Flatbush Ave. Restaurants-- Daily News profile

http://www.nydailynews.com/12-11-2005/city_life/food/story/373400p-317458c.htmlT

The international flavor of Flatbush Ave.

Thoroughfare, indeed: In a changing part of Brooklyn,
this boulevard runs the gamut of world cuisine

BY LISA AMAND


New Prospect Cafe

Nonstop action has given Brooklyn's Flatbush Ave. a rough-and-ready rep. But, emerging from its aura are trendy restaurants, boutiques and dice-rolling entrepreneurs drawn to this trafficky thoroughfare.
If you walk the stretch from elegant, Parisian-style Grand Army Plaza to the convergence of subways and bustling sidewalks of Atlantic Ave., you see that north Flatbush is on the cusp of change.

When the proposed Atlantic Yards is built and developer Bruce Ratner and his Nets lord over the street, let's hope this stretch keeps its urban, international swagger.

New Prospect Cafe


What began as a Prospect Heights trendsetter in 1984 has evolved into a sedate restaurant where tabletop flowers are fresh, walls are painted a deep shade of salmon and the menu always caters to vegetarians with dishes such as grilled tempeh and baked herb goat cheese in phyllo dough. 393 Flatbush Ave., at Eighth Ave., (718) 638-2148.

Prospect Perk


If you want a place to plug in and do business, check out the new Heights Coffee. But if you're willing to turn off your cell, you'll be happy at this funky little slip of a cafe where wooden benches flank the open door and there are toys for the kids. Special events include candle parties, and Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. is knitting night. 183 Sterling Place, steps from Flatbush Ave., (718) 398-2760.



Christie's Beef Patties


It's hard to resist flaky, spicy Jamaican beef patties when they only cost $1.35, and are easy to eat on the run. The setting is nothing more than a counter with a few sidewalk chairs, but business is brisk for fried, curried, stewed or jerk chicken, barbecued wings and escoveitched fish (cured and deep-fried) that comes wrapped in foil with sliced onions. 334 Flatbush Ave., at Sterling Place, (718) 636-9746.


El Gran Castillo de Jagua


Through the front window or from a comfy counter stool, you can catch a glimpse of simmering tripe soup, meaty oxtail stew and roast pork. Besides hearty plates of yellow rice and saucy red beans, you'll also get generously buttered toasts, grilled just like their Cuban sandwich. 345 Flatbush Ave., at Park Place, (718) 622-8700.



Burrito Bar and Kitchen


Since opening in September, the neighborhood has embraced this expansive corner spot serving $10 burritos and other Tex-Mex fare. The décor ranges from rainbow-colored signage, tin walls and star-shaped lamps to nifty metal doors and panes that keep you connected to the street while dipping chips and sipping a margarita or Jerry Garcia Buster smoothie. 307 Flatbush Ave., at Prospect Place, (718) 230-8646.


Franny's


Beautifully airy crusts and creative toppings like clams, chili and parsley are reasons these pizzas are in constant demand. The philosophy here is using sustainable sources and the menu lists the farms for all the artisanal ingredients: eggplant and mint salad, lima beanwith sage crostada, local swordfish preserved in extra-virgin olive oil and pumpkin frito. The blazing wood-burning oven keeps the sleek, minimalist space cozy. 295 Flatbush Ave., between St. Marks Ave. and Prospect Place, (718) 230-0221.



Kombit


The name refers to the Haitian custom of midday harvest dining when everyone stops work to drink and eat together. Sisters Denise, Pascale and Aryse Felix have decorated their simple ethnic restaurant with a vibrant collection of Haitian paintings, cooking up vegetable fritters, tassot, conch and Creole-style shrimp. The Haitian beer recently became available, and for those who want stronger stuff, Barbancourt rum is aged 15 years. 279 Flatbush Ave., between St. Marks Ave. and Prospect Place, (718) 399-2000.


Sugarcane


Sociable bar scene, energetic soundtrack (soca or reggae) and a tropical mix of mojitos preface dinners of Caribbean concoctions. On the menu: "rasta pasta," jerk chicken, guava-barbecued salmon, grilled shrimp on sugarcane skewers, plantain-coated red snapper, callaloo and kale. Sunday evenings live bands play jazz or soul. 238 Flatbush Ave., between Sixth Ave. and Bergen St., (718) 230-3954.


New York Naturals


You'll either find owners Ten and Dechen Zin juicing carrots and beets for "cleansing cocktails" or helping customers choose from shelves of vitamins, supplements and herbal extracts. They call this a "brick and mortar" shop and it's brimming with organic produce, squares of blue-green algae, organic coffee, grains, carob raisins and preserves from Grey Mouse Farm in Saugerties, N.Y. Everything for the health conscious, along with music composed and played by Thai elephants. 253 Flatbush Ave., at Sixth Ave., (718) 230-7094.


JRG Restaurant, Bar & Fashion Cafe


J.R. Gidding's two-story Caribbean restaurant might have the only velvet rope in the neighborhood, and certainly it's the only eatery where you get a fashion show of local designers during dinner (6 p.m. Sundays). 177 Flatbush Ave,. between Fifth and Atlantic Aves., (718) 399-7079.

Originally published on December 11, 2005