38 North Shore Towers Courier n February 2015 Oh, Danny Brown BY STEPHEN VRATTOS When it comes to the pretentious, off-putting stereotype of a Michelin- Star restaurant, Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen belies all the stereotypes. Inside, the atmosphere is warm, inviting and romantic, the perfect spot for a date or simply enjoying the company of friends. A lovely dark-wood bar occupied a spot across from the door and the tables were allowed breathing space on the floor. Our server was neither pretentious, nor sidled with an aloof accent. Christine was down-to-earth and pleasant, but no less knowledgeable about the wine menu or dishes than one would expect from a good restaurant. She had a relaxed demeanor that immediately put me at ease and looking forward to the dining experience to come. Black Bass The wine menu held a vast selection of wines from around the world, as well as a “Reserve” section for the more adventurous oenophile, with an equal array of half bottle and by-the-glass selections. To begin, Danny Brown offers tasting boards of cured meats, cheeses or a sampling of both. My companion and I opted for the Tasting of 5 Cheeses. The servings were enough for two people to enjoy several samples of each. Included were ramekins of quince and persimmons, the fruity, sweetness of each ideally offsetting the strong, yet no less yummy, pungeance of the stronger offerings. A basket full of sliced crostinitype bread completed the experience and was replaced before quite empty and without provocation. But the menu also offers “Small Plates,” such as “Roasted Butternut Squash Soup,” “Grilled Calamari,” and “Serrano Ham Croquettes,” for starters or to compliment the meat or cheese boards for those still peckish, but not so much so for a full meal. As we lingered over the board cheese with a delicious bottle of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, we never felt rushed, nor wanted for water, our glasses of which were always refilled before emptying. What’s more, we could actually hear one another without bending our heads forward or shouting, a rarity in New York City restaurants. I selected the “Handmade Tagliatelle.” A hearty helping of the braised brussel sprouts, toasted parsnips and duck confit swaddled in blankets of tagliatelle, drizzled with pumpkin seed oil and topped with shaved cheese greeted my senses. Each mouthful a wonderfully unctuous mix of flavors, sweet, savory and rich. My companion ordered “Zimmerman’s Organic Chicken ‘Under a Brick.’” The chicken was so flavorful, succulent, almost buttery, in texture, I could not recall having better. Its skin was golden brown and the generous portion sat atop sautéed escarole and rosemary potatoes in a light and savory juice. For dessert we shared the “Buttermilk Vanilla Panna Cotta.” An intense, zesty Clementine reduction accompanied the velvety smooth confection, the ideal pairing with the rich, creaminess of the panna cotta. But long before the dessert, I was thinking of my return to Danny Brown Wine Bar and Kitchen. dining out Danny Brown Wine Bar and Kitchen www.dannybrownwbk.com 104-02 Metropolitan Avenue • Forest Hills • 718-261-2144 DINNER HOURS: Monday: Closed, Tues–Thur: 5:30pm–9:45pm Fri & Sat: 5pm–10:45pm, Sun: 5pm–9pm ANTIQUES & STERLING WANTED TOP DOLLAR PAID ALL JEWELRY WANTED We Purchase Entire Estates Top $$$ Paid We Purchase all Gold, Antiques, Pre-1950 Furniture, Paintings, Rugs, Sterling Silver, Bronzes, Jewelry, Bric-a-Brac, Marble Figures and Marble Tolp Furniture, Fine Porcelain, Entire Contents of Estates, Rugs and Painting Wanted All Tiffany Prompt & Courteous Service Items Wanted We Come to You 718.762.7448 Andrew Korman, Proprietor GREENTHAL Property Sales, Inc./Property Management 272-40 Grand Central Pkwy. Floral Park, NY 11005 (718) 423-3130/(718) 423-3335 Fax: (718) 279-0162 www.nstowers.com NST Car Butler Professional Car Care Services 718-224-2525 Under New Mgmt-Better Service, Better Value Full Service Auto Detailing Fully Insured Pick Up & Delivery Minor Mechanical & Body Repairs 270-10 Grand Central Parkway, Floral Park North Shore Towers; Building 3, Garage Level 3 EXQUISITE CATERING AND FINE DINING OVERLOOKING SCENIC NORTH SHORE TOWERS COUNTRY CLUB & GOLF COURSE Towers Restaurant & Caterers AT NORTH SHORE TOWERS 272-48 GRAND CENTRAL PKWY. FLORAL PARK, NY 11005 (718) 279-1472
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