Gowanus Lounge: Serving Brooklyn

Eat It: Le Petit Cafe

December 5th, 2008 · No Comments

This week, Eat It: The Brooklyn Food Blog, takes us to Le Petite Cafe on Court Street in Carroll Gardens.

The new Buttermilk Channel is closed on Mondays in December, so my boyfriend and I ended up at Le Petit Cafe (502 Court St., between Nelson & Luquer Streets, 718-596-7060) for dinner as we were in the area and too hungry to look for anything else. I’ve eaten breakfast and lunch here, but never for dinner, and was pleasantly surprised. Le Petite Cafe is a bit of a weird place, though. The front is an unassuming little cafe, with a glass enclosed counter with baked goods and during the holidays, a little train that runs on a track just below the ceiling, high above your head. But walk to the back and you find yourself in a whole other world. There are two huge rooms, set up to look like a grotto, complete with stonework, metal trees and all manner of plants and ivy climbing up the walls. There is also a new, outdoor space utilized in the warmer months. There are candles placed here and there, and the sound of a small stream or fountain adds to the ambiance, but I couldn’t find the source.

The menu consists of an assortment of salads, numerous Paninis (which they are most known for, in combinations like mozzarella, prosciutto and tomato or artichoke, sopressata and mayonnaise), as well as heartier dinner fare. I was told by the waiter that they’re making some changes, so expect to see an even more expanded menu. They’re also changing their beer list, and were out of a few currently on the menu. Once we had ordered (Poached Pear Salad and Creamy Vegetable Risotto for me and the Duo of Duck and Quail for my boyfriend), we were given a basket of slices of crusty French bread and a dish with olives and roasted garlic cloves in oil and vinegar for dipping. The roasted garlic was a nice touch, and always a delicious little treat. For photos and descriptions, click here!

Tags: Carroll Gardens · Eat It Brooklyn