Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Last night I was in a funk. A real funk. I didn't have a concrete excuse for my funk, but there it was nonetheless.
I tried to dial a few friends to chat on the phone to see if they could help raise my spirits. But, my friends were off having their own social lives. So, there I was: Down in the dumps with nobody to turn to.
I had to do something.
Figuring that movement is life and I'd better get living instead of moping, I donned my workout gear and hit the gym. An hour of bicycling, cross-training, pumping iron and listening to bad, throbbing pop tunes on the radio did little to change my mood.
Aaargh!!!
I had planned on staying home last night to tuck into a Greek Salad while watching "Must-See TV." Obviously, that wasn't in the cards. I needed to get out of my head - quick. And so, I headed to my favorite neighborhood hang, Five Front in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn.
Ordinarily, when I walk through the doors at this colorful, comfortably elegant restaurant/bar, I'm greeted "Norm"-style like a regular - even when I haven't stopped by for a couple of weeks. Last night was no different.
My usual bartender Omar wasn't on yesterday, so I knew that I wasn't in for his cheery smile paired with political banter and socio-economic debate, but luckily Steve was on board. Steve loves talking about the fine art of mixology and I'm still trying to convince him to sign up for cocktail expert Gary Regan's "Cocktails in the Country" weekend seminar. But, even without the course, I knew I was in capable hands.
Steve was quick at the ready with my cocktail du jour and handed me a menu tout suite as the small talk chatter began.
I was beginning to relax already.
My timing couldn't have been better. The bar was peppered with customers, but wasn't overwhelmed with them. And, to top it off, it was one of the evenings that the restaurant features a $20 three-course prix fixe. (One of the best bargains in town, if you ask me.)
I placed an order for an appetizer special of Beet, Asparagus and New Potato Salad, followed by a toothsome entree of Hanger Steak with Orzo, Feta Cheese, Corn and Roasted Plum Tomatoes napped in a luscious demi-glace-laden sauce.
I almost forgot about dessert, but right before the place closed at 11pm, Steve proffered a selection of Ciao Bella ice creams. A perfect ending.
I left feeling much better about life, liberty and my personal pursuit for happiness.
I know what you're thinking: It was the food stupid! For goodness sake, you run a Web site called VittlesVamp! If good food wouldn't cheer you up, nothing would!
Well, I'm going to disagree in part. Mind you, the food at Five Front is consistently top-notch - from their flawless Hamburger with Crispy, Frizzled Onions to the Wild Striped Bass with Roasted Yellow Beets and Pureed Cauliflower, Topped with Warm Beet Vinaigrette. Chef Paul Vicino deftly manages a balancing act between the menu's comfort food and more high-brow fare - all at affordable prices. But, food just isn't enough. Not to truly turn a local restaurant into a neighborhood sanctuary.
Quality people, a modicum of atmosphere and the ability to get a table or seat at the bar without too much hassle are also key ingredients. Five Front is a winner on all fronts. The staff is attentive and warm. The restaurant's two dining rooms are thoughtfully decorated and the bar is made of honey-colored wood, offsetting the exposed red brick that lines the space. And, the pi