Another great review for Chef Mike. He's at a pop up restaurant in Bushwick (AP Café).
The honest truth is - I really dislike Brooklyn. Yes, I grew up there and yes, I know how much it's changed. That's probably the reason I dread going back. I go there only for special occasions (usually involving a friend). This past weekend, I made the trip to Bushwick - of all places! My reason? Michael Patlazhan. I honestly love his food and consider it an "experience". You don't eat his food to get full (but you do). You eat it to appreciate the beauty, uniqueness, and marvel at how in the world he came up with these ideas! I gather some friends and head on out to try his new pop up restaurant at AP Café - Thurs - Sun. only.
What I find is a really bright white spot with a cool vibe at night. We sat down and prepared to go on a tasting journey. There was 8 of us and we had a lot of catching up to do, however, as soon as the food came out - it completely took over our attention. The textures, tastes and artistry of each dish was something to marvel at. We tried pretty much everything on the menu so here are my thoughts:
Appetizer
"The Woods" (Mushroom Appetizer) - HOLY smokes. I never expected to love this as much as I did. Yes, I love mushrooms but Chef Mike created 5 different textures! This set the tone for the evening so well. I would highly recommend trying this or at least getting it to share. You will not regret this.
Pastas
Ramp Bucatini - this was the clear favorite of my friends. Not only was it interesting in the flavors, we were fighting for the pieces of beans left over at the bottom.
Spaghetti Alla Chitarra - deceptively simple. I went in thinking it's just spaghetti with sauce. I should've known better. It had a nice "kick" to it from the chili. I wanted the entire plate for myself.
Black Garlic Rigatoni - this was a cool dish - not my fave out of the three - but nevertheless, it all got eaten and we ordered like 5 of it for the table.
Entrée
Arctic Char - you would be amazed at how many of m y friends never had this fish. This is one of my fave fishes (and I am NOT a fish fan). I usually hate the texture of fish but the cut was so thin and well prepared that it was a joy to eat.
Wagyu Short Rib - I don't eat beef at all. My friends all ate this and said it was the best thing on the menu. I was so tempted to try it but didn't. Only a tiny bit of regret lingers.
Dessert
Caramelized Potato Skin Ice Cream - sounds weird but it was exceptional. Our spoons were fighting to get another bite as we shared. I particulary loved the meringue and I don't usually like that.
Chocolate Texture - everything on this plate was hard! Like, super hard! That was the point I think. I hate working to eat my food so I gave up (and I was super full). Everyone that kept at it got to the soft middle in the textures and really enjoyed it.
In the end, I really enjoyed my jaunt into Brooklyn. Chef Mike never disappoints. I would highly recommend you get some friends and go and try it out. Even a first date! You will have plenty to talk about - I promise. read more