Like most CSA members, I love the flavor of fresh, in-season produce. I’m always seeking great restaurants that are like-minded about food—that fresh, local ingredients taste better and also support the community—and try to eat “local” as often as possible when dining out. While I love cooking with my CSA, sometimes I like to go out to one of the many great restaurants we have here in Forest Hills. Recently, I decided to try local favorite Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen.
Danny Brown restaurant is a modern take on the French “Wine Bar,” The Italian “Enoteca” & The Spanish “Tapas Bar”. Danny Brown is also the only Michelin-rated restaurant in Queens, and many of their dishes are made with organic, seasonal and local ingredients. In addition to a wide range of “small plates,” “bigger plates,” and cured meat & cheese plates, Danny Brown also boasts house-made desserts and a wide selection of more than 80 wines by the bottle and more than 20 wines by the glass, including several dessert wines.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday they offer a three-course prix fixe menu at $28 per person. I ordered from the fixed price menu—Mixed Greens, Sautéed Wild Pollack and Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote. The generous plate of field greens was dressed with a mustard vinaigrette that definitely had a kick to it. The Pollack was served of a bed of “eggplant cavair,” oven-dried tomatoes, and Alfonso olive sauce, with shaved fennel on top. At first I found the combination of flavors to be a bit overwhelming to my taste buds, but the fish was cooked perfectly and I enjoyed it once I got the right ratio of flavors on my fork. The Panna Cotta was delightfully smooth and light, with a rhubarb compote that added a tangy sweetness to this creamy dessert.
I went to Danny Brown with my seven-year-old daughter. Despite being a busy, high-end restaurant, they made us feel totally comfortable and accommodated my daughter’s request for spaghetti with butter and cheese. For dessert she ordered the Flourless Chocoate Cake served with chocolate salted peanuts and cold cream that she poured over the rich chocolaty goodness herself—perfection!
Overall the food is interesting and yummy, the service friendly, and the open kitchen and simple, clean décor is inviting at Danny Brown.
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen
104-02 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills
dannybrownwbk.com
Forest Hills CSA 
Thanks for the review. I love Danny Brown’s! Though it is usually reserved for special occasions, the prix fixe makes it a lot more accessible. Another thing to love about the place is that Danny Brown himself is a local–I grew up with him in Forest Hills!
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