For me, the right food can make the worst days feel like an ice cold bottle of Guiness on a hot day… #theBestDayEver. If you’re looking for a meal that is always done right and makes your tongue smile here are some spots to get you through the entire week…
“Inspired” MONDAY | GRANDCHAMPS
197 Patchen Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11233
Monday’s are synonymous with dread, but I want to inspire you to start your week off with good food and the knowledge that the day is what we make it. A friend took me to Grandchamps ages ago, but I can still taste the Grilled Snapper that I had and I’m realizing that I should probably put in an order for takeout ASAP. Shawn and Sabrina Brockman are a husband and wife duo who wanted to share Sabrina’s Haitian culture and heritage with their community. When you enter the restaurant you can feel the love that the couple have invested in not only their food, but their neighbors by hiring locally, collaborating with creatives, and providing healthy food options. The staff is kind and welcoming and are happy to explain what you can look forward to on the menu. They are open for pickup and delivery at the moment so get a taste of what Haiti has to offer… right in Brooklyn!
GO TO ORDER: Pwason (whole snapper), Taso Kabrit (bone-on goat marinated, slow-cooked and fried to crispy perfection), Sweet Bannann (Sweet Plantains)
Doing Good: Lakou Cafe and Grandchamps are preparing and donating boxed meals to Brooklyn healthcare workers, first responders, and families in need. Learn more.
“TaCo” TUESDAY | CALEXICO
Just when I had given up on New York’s taco scene, Calexico was the saving grace I never knew I needed. I went there in search of tacos, but fell in love with their bowls and loaded fries that far surpass anything I’ve ever eaten. Call it love at first bite. Find your nearest open location here.
GO TO ORDER : Baja Fish Bowl, Esquites, Cali, Nachos
Sweet Bonus: Offering Margaritas and full bottles of liquor for take out!
Doing Good: Donate to Calexico Cares! “[They] deliver hundreds of free meals every week to hospitals, first responders, and other essential workers in New York City. If you’d like to help provide fresh, delicious food to the people on the front lines of the pandemic, please consider donating.100% of contributions go to sourcing, preparing, and delivering fresh and flavorful meals to those who deserve them most.”
“Buss Up” WEDNESDAY | ROTI ON THE RUN
3140 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11208
(718) 235-4414
If you are looking for a West Indian restaurant that makes the most delicious Roti Skin and Buss Up while also giving sizable portions… LAWDDDD. You will not be disappointed! I’m overcome with nostalgia when I peek into their pastry window – it’s filled with coconut rolls, beef patties, pine tarts, cheese rolls and more. Let’s just say my wallet literally bleeds after I leave this place because I tend to buy just about everything.
GO TO ORDER: Curry Chicken with Dal Puri Roti, Beef Patties, Mauby or Sorrel, Oxtails with peas and rice, Coco rolls, Phoulourie, Buss up Shut (Paratha Roti)
“Thai Food” THURSDAY | SWEET BASIL
709 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
There are several things I look for when eating Thai food. Typically, Thai food is on the higher end for take-out so I want to make sure quality and quantity is on point. The food must not be too greasy, but it should be flavorful, and a sizable portion is appreciated if I’m going to spend ~$13 for fried rice. Enter Sweet Basil, a Thai restaurant that fits the bill and usually has my food ready in no more than 15-20 minutes. Even though the restaurant is located on a busy street, it manages to maintain a quiet and serene ambiance inside. Check out the menu and order on Seamless, Grubhub, or call 917.905.2249 to place a pickup order directly!
GO TO ORDER: Traditional Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Panang Curry, Chicken Wings, Spring Rolls, Thai iced Tea
“French-y” FRIDAY | BONSIGNOUR
35 Jane St, New York, NY 10014
Sometimes, I don’t feel like eating a heavy meal, but I want something savory and fresh. Bonsignour, nestled on Jane Street in the West Village is one of the tiniest, yet most satisfying shops ever. If you’re looking for a lovey-dovey vibe, this is not the place, but quick, tasty dishes are their go-to. What food’s would you like to try on their menu?
GO TO ORDER: Chicken Empanada, soup of the day, any one of their pastries or desserts and cold side salads.
“Saucy” SATURDAY | VESUVIOS Restaurant & Pizzeria
7305 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 (718) 745-0222
You know that Italian grandmother you wish you had? Vesuvios in BayRidge is the equivalent of that. Never have I ever eaten excessive amounts of cannolis, pasta bolognese, and penne a la vodka in one sitting. 😬 I have… and it was wonderful. Their portions are more than enough, and the food is always delicious. If the prices are a bit steep for some, I’d suggest choosing one item and relishing it. Their pasta is THAT good.
GO TO ORDER: Bolognese with spagetti and meatball, Penne a la Vodka, Garlic bread, Minestrone, Cannoli or Italian Cheesecake
“Splurge-Worthy” SUNDAY |
Considering that I am always looking for a deal even if it is a penny saved, this place is definitely one of the pricier spots on this list. That being said, if you want a sandwich that will make your toes curl because of the intense flavors that are about to be served up to your mouth then order from this spot. Do not be fooled by the classic nature of the menu. In my experience, everything has always been perfectly cooked, extremely flavourful, and you receive a decent portion size. Everything is made from scratch daily, and they are really mindful of those with food allergies – catering each meal to suit the customer to the best of their ability. If you’re not in the Hamptons, don’t worry! You can get a taste of this gem on Park Avenue South or in Midtown.
GO TO ORDER: Heavenly Biscuits, Chilled Jumbo Shrimp, Dings Crispy Chicken Sandwich, French Dip
Sweet Bonus: Beer and Wine are available to take home