The Place: Starting the new year on a fresh, clean note is important to me. So I always think seafood is a great first step, which conjures up memories of my recent lunch at Strange Delight, a seafood-centric restaurant and bar in the middle of Fort Greene. The chef’s counter is always a great spot and this one literally feels like you’re sitting inside the kitchen. Further back is a bright, compact dining room.
The Menu: At lunch, in addition to some of their popular New Orleans-inspired sandwich loafs (think fried catfish in a milk bun), they also do a pretty cool “Seafood and Three”. This, of course, is a play of the classic southern “Meat and Three” where you choose a main protein and three sides.
The Dish: I chose the meaty and spiced catfish nuggets, but it was one of my sides that really left a lasting impression. I paid a slight upcharge to try their Smoked Trout Dip, which was served alongside decadent fried Saltines. The crackers were a bit over the top for me, but the dip was luscious – creamy, smoky, and perfectly spiced with some espelette pepper. It had oceany notes that were complemented by the fresh dill and chives atop the dip. In my mind, this would be a perfect way to begin a New Year. Price: $30 (part of the lunch meal), $20 (at dinner)
| STRANGE DELIGHT |
| 63 Lafayette Avenue (between South Elliott and Fort Greene Place, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (646) 360-3803 |
| strangedelight.nyc |
