Buttermilk Channel 06-12-2011

Location: 524 Court St.

Time: 12:30pm

People: Laura, RB, CK and myself

Feelings: Could Buttermilk Channel in Carroll Gardens be any more Brooklyn? The new American bistro with the modern take of comfort food like butter milk battered fried chicken, house made pickles, and jelly donut... is so incredibly Brooklyn that it was difficult to find a man without beard and skinny pants. They serve grass fed beef, organic Gimme Coffee!, and a communal table can be found. You get the idea.

Although we were told that the wait was 40 minutes, we were promptly seated within 15 minutes. However, it took them nearly an hour to serve us our food, so the wait was close to 40 minutes after all. The waitstaff was friendly and apologetic to the fact that food was delayed, and we were even given four free jelly donuts. Also, while waiting for our food, a bird decided to relieve itself on our outside table. It was almost as if the bird was saying, "This is my neighborhood! You get this with your fancy bacon and organic coffee." In this case, the waitstaff seemed sympathetic and cleaned out the table right away.

My scrambles with roasted mushrooms, spinach and goat cheese ($11) was fresh and tasty although the eggs were a bit runny. Laura enjoyed her decadent and colorful house cured salmon platter ($12, with fried capers, green onions, cream cheese, pumpernickel and organic green salad). RB thought his short rib hash ($12, sunny-side up eggs, toast and organic greens) was overcooked. The menu stated that the brunch included a choice of juice, mimosa, bellini or sparkling wine although the server made no mention of them. Make sure to order your drink to get your money's worth!

Buttermilk Channel certainly has a fun menu with a cool vibe, and food is tasty but not exceptional. If your Manhattanite friend is visiting you in the area, this would a great introductory Brooklyn dining experience. For BoCoCa locals, I would recommend more of neighborhood gems with solid food execution and less beard: Brucie, Prime Meats, and Bocca Lupo.