Hungry in Brooklyn

A few weeks ago a great group of people gathered for the January Hungry in Brooklyn dinner.  It was a frigid night, but ten people came over for good times, crayon table drawings, and a great meal.

The menu?  Unknown to each of them until they arrived.  All they knew was to bring a bottle of wine, a sense of adventure, and in return they would receive four courses - and maybe, just maybe, leave “full in brooklyn.” :)

Here was the menu on that cold and windy night in late January:

First:  Oysters Rodriguez - baked st. simon oysters, with shallots, crimini mushrooms, white wine, and a touch of cream

Second:  Arugula Salad - arugula, with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and balsamic vinaigrette

Savory:  Pasta Carbonara - organic papardelle, crisped pancetta, parmigiano reggiano, with a quail egg finish

Sweet:  Plum Cake Tatin - plum tart with whipped mascarpone cheese

I was able to pick up some amazing ingredients for this dinner, most of which came from chelsea market.  I love that place!  I bought some incredibly delicious oysters at The Lobster Place - I had never had St. Simon’s before, but the guys were nice enough to let me try some in the store (even if it was only 10am!)  The ones they recommended were awesome.  Briny, creamy, and the perfect size for the dish.  I then stopped by BuonItalia for the parmigiano reggiano, the super fresh organic pasta, savory pancetta, and quail eggs.  And last but not least The Fruit Exchange - it’s gotta be one of my favorite non-fresh market option to stock up on veggies and fruit?  I seriously love that place.  I just wish they had one in Williamsburg.

Thanks to everyone for coming out, and I’ll let you know about the next Hungry in Brooklyn.  Already working on a theme for that one ;)