Italian & Portuguese at Convivium Osteria

I recently had one of the best meals I've had in recent months. I went with my family to Convivium Osteria (68 5th Avenue, between St. Marks Place and Bergen Street, 718-857-1833) last Friday, on one of the most bitter cold nights this month. It's an Italian/Iberian eatery, specializing in seafood, pastas and meats in hearty sauces, broths and combinations. The atmosphere is farmhouse rustic with dark wood tables & chairs and old-looking farm tools and implements lining the walls. It's cozy and charming and the waitstaff seem proud of what's being served.

We were seated in the back area as the front room and the downstairs room were both full. It was slightly chilly back there, despite the heaters they had turned on, but it was no matter to us, for we had the most delicious, hearty and well-prepared meals (with the finest seasonal and farm-raised meats and vegetables). A narrow, wooden staircase leads to the downstairs room which feels like it's part wine-cellar & part cave and is definitely a reason to eat here. It's like you're in someones special secret hideout, with only a handful of tables in the small space.

On to the food! We had a special appetizer of baby clams and chorizo in a tomato-onion broth, assorted seafood tapas for two, Baby Back Pork Ribs, Braised Rabbit and Gnocchi. The Appetizers were amazing. The clams were bite-sized, flavorful & plentiful and the chorizo was nicely spicy. The broth was full and hearty with onion and a bit of tomato. it was served in a gorgeous, dark tureen.



The seafood tapas for two included sardines (which were sweet and fresh), croquettes with melted cheese and fish, garlic shrimp and a fillet of a white fish. It was incredibly tasty and beautiful as well.



My sister started with the Arugula Salad which I think ended up being the only disappointment of the night. The greens weren't spicy, the dressing was a bit too sticky and sweet, but the cheese was sharp and strong.



I ordered the Pork Ribs served over a bed of polenta and covered in a tomato sauce that was thick and hearty. This dish was fantastic, with the meat falling off the bone and so juicy and tender. The polenta was thick and creamy and the sauce was savory and balanced the mild polenta well.



The Spinach and Italian Ewe Ricotta Gnocchi sprinkled with Asiago cheese were good, but the portion was on the small side. They were light and fluffy and perfect if you're not in the mood for a large meal.



The Braised Rabbit with Olives, Capers and Prosciutto was served over polenta cakes and a sprig of rosemary. This was the best rabbit I've ever eaten. It was tender and gamey, but not dry at all and so flavorful. Again, the polenta served a nice mild balance to the strong flavors of the rabbit, olives & capers.



I loved my meal here and will definitely be back again soon! It's a great place for a romantic dinner, or a celebration of any kind too!

Mexican at Bonita

In honor of Inauguration Day last week, most of the businesses up and down Dekalb Avenue in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn were offering various sales and special meals. From Luau-type offerings of Suckling Pig with Pineapple for $20.09 to 10-25% off goods and services. It made me proud to be from Brooklyn, where people really know how to celebrate! I spotted this beautiful poster in the window of Madiba, where an amazing, packed dance party was taking place:



My friend and I decided to go to Bonita (243 Dekalb Ave., between Clermont Ave. & Vanderbilt Ave., 718-622-5300) where they were offering special Tacos Al Pastor with a shot of Tequila with Blood Orange Juice. This is what I got, and it was delicious. The amazingly tender pork was earthy and flavorful and came with small chunks of pineapple which added the nicest touch of sweet.



The tequila & blood orange juice was potent and gone before I thought to snap a photo. My friend ordered the Braised Beef Enchiladas which were also quite good. The meat was slightly smoky and they came with cotija cheese sprinkled on top. Delish!



Bonita is a really fun place with great wait staff and a good vibe amongst the customers. Granted, it was Inauguration Day, but the atmosphere is usually light and cheery. With another location on Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg, there's no reason for you not to go!

Brunch at Maggie Brown

Last week, Maggie Brown (455 Myrtle Ave., between Washington & Waverly, 718-643-7001) was having a special brunch on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I had the day off, so I met up with a friend to try the place out, which I've been wanting to do for years now! I liked it immediately, with the old signs for various liquors above the bar, and the dark velvety & metallic wallpaper. The waitress was pretty awesome too, from her infectious laugh to her wanting to guess what we were ordering for brunch. She was wrong on both counts, but I didn't hold that against her!

I decided to get the Steak & Eggs, medium rare and over easy, with potatoes and a green salad on the side. The steak was tasty and tender and the eggs were good, but there was a bit of uncooked white left which dropped it half a mark. The potatoes were seasoned nicely with salt and parsley and the salad was dressed with a light, lemony vinaigrette. The dish also came with two little pieces of sourdough-ish toast and a small container of raspberry jam. All in all it was thoroughly enjoyable.



My friend got the Mexican Vegetarian Lasagna made with corn tortillas and a small salad on the side. It was good, but a little weird, with maybe a little too much tomato sauce. It was solid and comforting though with mild flavors and lots of veggies inside (mushrooms, carrots).



He also got a bowl of Borscht, which was gorgeous and delicious. Warm, earthy and bright flavors that burst in your mouth.



I'm looking forward to going back for lunch and dinner!