The new restaurant that’s taken the place of LouLou – Dino – is now open, and last night I checked it out with Kath Hansen of PUPS.

I had only been to LouLou a few times, but Kath remarked on the “great reno job” on the inside.

The back yard was small and cute, clean and simple.

The bread had one of the most delicious dipping bowls I have ever encountered. The olive oil was enhanced with mashed olives, along with tiny pieces of orange rind for extra flavor.

Kath had the chicken, as she says “you can judge a restaurant by its chicken.”  She gave it two thumbs up, for both quality and portion size (she took half of it home with her).

I had the rigatoni, also delicious and a generous portion.

And the icing on the cake: the staff overheard Kath mention that she was taking me out for my birthday and they brought me a gigantic piece of tiramisu on the house.

Service was wonderful- friendly and helpful staff, a great sounding selection of seasonal cocktails (we opted for the rose, which was crisp and great for summer — but we think this place would be worth stopping in to for a fancy drink!), they already have liquor license and take credit cards (which is not so common for new restaurants in this neck of the woods).  Pricing was “around the same as LouLou,” per Kath, but “better than LouLou.”  Simply put from me: delicious food, great staff, and they have their sh*t together.

(Sorry, I didn’t have my nice camera with me!)

Dino
222 DeKalb Ave

Just a reminder that we’ll be discussing Perfect Reader with Maggie Pouncey tonight at Greenlight Bookstore.  Hope to see you there!

(Carlton Ave)

Provisions offers a lovely variety of goods on Fulton at S. Portland in Fort Greene.  I love them for party meats and cheeses (delicious selection and great, helpful staff), but full on grocery shopping will break the bank.  In the front at the register, they also sell pastries and coffee.

Chocolate Croissant:

Price: $2.50

Chocolate Distribution: Two rows of firm chocolate

Outside Appearance: Textured and matte

Description: I enjoy the double rows of chocolate, but the croissant is a little bit heavy.  Consistency is “bready.” This is well-suited for someone who is looking for a heartier taste.

Score: 7.5

More than 350 years ago Brooklyn took its original name from that of Breukelen in the Dutch province of Utrecht on the Vecht River.  Here we see the earlier town’s square.  Whereas our borough is now home to 2.6 million, Breuckelen still thrives at 15,000.  And, like Brooklyn being spooned into New York City in 1898, our Dutch namesake is going to be folded in to a nearby larger city.  (Courtesy Brooklyn Paper.  From “Fort Greene” by Howard Pitsch, Foreword by Paul Palazzo, Arcadia Publishing, 2010, $22.  Available online: HistoricFortGreene.org)

It’s hard not to get excited about the World Cup when gatherings like this are happening locally.

(These photos were not taken by me.  They were kindly sent by contributor Suzanne, who has been busy with twins!  Thanks, Suzanne!)

Thanks to all the readers who emailed me this super intriguing story from Daily Intel about a group of Russian spies, recently arrested, who used to meet at Tillie’s for vent sessions.

Did you ever see them hanging out there?  More importantly, if you were a spy, which local coffee shop would you go to?

Abistro on Carlton in Fort Greene is one of the tastiest restaurants in the area.

Hidden behind a simple white gate, you might have just passed by without noticing.  Don’t let the exterior fool you.  This tiny, cozy space offers some of the most interesting food around, not to mention  some of the friendliest service. It’s a family affair – chef and co-owner Abdoul Gueye mans the kitchen, while his wife serves patrons.  The couple’s young daughter is often on hand, too.

It’s also BYO, which helps save some cash, and communal table often spark discussion between diners who didn’t arrive together.

I’ve recommended this place to many locals and people visiting from other neighborhoods who are looking for a unique dining experience. What’s your favorite dish?

Abistro
154 Carlton at Myrtle

FABfest Sunday, June 27, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• BK Misses MJ: On the anniversary of his passing, Brooklyn remembers the life
and legacy of the King of Pop Michael Jackson with an all-day music tribute and
community dance party featuring DJ Reborn
• Readings and prizes from Brooklyn literary magazines A Public Space,
Armchair/Shotgun, BOMB, and Electric Literature hosted by Greenlight
Bookstore
• Literary trivia contest
• Dogs on Parade presented by Fort Greene PUPS and Brooklyn Cares
Veterinary Clinic, plus Pet CPR and First Aid classes and Ask the Trainer
sessions for pet owners
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
• SONYA Collaborative Action Mural with Ellie Balk – participatory painting
allowing residents to make their mark on a collective community image
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
(Schedules subject to change. To get updates, visit faballiance.org)

Pivotal in the march of African Americans toward human rights was Marian Anderson, a contralto of “intrinsic beauty.” Only once did she appear in opera, preferring recitals or concerts. When she sang at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1938, the hall announced “Standing Room Only.” That was just a year before Eleanor Roosevelt asked her to sing at the Lincoln Memorial after the DAR refused her entry to Constitution Hall in Washington. (Courtesy BAM.  From “Fort Greene” by Howard Pitsch, Foreword by Paul Palazzo, Arcadia Publishing, 2010, $22.  Available online: HistoricFortGreene.org)