B awler B urgers 50 I BOROMAG.COM I JULY 2016 FOOD + DRINK “For me, New York cuisine has always been Italian-American, Chinese takeout and fast food burgers,” Donnie D’Alessio says. If the crowd outside of his freshman restaurant, Queens Comfort, is any indication, the city would probably agree with the driven, imaginative owner. But where Queens Comfort scores big as boisterous, BYOB brunch spot, D’Alessio had his eyes what would appear to be a natural next step. D’Alessio’s sophomore project, Flattopps, reunites the former film producer with his whimsically talented and miraculously capable culinary executioner, Hernan Heras. But where Queens Comfort reigns king of decadent gourmet burgers, eccentric mac ‘n’ cheese combos and comfort platters of Southern favorites with significant upgrades all served in a room that Story + Images by Bradley Hawks feels like a childhood toy attic, Flattopps is geared toward the big kids. “You have to try one of their slushes,” exclaimed a friend who had already been. “Get a slush,” whispered the woman seated next to my table as soon as I started perusing the menu. “Hey, glad to see you made it to Flattopps … here’s a menu, and I would start with a slush,” my server said, welcoming me. So I started with a Purple Urkel—an icy blend of natural grapes and vodka, topped with a cloud of marshmallow brulee and actual frozen grapes, complete with a marshmallow smiley face painted inside the glass. The neon sign over the bar reflects off the tabletop murals of vintage photos and images of staff and friends. Plush red seats staggered against a wall of booths and old indoor wood paneling seem to pulse in the jamming
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