The scallops from Stone Park Café
There is a perfect balance in almost everything at Stone Park Café, from its dim yet cozy lighting, making it the ideal spot for a romantic date, to its food, which combines traditional flavors with exotic foreign twists. With elegant white tablecloths adorned with subtle candles, a lively yet unimposing bar stocked with an impressive wine and liquor selection, and an outdoor sidewalk patio for warm summer nights and sunny weekend brunch, this sophisticated and affordable restaurant is a favorite amongst Brooklyn natives and Manhattanites looking to escape the city’s steep dining prices.
As I entered this inviting brick walled restaurant, I appreciated the waiters’ eagerness to comfortably accommodate me—they even pulled the table back to give me easier access to my booth seat. With the extremely friendly service, I soon felt relaxed and in good hands. Having arrived with a fervently hungry stomach, I enjoyed the the crunchy baguettes served with soft, lightly salted butter, which were a welcoming pre-appetizer snack. Serene pictures of fish decorate the walls, a full bar with high stools aligned with the right side of the room, and a coffee and tea bar conveniently neighbored the outside seating area, making Stone Park a popular brunch, lunch, and dinner destination. A glimpse into the kitchen through the swinging door revealed a sparkling white cooking area within—a comforting sight compared to the less than tidy kitchens at the average restaurant.
Taking the house recommendation, I started with the charred rare tuna, a sushi-style tuna marinated in either soy mirin or sweet rice wine and then topped with the Korean pear kimchi, giving it a fresh tangy Asian flavor. If you are a fan of pasta, try their spin on the traditional ravioli called Swiss chard raviolini, which combines chanterelle mushrooms with a subtle mixture of nuts and spices. For the main dish, order the Colorado lamb loin, a combination of tender fillet with Swiss chard, house made lamb sausage and bacon, and flageolet beans. Another highlight on the menu is the pan seared diver scallops with creamy corn risotto, shrimp, and a splash of green asparagus. Although the dishes are relatively small and every course leaves you craving more, by the end of the meal I found myself surprisingly satisfied.
Then, I was brought the chocolate brioche pudding, a warm chocolate brownie cake softened by caramel ice cream and decorated with chocolate, caramel sauces, and powdered sugar—the perfect ending to an exquisite evening. For a lighter dessert, choose from the smooth cappuccino cheesecake, lemon tart, panna cotta, or one of several assorted ice creams and sorbets. A selection of cheeses is also available to accompany a broad array of dessert wines and digestifs.
With a regularly changing menu to emphasize fresh seasonal ingredients, a 165-bottle international wine list, and a Daily Market Menu that offers a full three course meal for $30, Stone Park Café is a charming, semi-upscale, yet accessible neighborhood restaurant that is fulfilling its owners’ dream of being at the forefront of the Brooklyn fine dining scene.
4 Comments | Posted on July 28, 2010 | Categories: Brooklyn, Dining, From the Blog, Neighborhoods, Park Slope
This sounds delicious….I will definitely check it out.
This sounds delicious….I will definitely check it out.
I enjoy your creating fashion, do proceed producing! I will be back again!