via Eater
There are meals, and then there are culinary experiences. Traif is definitely one of the latter. With a menu overflowing with dishes that will make you say “Huh?” and “Hm…” it’s definitely the place to take the more adventurous of your friends. The format is simple: order plentifully and split everything. Though the necessity of sharing can sometimes prove problematic with the mouthwatering dishes on offer here. Take, for example, the strawberry-cinnamon glazed baby back ribs. You’d never guess, but those flavors bring a depth and sweetness to the barbecue sauce that I’d never thought possible. And forget that boring old fried calamari you’re used to — Traif offers a spicy-sweet Thai version that will have you licking the bowl and pondering a second helping. (Or maybe that was just me…) The crispy braised pork belly with tomato marmalade and stuffed corn cakes with shrimp, champagne mangos, and tomatillo sauce were also big hits at the table. While all of these dishes are small plates, Traif also offers a selection of larger dishes perfect for keeping for yourself, but these can also easily be shared with the table. We opted for the fantastic clam pasta, made with New Zealand cockles and shell pasta in a spicy broth with a hint of mint. It was pretty to look at and so sigh-inducingly delicious that hardly a word was spoken until every morsel was gone. Speaking of pretty to look at, there are few things better than enjoying a great meal in a Brooklyn backyard with a garden.
If I have one complaint about Traif, it’s that many of their small plates come with 5 little portions, a number that makes sharing a bit awkward for parties of any less than 5. With dishes as scrumptious as these, tiffs over that last morsel are inevitable!
Posted by: Kim Partrick
Price: $$
Location: 229 South 4th St. (between Roebling St. and Havemeyer St.), Brooklyn
Type of Food: New American
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.traifny.com
Tags: American, Williamsburg