New takeout place on Columbia Union

danielle123

What's the scoop with the new place on Columbia near Union behind the bus shelter? It's been open for a week or so and I've never seen anyone in there. Is it empty because the food is bad or do people just not know it's there? The last place there was a retro furniture/housewares place that went out of business so it may just not be a good space.

I stopped in to get a takeout burger tonight. The older Italian gentleman there was sweetly charming and I was glad I went in. It wasn't a delicious Schnack burger or anything but for $5.00 (total for cheeseburger and fries), it was a bargain and saved me having to cook. The space is spartan and lacks charm (unlike the gentleman) but this is my first foray there. What else do they serve there?

kristine4president

Subject: Cafe Piccolo

Cafe Piccolo isn't always empty, but its simple decor and bright lighting amplifies the slower times of the day. The menu is inexpensive and the quality of the food is absolutely fine! The cafe feeds a lot of locals: neighbors, LICH employees, UPS drivers, postal employees...and me!

Arturo is the older Italian gentleman. He has been in the neighborhood since immigrating to Brooklyn many years ago. To be honest, it's nice to have some Italians remaining in the area!

There are signs there but from what I remember right now this is the menu:

Burgers (american cheese, swiss, mozzarella)
Chicken parmesan
Grilled cheese
breakfast sandwiches w sausage or bacon (served all day! TOTAL hangover helper!)
Macaroni (basic marinara sauce)
Eggplant parmesan
bagels

During a depression spending $3 to $5 on a meal is awesome.

danielle123

Hey Kristine, thanks for your response. I am no longer getting notified about replies to my posts so apologize for the delayed follow-up.

I've started to see more and more people going in there, including construction workers. I'm glad that they are getting some business because it is a local, Italian place and, you're right - it's nice to be able to support some local Italians where there seem to be fewer and fewer around!

I hope everyone supports the Italian festival this Summer. The only people I saw last Summer were Italians (some from as far away as Florida flew in for the festival). The gentrifiers (of which I consider myself one, although my Italian friend tells me, "You're not a yuppie!") were not there.