Week of Jan 29–Feb 4, 2009

Whole grilled prawns with rice at Casa la Femme

Photograph: Jeff Gurwin

Casa la Femme As with the pharaohs of antiquity, this Egyptian favorite—now in its third incarnation—enjoys an eventful afterlife. The new space’s dark wood and Jerusalem-stone decor (including a fire pit and six-foot-tall fireplace) suggest a modern Middle Eastern vibe, whereas dishes include traditional spreads. Baba ghanoush is served with homemade pita bread, and Mediterranean branzino is grilled whole. 140 Charles St between Greenwich and Washington Sts (212-505-0005)

Cataldo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria After working for 35 years at his brother Nino’s pizzeria in Carroll Gardens, Sal Cataldo has opened his own homey restaurant in Prospect Heights. Individual pies emerging from a wood-burning, lava-stone oven will join those at the neighborhood’s existing pizza havens, Franny’s and Amorina. While these other eateries specialize in more true-to-the-Boot cooking, Cataldo presents an affordable menu that also includes Italian-American dishes like baked ziti and veal parmigiana. 554 Vanderbilt Ave between Bergen and Dean Sts, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-857-6700)

Qoo Robata Bar Inakaya—a famous Tokyo-based robata restaurant (an establishment devoted to yaki, or grilled foods)—is set to open a location in the New York Times Building later in February, but this 42-seat Williamsburg eatery from first-time restaurateur Koichi Endo has trumped it. Diners at the cozy bar can watch as chefs grill skewered meats, fish and vegetables on the robata (the name also refers to the actual grill) before delivering the food on a wooden paddle. 367 Metropolitan Ave at Havemeyer St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-9493)

Second Stop Cafe Craig Kafton and Paul Degruccio, the owners of this Williamsburg café, put their love of salvaging on full display: The bases of the tables were rescued from the Plaza Hotel’s Oak Room, and the light fixtures once illuminated the JPMorgan building on Wall Street. Vegan and nonvegan pastries (carrot-ginger squares, blueberry–lemon zest muffins) are baked daily, and bagels and Stumptown coffee are also available. 524 Lorimer St at Ainslie St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-486-6850)

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