The Grocery

The Grocery sounds like a mom-and-pop operation, which it is, but amplified to the highest of standards. Sharon Pachter and Charles Kiely helped blaze the New American trail in Brooklyn, shopping farmers' markets and cooking seasonally since the tail end of the last century. For years it was a challenge to secure a reservation; it's gotten slightly easier now that Brooklyn has such a ridiculous number of fine dining establishments. The intimate storefront is spare and romantic, a special occasion spot where you might splurge on the $85 tasting menu (an extra $45 for wine pairings). The most enduring menu staple is beets with ethereal goat cheese ravioli, fried shallots and toasted pine nuts. Braised artichokes and the French fry salad with roast hen-of-the-woods mushrooms also demonstrate a magic touch. The candlelit back garden is walk-in only, so if the weather is pleasant head right over.