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new restaurant on 5th Avenue--Maria's Bistro? — Brooklynian

new restaurant on 5th Avenue--Maria's Bistro?

raedog
raedog
edited November -1 in Greenwood Heights and Sunset Park

Subject: new restaurant on 5th Avenue--Maria's Bistro?

Does anyone know anything about the new restaurant going in on 5th Avenue in the upper 30s/lower 40s (can't remember exactly where it was--maybe 39th or 40th Street?)? There is a sign in the window that says "Maria's Bistro (Mexican) coming soon" or some such. Is it affiliated with the Maria's on Union Street in Park Slope? Something else altogether? "Bistro" would seem to imply something slightly more upscale than the other places nearby....

Comments

  • kikintina
    kikintina
    I don't know about Maria's, but to tag on...does anyone know about Miguel's opening on 6th Ave and 50th (or 51st or somewhere around there)?
  • raedog
    raedog
    The awning for Maria's is up--on 5th between 38th and 39th--and the typeface is the exact same as the Maria's in Park Slope, so I'm assuming it's the same folks, who also own, I believe, Los Pollitos, etc. I don't know anything about Miguel's--restaurant or bar? Kikintina, did you ever try Istanbuli? Weren't you the person who was curious about it?
  • kikintina
    kikintina
    I was, but I haven't been by there yet. It looks a lot more "healthy" from across 4th Avenue than it does up close.
  • onthegojoe86
    onthegojoe86
    are there yesterday on it's grand opening and it's such a relief to have it nearby- ya know somewhere to grab a margarita and not feel weird....
  • raedog
    raedog
    Wow--so Maria's is open already? Excellent--I too look forward to having a margarita there. Is it as expensive, though, as the Park Slope branch? I hope not....
  • onthegojoe86
    onthegojoe86
    don't really know what happened to the first words of my previous reply...anyway it's open and yes it's like park slope prices but it's not bad...the only thing that sucks is that i can't flick my cigarettes off my balcony now or it'll land on the diners' food...
  • kikintina
    kikintina
    Has anyone tried it yet? I've never been to the PS version, and I'm hesitant to check it out since there is so much good Mexican here already. However, I'm always happy to try out enchiladas poblanas con salsa verde. How is it?
  • onthegojoe86
    onthegojoe86
    it's pretty good- mind you it's toned down Mexican food, as this does come from Park Slope. My boyfriend once ordered this seafood casserole and thoroughly enjoyed it- the seafood was super fresh. Their guacamole is delish and in abundance. Tacos are just two bucks. Their steak is cooked until a perfect medium temperature for their steak salad or carne asada, etc. Great queso fundido!....but yeah, it's pricey for the 'hood and my supor and I were conversing about it and he thinks it's won't last long because most people here don't want to pay those prices for items they can order for half the price (and in greater quantity) further down Fifth. But i'll support it- i've been there quite a few times now; i just think it'd be nice if Maria's is the beginning of a nely re-discovered Sunset Park Fifth Ave restaurant row....which gets me going- Subway shut down, that stupid bagel store next to Gina's shut down, and then the place next to them (right on the corner of 39th and Fifth- across from the diner) has been shut down...I wonder what amazing things can spring from thos three lots...?
  • bluebricks
    bluebricks
    Maria's is great. Sitting in the backyard, eating fantastic guacomole and great enchiladas... it's only missing draft beer (coming soon with their liquor license).

    I wonder if the vacancies on 5th avenue near 39th street are the result of rapidly rising rents? Some landlords must have realized that all the $800k rowhouses have residents with money waiting to spend it locally. Stores we need in Sunset Park:
    1. a high-quality fruit/vegetable market. Sometimes I don't want to drive 20 blocks to get some broccoli rabe.
    2. a coffee shop with excellent coffee and baked goods. The coffee shop on 39th and 5th has been upgraded (and isn't terrible) but we need a premium coffee shop.
    3. great pizza. The best nearby pizza is on 49th street (Charlies and they deliver). But it would be nice to get something fantastic closer.
    4. a CVS/RiteAid/Eckard
    I'm sure there are others. Someone selling sushi on 18th street on 5th means that civilization as we know it is on its way.
  • onthegojoe86
    onthegojoe86
    believe it or not- i've discovered broccoli rabe at key foods!
    i'll be making a request for them to carry fresh basil and/or sweet basil soon...
  • kikintina
    kikintina
    They have fresh basil. It's usually in a plastic carton. I couldn't find it, and almost went for the jar of chopped. When I asked he looked at me like I was crazy to think they might not carry it. It's near the leeks/tofu.

    (This is the Key Food on 5th/44th.)
  • onthegojoe86
    onthegojoe86
    really?

    because the only fresh herbs i've seen in plastic cartons are sage, thyme, and i think rosemary....
  • kikintina
    kikintina
    Really. Ask one of the managers or anyone in a white coat. They are usually really helpful.
  • curlygirl
    curlygirl
    We ordered from there last week. I got tostadas, and think neighborhood places were better (and cheaper). Husband got enchiladas, and his first reax was outrage over the price vs portion size. But then after trying them thought the flavor blew other places out of the water.
  • kikintina
    kikintina
    Thanks for the update. That's pretty much what I thought. I intend to check it out for lunch one day, but I love my enchiladas poblanas from TNM. The place on 4th and 45th has great quesadillas and tacos for CHEAP.
  • MOD
    MOD
    Chiming in as a North Sloper that has tried the Maria's on this end. It's not that good and prices are too high for the small portions.
    You guys are so lucky to have some great cheap mex. eats in Sunset Park.
    I'd go there instead of Maria's any day. But I understand also that that area is getting gentrified more and more and I think Maria's is an example of what the market wants at this point.

    /ducks and covers.. eee don't shoot 8-[ /
  • kikintina
    kikintina
    So we finally tried Maria's, and my husband loved his special (pork loin). He said it was amazing. I ordered poorly...the elote was kind of deflated and almost mealy. The stuffed pepper was much more spicy than I expected, but the flavor was good. In consideration to my baby, however, I only ate a little of it. The guacamole was really good. Really, really good. Tacos Nuevo has runny, tasteless guac...this was chunky, and we ended up fighting over the last few chunks.

    The Jarritos selection was limited, but there are beers on tap now. The owner and service staff are super friendly. I like the decor. It's more of a date place than a go-once-a-week place.

    I'd go back, but I will be choosing Matamoros and TNM more often than Maria's.
  • lostingreenwoodhts
    lostingreenwoodhts
    fixin' to go there Friday nite for me and the wife's 12th anniversary.

    Good reviews so far (keeping Maria's in context). Margaritas? OK, not OK?

    Need reservations? Or walk in? :?

    :)
  • kikintina
    kikintina
    Definitely walk-in. If it's nice out, try to get a seat in the garden. It's very romantic and spacious. We didn't try the margaritas, but the PS location has good reviews for that part of it.
  • lostingreenwoodhts
    lostingreenwoodhts
    Thanks. We'll shoot for the garden if it's not too chilly by week's end.

    I was wondering more about a full liquor license...I am a tequila over beer man myself and my better half as well. ;)
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