Restaurant Itinerary for June...

Great food is a highlight of any vacation.

This New Victorian Ruralist is organizing his

list of spots to visit and re-visit in hopes of some

culinary nirvana this June. The food has to be

great — but the atmosphere is important too.

Speaking of atmosphere, take a look at this image

from Freeman's dining room. Freeman's Restaurant

is located at the end of Freeman Alley near

Rivington St. in the Lower East Side / 212.420.0012

*image via nymag.com

Former Balthazar bartender Danny Minch and Dylan Dodd

serve up traditional American bistro fare at this cozy

haunt in Brooklyn. I've read the Pigs in a Blanet rock! Yes,

pigs in a blanket. Walter Foods, 253 Grand Street

718-387-8783 / image via nymag.com

I am most excited about Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn.

Vinegar Hill House is named for its neighborhood — a timeworn,

but resuscitated section of Belgian-blocked streets near

the Navy Yard. Vinegar Hill House is an NVR masterpiece;

one review even referred to its interior as Little House

on the Prairie-esque. With rich cream-cheese-frosted Guinness

cakes sitting on shelves by the open kitchen, I guess the

decor becomes secondary. Chef Jean Adamson’s specialities

include braised lamb shoulder mingled with black chickpeas and

melting fennel bulbs — and the “Cast Iron” chicken.

72 Hudson Ave. near Water St. / 718-522-1018

image via nymag.com

The Redhead is an East Village gastropub with a strong

Southern slant. Sources say the real signature item is the

salted caramel "hoho" for dessert!

349 E. 13th St. near 1st Ave. / 212-533-6212

Brunch anyone? With a passion for the artisanal, the sustainably

grown, and the homespun — The General Greene is a perfect

example of New Brooklyn Cuisine. Its interior is even inspired

by the farm with vintage tractor seat stools (I won't be sitting

at the bar) and the waitstaff decked out in earthy brown

workshirts. As for food, The Indonesian red-palm sugared

pork meatballs sound especially pleasing.

229 Dekalb Ave. / 718.222.1510

At Rye in Brooklyn, treats range from divinely messy

meatloaf sandwiches to crisp, warm doughnuts.

The speakeasy aura only adds to Rye's charm.

247 S. 1st St. (Roebling St.) / 718.218.8047

One of our favorites during last year's visit, Prune is an

amazing American Bistro and also the chef's childhood

nickname. Gabrielle Hamilton's unpretentious cooking

is a treat for the senses. During our visit, Randy had a

delicious pasta kerchief with poached egg, French ham,

and pine nuts. I had rock shrimp on a bed of tobacco

buttered rice with cracklings. We can't wait to return!

54 E. 1st St. near 1st Ave. / work212-677-6221

image via nymag.com

We didn't make it to Porchetta last trip, but we are determined

not to miss it this time. Roasted pork belly-wrapped pork loin

and garlicky sauteed greens — need I say more?

110 E. 7th St. near 1st Ave. / 212-777-2151

image via newyork.seriouseats.com

Comfort Food = Mac and Cheese. Now

there's Macbar to satisy your childhood need.

With a dozen different versions to choose from,

I think I've narrowed it down to the Mac Quack

(duck confit, fontina, carmalized onions, and fines herbes)

or the Mac Lobsta' (fresh lobster, cognac, tarragon, and

mascarpone). 54 Prince Street / 212.226.0211

image via feteny.com

Rustic Greek at Kelfi? Perhaps.

505 Columbus Ave. near 84th St. / 212-873-0200

image via nymag.com

OK, you already know I'm ga-ga for the interior — still,

Joseph Leonard sounds very promising. I think I'll have the

low-country grits laced with fresh shrimp, cheddar, and bits

of andouillie sausage. For dessert, caramel pudding in a

Mason jar. 170 Waverly Place at Grove St. / 646-429-8383

(no reservations) image via nymag.com

According to a review, much of it is delicious —

nearly all of it is obscene. Enough said. Gus and Gabriel,

here I come. 222 W. 79th St. near Broadway / 212-362-7470

image via thewanderingeater.com

Heath Ledger didn't live to see his planned Greenpoint café,

but with funding from his estate, Five Leaves has opened its doors

to the public. Chef Ken Addington gives the menu homey

Australian accents. 18 Beford Ave. at Lorimer St. in Brooklyn.

718-383-5345 / image via nymag.com

OK, we've read the so-so reviews —

but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to

DBGB Kitchen & Bar. So much so that

we might just visit again.

229 Bowery near Houston St.

212-933-5300

Modern Swiss hits Soho with Cafe Select.

212 Lafayette St. near Kenmare St. / 212-925-9322

image via nymag.com

For an appetizer, I'll have the coq au vin ravioli. Thank you.

Dark-wood banquettes and tables are reincarnated from a

New York City water tank in this subterranean lounge

called Broadway East. 171 E. Broadway near Rutgers St.

212-228-3100 / image via nymag.com

Sticky Buns from Bouchon Bakery.

10 Columbus Cir., 3rd fl., near 58th St.

212-823-9366

Chewy handmade pinci noodles in walnut-tomato sauce.

Braised black cabbage in toasted Tuscan bread.

Lemon “pudding” with candied orange peel.

Interested? Beppe, 45 E. 22nd St. near Broadway

212-982-8422 / image via nymag.com

Last (for now), but not least is August in the West Village; another favorite during out last trip. I had the Alsatian onion tart with bacon and an ooze of crème fraîche. Simply delicious. 359 Bleecker Street near Charles St. / 212-929-8727 / image via nymag.com