Pioneering chef: Sunset Park

Photo: Allison Michael Orenstein

You live in Sunset Park—how did you get hooked up with Lot 2?
I answered a Craigslist ad, believe it or not, for a chef of a new neighborhood restaurant. I didn’t know it was in Sunset Park when I answered the ad.

When you found out, what went through your head?
I thought it would be convenient; I thought it might be too close to home in some ways. [Laughs] But really I felt compelled to do something in the place where I’ve lived for so long. Many [customers] are from the neighborhood, and you get to talk to them and learn about their lives. You get to see them experience what you’ve made. It’s a really wonderful relationship to be able to do something like this so close to home.

What are some of your favorite food and drink spots?
Luigi’s Pizza (686 Fifth Ave between 20th and 21st Sts, 718-499-3857). Their fresh mozzarella slice is the best slice in all of New York City. There’s a Peruvian place called La Cuarta (782 Fourth Ave between 26th and 27th Sts, 718-369-4964). They have a chicken dinner with an avocado salad with fresh herbs and salchipapas, which are basically fried hot dogs and french fries together. The cocktail bar Quarter (676 Fifth Ave at 20th St; 718-788-0989 quarterbarbrooklyn.com) has some of the best whiskey cocktails. And there’s also Southside Coffee (652 Sixth Ave between 18th and 19th Sts, 347-599-0887). Their espressos are regularly on point and just really delicious and satisfying in the late afternoon.—Billie Cohen

Lot 2, 687 Sixth Ave between 19th and 20th Sts, Sunset Park, Brooklyn (718-499-5623, lot2restaurant.com)

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