Show Me a Sign: Nightingale 9

Out of all the work that goes into opening a restaurant, it's the sign going up that tells the public the space is almost ready. And with the constant cycle of restaurants opening here in the city, we thought we'd introduce a column called "Show Me a Sign." So, using signage as our informant, we'll bring you photos and news of projects as they ready to open around town. First up? Nightingale 9, the third venture from Kerry Diamond and chef Rob Newton. Signage went up recently at 345 Smith Street, and the restaurant is set to open next Thursday, February 21st.

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Wing Week: Part I

The National Chicken Council (real thing) predicts Americans will eat more than 1.25 billion chicken wings this weekend. So, each day in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, we'll show you one of our favorite spots that does Buffalo Chicken Wings right. They aren't broiled or roasted. They're not grilled or smoked, and they're definitely never, ever breaded. Buffalo Wings are deep fried and tossed in a simple, vinegar-based hot sauce/butter combo. Some places go the extra mile and brine their wings and/or give them a a double fry, but at their root, Buffalo Wings are a simple food. We love the barbecue renditions found about town at the likes of Dinosaur BBQ (Wango Tango) and The Smoke Joint, but this week, we're sticking to the classics. There aren't any Duff's in New York City, but that doesn't mean there are no good wings. First up? The Wing Bar.

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First Bite: Dassara

Welcome to First Bite, in which Digest NY brings you a look at some of the city's newest restaurants shortly after they open.  We'll go, eat some food, take some pictures, and report back to you.  This go round it's Dassara, the three week old ramen spot on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

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The Titanic Turns 100 on Sunday

One hundred years ago, just before midnight on April 14th, 1912, the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic.  She struggled to stay afloat after 5 of her 16 watertight compartments were torn open.  Before she sank on that cold, dreadful night, the first class members experienced a meal that reflected the wealth onboard the transatlanic vessel.

To honor the 100th anniversary, Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo of the Frankies Empire are recreating the 10-course dinner that was served that fateful night.  Their restaurant Prime Meats, on Court Street in Brooklyn, will host the $115/person, black tie preferred event this Sunday at 7pm.

Momofuku Milkbar Invades Carroll Gardens

The fifth branch of Momofuku Milkbar opened in Carroll Gardens over the weekend.  As of last Saturday, the 360 Smith Street location is offering up jugs of pretzel milk, cornflake-marshmallow cookies, and a slew of other sugary sweet snacks.  

This location is open from 7am - 10pm everyday.

Lucali's Mark Iacono Lets Things Roll Off His Back

Lucali is the epitamy of a neighborhood joint.  It's on Henry street in Carroll Gardens.  It's small, casual, delicious.  From 6pm - 10pm all they do is make pizza and calzones.  If they run out of ingredients, they run out of ingredients.  Despite the lines that have been out the door since they opened in 2006, Lucali prefers to be closed on Tuesdays.

Chef and owner Mark Iacono was the talk of the town last spring.  But not for serving the likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce on a somewhat regular basis, not for his incredible pizza, but because of what he refers to as "an altercation."  He was involved in a knife fight in April of last year, and although we know he's back to making pizzas, there's still a lot of grey area surrounding the issue. 

Catch up with the man behind the pizza in this great interview Grubstreet did with Mark last Friday.

Crack Pie is Heading to Carroll Gardens

Christina Tosi has chosen Carroll Gardens as the location for her next, and fifth, Momofuku Milk Bar.  The Department of Health has them listed at 360 Smith Street, at the corner of 2nd Place.

Smith Street Sustainability with Joe Isidori

Joe Isidori is chef and co-owner of Southfork Kitchen in Bridgehampton.  On March 19th, country life turns city life when he opens Arthur on Smith in the old Po space, 276 Smith Street.  The restaurant will have a heavy focus on sustainability and local products.

Check out the pronoun heavy menu here.