The Speakeasy
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
132 Greene Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-230-3520
- Cuisine:
"Top Chef" winner Hung might wanna take a few notes from Josie Smith-Malave: The erstwhile "Top Chef" castoff went on to successfully open The Island, in Long Island City, and is now the consulting chef at this old-world "global comfort food" haven in Fort Greene, a melting pot for home-cooked fare from kitchens around the world. "It’s called ‘global comfort food’ because every single diverse ethnic group, we ate at home no matter what your background is," says Smith-Malave, who is of Filipino–Puerto Rican–Italian heritage. "There was something that you ate as a child that brings you home, that was a comfort to you," she adds. Here, "comfort" translates to a truly global menu of crab-corn-chowder cakes, ratatouille, babyback ribs, mussels in miso broth, and poached curried salmon with coconut lentils. It’s a tip off to the chef’s food-centric multiculti childhood in Florida, as well as to Fort Greene’s own diverse ethnic character. "This place is a throwback to a time in African-American history where you had your affluent black Americans—there is still this glamour," she says of the restaurant, with its dramatic gold drapes, burgundy accents and swirling ceiling patterns. "We’re trying to bring a spot [that’s] comfortable, approachable and without pretentiousness."
Showing 2 of 2 reviews
"Great place for afterwork drinks and early morning Brunch"
By lil_big_man, January 4, 2008
The bartenders are nice and they remember your drinks, the cost was comparable to many watering holes in the mid town, fashion district area but yo...
Report This Review"Small and Tasty"
By Jamarikn, October 29, 2007
My wait for a table was very brief. The place has about 12 to 14 tables so the fit is cozy but the decor is very calmimg. The music was at the righ...
Report This Review- Atmosphere and Personality
- Cozy and Romantic
- Features
- Celebrity Chef
- Cross Streets
- Waverly Ave.







