A Diva Dines in Brooklyn

And dine well, she did, too. We spent Sunday in Williamsburg, otherwise known as: hipster central. And let me tell you, these hipsters know how to eat! There is some serious chow going on in Brooklyn right now. Sit back and let me tell you all about it ...

We began with brunch at Dressler. I just love everything about this place. The setting is gorgeous, the atmosphere relaxed, and the food? In a word: spectacular. I had the Huevos Rancheros. They were served atop a velvety bed of black beans with roasted poblano peppers and garnished with a luscious avocado tomatillo salsa. Some delicious guacamole and an amazing, homemade, tortilla rounded out the plate.

The husband chose the grilled cheese and tomato sandwich, served on crisp sour dough and garnished with some homemade pickles. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Two of our companions went with the burger and I understand it was a winner ... though my photo of it was not.

After brunch, we popped into Marlow & Daughters butcher shop, source of our Easter lamb, to inspect their wares. Wow, what a shop! They specialize in local, grass-fed meats and their selection is truly amazing. We were lucky enough to be invited into their meat locker and, while not for the faint of heart, it was literally awesome. Marlow & Daughters deserves a post of its own ... and I'm planning one for the near future. Stay tuned.

The Snack Bee and I took the opportunity to purchase some amazing Nunu Chocolates salted caramels while browsing through Marlow. They were to-die-for. Really. I can't show them to you because they're gone ... as in way gone. Handmade in Brooklyn, these chocolate covered caramels were deep, rich, luscious and absolutely astounding.

When the rain began to fall, we ducked into The Lodge on Grand Street at the corner of Havemeyer. Built with wood from the Adirondacks, The Lodge is an ultra-cool restaurant and lounge specializing in locally produced organic foods ... and the drinks are nothing to sneeze at either. We happily ensconced ourselves in the rustic and funky lounge area and sipped on their wonderful Blueberry Lemonade. Made with blueberry flavored vodka and fresh lemonade, they tasted of summer in a glass. Neither too tart nor too sweet, this drink is worth a trip to The Lodge all on its own - so much so that I intend to recreate for Thirsty Thursdays tomorrow. Stay tuned. I understand the food is mighty good too and I hope to confirm that fact soon!

We closed the evening with a trip to La Superior and what may well be some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in the city. Located at 295 Berry Street, La Superior features authentic Mexican street food and we had plenty of it! Guacamole and housemade chips ...

chorizo topped Queso Fundido ...

and Jalepenos Rellenos, to name but a few of the shared appetizers - each one more delicious than the next. But, for me, the real stars of the show were the tacos. They were absolutely brilliant!

Clock-wise from the bottom right: Carnitas (pork confit), 2 Cochinita Pibil (slow-cooked pork in banana leaves) and the almost insanely spicy Tinga de Pollo (shredded chicken in chipotle sauce) ... holy cow that pollo was hot. But the good kind of hot, the kind that sneaks up on you and brings a joyful tear to your eye. Absolutely spectacular - and at a price of $2.50 per taco, you can afford to keep them coming. I cannot recommend this place more. The atmosphere is fun, funky and lively and the food is simply amazing.

So there you have a look at this weekend's festivities. Are you full yet? I sure was. This Diva may be an uptown girl at heart but, at present, her palate belongs to Brooklyn.

Bon appetit!