Before you and your Italian neighbor know it, the gents behind Frankies 457 will have converted the entire block into a foodie mecca, replete with rustic Italian, courtyard dining, housemade olive oil, traditional homespun cocktails, and simple Bavarian – which takes form in their newest venture, the resto-saloon, Prime Meats….
Rarely early for dining occasions, I took the opportunity to stake out a front booth alongside the window looking out onto a mellow section of Court St. I received a warm and contented welcome from the staff, one which nearly verged on the reception I might expect upon arriving on a blistery night to a guest haus in the Alps. I indulged in it, taking my time perusing the cocktail list and appreciating moments of nostalgia before ordering up a Loganberry Scramble – reposado tequila, loganberry liqueur, lemon juice, agave. The drink is typically served on the rocks, but the barman obliged to make it for me up, as I have a fondness for tequila, chilled, neat. It did not disappoint. Round, with a hint of smokiness from the reposado, and balanced with the tart and juicy flavors from loganberry and lemon.
Loganberry Scramble (served up)
Bibb Lettuce with Pumpkin Seeds, Radish & Pumpkin Seed Oil
The food menu and wine and beer list delves deeper into the German-Austro country-style theme with some great selections; the spaetzle some of the best in the boroughs – creamy, cheesy and finished with fine herbs – and the hunters sausage – classic, gamey and hearty. Pictured above is a beautiful composed salad of delicate market bibb lettuce, lightly drizzled with pumpkin seed oil which lifted the salad out of its typical preparation, offering forth a nutty, citrus flavor profile. All that’s needed now is a few rows of grape vines in the backyard and a small farm and the restaurants could be fully self-sustainable!
