I cheated.
The family rendezvoused with the fabulous world travelers, Fede and Chloe, in Brooklyn and we did not dine at Sociale. Whenever we venture to the borough it is all about Sociale, but we had a reservation two days later so we made our way across the river relatively guilt-free.
Funny enough, we actually were introduced to our dynamic dinner companions at Sociale where friends and food reign.
We undertook the journey. Unbelievably, we found a parking spot in front of Dover on a beautiful fall evening. Things started off well.
We were seated on the patio and we dined under a full moon.
The service was inpeccable, but I must admit to not engaging with the lovely servers because we were so involved with our friends.
The table was presented with a delicious smooth white-bean dip, several warm breads and gougeres which are baked savory pastry filled with oozing cheese.
A gift of chilled carrot soup soon followed. It’s a non-stop free food fair at Dover…I was lovin’ it.
I indulged in an uni themed meal. I started with the ceviche appetizer with uni, clams and ginger ($16). It was flavorful, and refreshing. The uni was sweet and silky.
I graduated to uni spaghetti with chili and lemon which was offered on the $95 tasting menu, but you are able to order any item off that menu. The pasta was al dente, accented by the creamy uni.
The table enaged in Winter Squash Agnolotti in brown butter, date and almonds ($16). It was amazing.
We selected a wonderful scallop dish with oranges. The scallops were perfectly seared.
My daughter began her culinary quest with Heirloom tomato salad with burrata and basil and one delectable broiled oyster (3.50). The tomatoes were in season, sweet and juicy…the burrata velvety and rich.
She ordered lobster with summer corn and bacon for a main. The half portion was a perfect size ($23). A full portion is also available at $38.
No one ordered from the third or meat course segment. which included Heritage Pork with turnips, peach and scallions ($32), Rabbit with grilled vegetables ($31), Lamb Ribs with eggplant, peanut, mint ($28), Chicken with potatoes, turnip and carrot ($29).
Rumor has it we must return for the caviar pie ($35) which is a seasonal item. It is purportedly marvelous with caviar layered over hard boiled egg, cream cheese and sour cream accompanied by brioche and blinis.
My permanent dining partner also ordered the uni sphagetti as well as the salmon which was prepared to perfection with chanterelles, haricots verts ad tomato confit ($17/29).
Desser was a succulent Burnt Apple Tart with pistachio and cranberry ($11).
Dover’s chefs, Joseph Ogrodnek and Walker Stern, practice generous french influenced cooking in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ogrodnek and Stern met in culinary school. They reunited (and it feels so good…I loved Peaches and Herb) at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in the Essex House which I thought had extraordinary food in an elegant atmosphere. I will always remember the slipcovered stools they would bring to the table to accommodate your handbag.
In 2011 they built Battersby, a broom closet of a restaurant on Smith Street that has been popular since the doors opened. They worked side by side in extremely close quarters.
The food at Dover was wonderful, but I must admit the company was spectacular. We talked and belly laughed for 3 1/2 hours. Calories didn’t count because we laughed every single one off.
For fine food in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, roll on over to Dover….sit outside, if possible.
Dover 412 Court Street Brooklyn (Carroll Gardens), NY. OpenTable. Reservations@doverbrooklyn.com. Open Monday-Saturday 5:30-11pm, Sunday 5:30-10:30pm. Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 11am-2:30pm.
