’t seen before. I picked up a handful of the tiny roots, not sure what to do with them but excited anyway. Turmeric is said to have numerous health benefits — a natural detoxifier, etc. — and has a sweet, almost carrot-like smell. I’ve sliced in thin and added it to an Asian-inspired soup, and I’ve grated it and used it as a base for curry. I should warn you that if you do grate it your fingers will be bright yellow for a day, at least, despite any scrubbing.

I can hear you out there, reader, complaining. The first Market Watch column in over a month, and I give you eggs? Indeed I do. Two weeks ago I picked up a dozen eggs from Bradley Farm, and they were the best eggs I’ve ever had. Rich, vibrant yolks, and clear whites that whipped up into meringue in no time flat.

First there was Hanco’s, then Henry’s, and now there’s Home, the newest banh mi shop in Park Slope. Home opened in the space formerly occupied by Earth Tonez, and it’s been open for about two months. I visited on a chilly winter night a couple of weeks ago. Home makes sandwiches in the mold of those two other places, but not nearly as well crafted. My tofu sandwich, though a bit cheaper than even Henry’s, had way too much mayonnaise, not enough spice, and some limp-looking cilantro. If you’re down on 5th Avenue and you just have to have a Vietnamese sandwich it’ll do in a pinch, but I’d stick with the two places on 7th Avenue.

Home — 349 5th Ave, Brooklyn

At this point I think that Stone Park Cafe is the best restaurant in Park Slope. I’ve had three great meals there now, while I had one mediocre meal at the restaurant most people consider the best in the Slop, Al Di La. And to all of you thinking that I can’t judge based on just one meal, consider this: my meal at Al Di La was so thoroughly disappointing that I don’t really want to go back. On the other hand, I want to go back to Stone Park Cafe again, and again, and again.

On my most recent visit I brought my parents there for lunch, a time of day I hadn’t experienced at Stone Park Cafe before. My dad got the steak sandwich and my mom got the chicken paillard (minus the bacon), both deemed excellent. I got the brioche french toast, which was also great — flavorful but not too sweet, to make room for the warm berry compote served along with it. No syrup needed. We did have to wait a lot longer for everything than seemed normal, but when the food came out it was good enough to make us forgive them the delay.

Stone Park Cafe — 324 5th Ave, Brooklyn

I would like to start off by saying that it gives me no pleasure to talk about bad food at restaurants. I do feel, however, that it’s important so speak truthfully about the experiences I had in Egypt, both good and bad. Unfortunately, the restaurant food I had in Luxor was, for the most part, pretty lousy.

Click to continue…