Fornino Pics.

Last time we blogged about Fornino in Brooklyn Bridge Park they weren't quite open yet.  They have a window that serves ice cream, ice and popsicles that's been open for a while.  They now have a lunch menu and have been pretty crowded for the last part of the summer.  Here are some pics above and below.  It's great space, as you can see, with indoor and outdoor seating.  This is location number three in Brooklyn, the first two being in Williamsburg and Greenpoint.  If you haven't tried this place you really should while it's still relatively warm out!

New Pizza coming to Atlantic.

A new pizza Napoletana-style restaurant is opening at 145 Atlantic Avenue pretty soon. Can't tell what's going on behind the brown paper but the new awning is up that says Luzzo's Brooklyn so it'll be any time now.  There is a Luzzo's in the east village that gets great feedback.  You can tell it's yummy from the pizza pic from their facebook (below). We'll try this!

Fornino at Pier 6!

We spotted this sign a few weeks ago at Pier 6.  For those that don't know, Fornino is a delicious pizzeria located in Williamsburg, Greenpoint and now soon-to-be Brooklyn Bridge Park. It's rated ain several publications as being one of the best in New York.  Last weekend the bottom part was open serving ice cream but the top has yet to be opened.  Coming soon though! Bring it on!

Two Smith Street Staples Gone.

We saw a couple of signs back to back on Smith Street earlier this week.  One at 193 Smith, NY Perks, and one at 195, formerly Robin De Bois.  These two places have been around for a while and have both now closed.  NY Perks was a nightclub/bar that received mixed reviews on yelp and you may not have even noticed it walking by because you could never see inside the tinted windows.  It now has a for lease sign out front.  Right next door, Robin De Bois also got mixed reviews but you couldn't help but notice it because it had some really crazy window displays.  That space, as you can see above, will soon be a brick oven pizza restaurant.  We'll see what's to become of the space at 193 Smith.

TJ's

We passed by a restaurant at 221 Smith Street last week called TJ's, which we have probably passed by a dozen or so times. Our first thought was "Is this place new?". It looks familiar but we couldn't quite figure it out. We spoke with the owner and he informed us that TJ's has been at this spot, formerly Caserta Vecchia, for about four months now. TJ's looks very similar to it's predessesor so it makes sense that passers-by might overlook it. They have a wide variety of casual fare items on the menu but they specialize in pizza. The owner was so nice and indicated that they've had a slow start. They got really good reviews on yelp so everyone should check it out.

Pizza Pizza Pizza!

You're hearing it here first...probably. The space at 117 Columbia Street, on the corner of Kane, is set to be a pizza place. This corner spot has been vacant for years now. The last business to occupy it was a restaurant called Bluestone. Mary Gaglio, who's been working in the neighborhood for 25 years, or as she likes to call it "her life sentence", remembers the restaurant being a really cute space with an outdoor area. Not sure if that outdoor area will be open to the public or what type of pizza they'll be serving. We'll give updates as we hear them.

215 Cucina update

We promised you an update on the restaurant, now known to be called Caselnova, that took over 215 Cucina Napoletana on Columbia St and we've got it. First rumored to be a pizzeria, then a wine bar, we finally found out from the new owner himself. When we spoke with the chef/owner, Dean, who trained in Italy, he let us know a little more about what we can expect from Caselnova. It's all about traditional fare, casual and authentic with moderate prices. Sounds good to us!

Progress is looking good, as one can tell from the photos. They seemed very busy with construction and are probably moving on to decor now. The outside (above) has been revamped as well as the inside (shown below). The new sign is up and the inside is looking very close to being done. Dean gave us a projected opening in October but that wasn't entirely concrete. He said he hopes it will be ready by then, and so do we!

Cucina 215

Columbia Street favorite Cucina 215, a hidden neighborhood gem, family-owned and famous for its large portions and decor (the walls were lined with photos of family members, the Sopranos cast, and a massive mural of Italy) was recently closed (as the above photo suggests). But have no fear carb-lovers, the business was recently sold and its new owner stopped in to our office the other day to say hello. He has informed us that he is giving the space a make-over and is adding a brick oven to the kitchen for pizzas and paninis! No exact date has been released as to when it will re-open, name change, etc. But we are very excited that the "napoletana" tradition will continue on this side of the BQE. We will keep you updated as more details become available!

Hello Summer! Anselmo's pizza on Van Brunt

Okay, it's not Lucali's. But at 1/3 of the price, plus no waiting, shouldn't you check it out? Cash only, no booze, no delivery, but it's summer in Red Hook - reason enough to come on down. They're at 354 Van Brunt, so when you step outside you can check on the progress of the new restaurant going in to the old 360 space...

Anselmo's Pizza

354 Van Brunt Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

(718) 313-0169