Immaculate Infatuation

The new Pies ‘n’ Thighs has opened its doors, and Williamsburg’s most influential hipsters are rejoicing. At least that seemed to be the case when we recently visited with Forking Tasty‘s Jason Anello. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure we happened to be eating there while the hipster council of elders was holding an election or something. They apparently have a new leader, and he has a really sweet tank top on.

It does appear though, that all those people in rolled up jean shorts know great home-stlye Southern cooking when they see it. This new, larger Pies ‘n’ Thighs location is still turning out amazing fried chicken and comfort food classics that make you feel good inside. The chicken biscuit might be one of the most ridiculously unhealthy things we’ve ever seen on a plate, and it’s delicious. The place is cheap too – and cash only. No wonder it’s hipster central. Luckily, there’s an ATM out front spits out ten dollar bills, and we’re pretty sure we saw a Coinstar machine next to it. Bring a bag of change and your best suspenders.

Photo Credit: Kristen V. Brown

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When it comes to this website, there are a few things that we believe in strongly – indisputable truths of the Immaculate Infatuation universe. Most of these tenets pertain to things that we believe will prevent you from Wasting Your Time and Money. The first and most important of those absolutes: any restaurant that employs a bouncer will inevitably suck. Today, however, we might have to make an exception to that rule, and we’re not particularly happy about it.

The Lion is a new joint opened by the chef from Waverly Inn and a bunch of other people you would only know if you a) spent too much time at Beatrice Inn or b) give a shit about who the “celebrity” investors are in a restaurant. Either way, this place is New York’s newest hot spot, and if you read all the other reviews, you’ll no doubt find a long list of A-listers recently sighted here. Exciting! But what has us considering an amendment to one of our beloved dining axioms is that despite all the baggage that comes along with a “scene” like this, the food at The Lion is actually pretty damn good. We’ve even found the place to be generally tolerable on all of our recent visits. Yes, tables can be hard to come by, and yes, it’s full of people who probably refer to themselves in the third person, but so far we’ve found the staff to be friendly and courteous. And while the quality of food and service are a bit surprising – what makes the biggest impression is the interior of the restaurant itself. The main dining area is an amazing two-story space that looks like the living room of a drug addled safari hunter/art collector (my dream job). It’s a pretty incredible place to eat your steak, and makes the hefty price tag a little more bearable. The bar in front is cozy and tavern-like, a perfect spot for sucking back dark and stormys and even possibly scoring a walk up table, especially if you arrive for dinner on the earlier side of the evening.

So while we can’t fully throw our full Infatuation approval behind a place that has a door guy out front, we have to admit that there is a lot to like about The Lion. Enough for us to make one exception to a big time rule…for now.

Photo Credit: Janelle Jones

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Ever been to one of those fast food Chinese restaurants that turned into a fast food Mexican restaurant overnight? Suddenly the Happy Taco opens on your block and the same dude that delivered General Tso’s to your neighbor three nights a week is slinging enchiladas? Well then you don’t get out enough. What does that have to do with Aurora? Nothing really, I’m just craving Kung Pao enchiladas.

Actually, I bring that up because Aurora is an excellent Williamsburg Italian restaurant that’s apparently run by fiery Latin people. And we’re not talking about some kind of fusion thing here. This is real deal Italian food, down to the hand made pasta and fresh burrata. Other than the friendly Latin staff, the occasional salsa music on the playlist, and the watermelon sangria, you would think Aurora was a Williamsburg cousin of Supper. And as you would expect from a place reminiscent of those East Village favorites, Aurora’s solid food and charm make it a great First/Early In The Game Date spot. The noticeable lack of hipsters also makes it a good option for Dinner With the Parents, just swing them by the ATM first – it’s cash only. But the real notable feature at Aurora is the garden. A huge, partially covered, and well-greened patio make this Williamsburg’s best Outdoor/Patio Situation. On prime days, just make sure to reserve ahead of time if you want a table outside, or be prepared you to face a sultry yet slightly annoyed hostess that looks kind of like Penelope Cruz. So yeah, on second thought…walk-ins recommended.

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Bobby Flay, the ginger boy badass Throwdown king, is obviously about as famous as a chef can possibly be. I like the guy, and if I one day meet him, plan on challenging him to some sort of one on one battle of wills or a slap fight or something. It just seems like the right thing to do. In the interest of increasing the likelihood of said meeting and whatever might ensue thereafter, I have spent more than a few nights at his midtown restaurant, Bar Americain. The newest of the Flay NYC establishments is large, slick, and aimed squarely at the pockets of midtown suits and Times Square tourists who need something besides Ruby Foo’s to tell their friends about when they return home. It’s a huge space, and has an over the top, big money aesthetic you are more likely to find in a Las Vegas mega hotel than on 52nd St. Consider those things and know that – believe it or not – I actually love the place. Flay has built his brand on big Southwestern flavor, and the food at Bar Americain still touts that trademark flair, but it’s more New York than Santa Fe. The twists are subtle but perfect variations on traditional American offerings like the incredible hanger steak and the tuna tartar that packs a spicy kick right at the end of a bite. Thanks Bobby for giving us a place in midtown that doesn’t suck. Now I just need a layaway plan to pay for my meal. You do that right?

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Finally. After multiple failed attempts at getting a table here, we got lucky … and during prime time no less. Literally ten minutes after sitting down at the communal table, a mob of people gathered outside to wait for a table. Bottom line, this place is great but it’s almost always a pain in the ass to get a table. Good thing there are plenty of other options on the same block. Welcome to “Beldel” (below Delancy), one of the coolest up and coming hoods in downtown Manhattan. With the LES quickly becoming the second coming of Murray Hill, the realness factor of Broome between Orchard and Ludlow is quite refreshing.

Based on the fact that they had new records from Infatuation approved Empire Of The Sun and Phoenix on random, it’s very likely that next time we go in there they’ll have the Miike Snow disc in rotation. I mention this because Miike Snow’s show at Mercury Lounge just so happened to be what brought us to Barrio Chino in the first place. If you haven’t heard their single “Animal” yet, you’re missing out on a serious summer jam.

The restaurant itself is tiny. There are only a couple of tables, the rest of the seating is either at the bar or communal table. Prepare yourself to be elbow to elbow with the stranger next to you and don’t come with a group of more than four. The vibe, drinks, and food make up for the fact that the service is seriously lacking. Two waiters for 48 people? (I counted). Not good. At least they have amazing mustaches. Be careful, although the menu doesn’t appear to be pricey, after a couple margaritas, an appetizer, and a main, you’re dropping $50-60 a head. A little expensive but it’s worth it.

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