Moaning with Pleasure in Park Slope

Figuring out the next big birthday dinner is always a challenge.

When it came to my own recent b-day, we came up short in terms of actually snagging a reservation at one of the city's coveted culinary hot spots. The E.U. was tasty enough, but it wasn't a grand gourmet experience.

So, when my friend Stacie's birthday came around, I jumped at the chance to pick the restaurant for the celebration. I took a risk - asking everyone to schlepp out to Park Slope, Brooklyn - to a little place called Applewood. With its homey dining room, roaring fireplace and warm hospitality, I knew my friends wouldn't object to the comforting environment. But, how would the food fare?

I needn't have worried. One taste of the melt-in-your-mouth French butter that came with the bread basket and we already were squealing with delight. They had us at "hello."

Then came the apps. Each and every one set our eyes rolling back into our heads. From the Charred Maine Lobster with Carmelized Shallots, Curry Oil and Citrus Vinaigrette (pictured above), to the Braised Vermont Lamb with Sauteed Ricotta Dumplings and Thyme Jus (pictured below)...

...to the Pan Roasted Maine Diver Sea Scallops with Braised Venison Shoulder, a series of "Oh, my! Oh, yes! Oh, yes! Oh, my!" rang out in chorus.

Other dishes that incited spontaneous applause were the specials of Seared Long Island Duck Breast with Mashed Turnips and French Lentils...

...and Braised Short Rib with Pumpkin Mash and Red Cabbage...

Only the dessert left something to be desired - an Apple-Fig Pot Pie that was just so-so, although the flickering light from the birthday candle almost managed to make the sweet as appealing as the rest of the meal...Almost.

Next time, I'll just skip dessert and order me up more of that divine French butter - bread optional! And I have a strange feeling that all of us will be schlepping out to Park Slope and Applewood for every birthday here on out.

Comments

[Julie]

Apple, Fig Pot Pie...looks and sounds heavenly.

[Sorina]

Great photos…this looks delicious ! :-)