Magic In Greenpoint

Sometimes there is a bit of magic in the air.

Yes, yes, lately there has been scorching heat followed by torrential rainstorms followed by more scorching heat in the air - at least in the air here in Brooklyn.

But a couple weeks ago we had a temperate Friday with blue skies and a light breeze.

In other words, it was the ideal day for a ferry ride on the East River. Where to? As you might have guessed from the post title, I went to Greenpoint. Went with an errand in mind and not much else. My friend Anne came along for the ride and the wander.

And that wander? It turned into wonder. It turned into a magical evening. It turned into dinner at Ilis.

Ilis had oodles of press when it opened in early 2024. The restaurant's owners and illustrious chef had serious Noma street cred. A reservation seemed far out of reach for a mere mortal.

But on this particular Friday, we just walked in. More gobsmacking? Despite the breathtaking soaring ceilings, epic open kitchen, drop-dead gorgeous bar, and ever-so-hip array of lit candles casting a "just so" glow on the host at the entrance, we were warmly greeted and welcome to sit at the bar or wherever we'd like.

C.S. Lewis once said ""Miracles do not, in fact, break the laws of nature." Perhaps. But this? It was breaking the laws of Resy.

We decided to be lawbreakers and sat at the bar.

One sip into an expertly-crafted cocktail and a glance at the food menu and we quickly asked to be seated at a table.

We were whisked over to the dining room, and settled into comfy banquettes.

The first thing we ordered? A crudite plate with pickled vegetables...

Let's not get into an Oz vs Fetterman tussle about it. This was a plate of produce perfection. From the fresh almond shells to the pickled blueberries, it was a "veggie platter" comprised of oohs and aahs.

And, how about some housemade, buttery soft cheese served with fresh peas in a fig leaf?

The answer to that is "Yes." Same goes with each and every course that followed, most especially the chicken...

Ummm...Yeah...Amazing.

The entire meal - the entire experience - was more than a bit bewitching.

I didn’t just leave full and slightly tipsy — I left riding a full-blown hospitality high. I half expected them to hand me a rabbit in a hat on the way out. Instead, I caught a glimpse of myself in the candlelight. Not bad. I could get very, very used to this.