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Lamb & Jaffy

1073 Manhattan Avenue (at Eagle Street)
Greenpoint, Brooklyn [map]
(718)389-3638

Lamb & Jaffy (named after the owner's favorite childhood toys) is the face of the changing neighborhood in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This canary in the coal mine is the child of former caterers Michael De Prima (Oceana) and Tara Steilen and sits at the very northern end of Greenpoint - only Bleu Drawes' Jamaican restaurant (review forthcoming) is more out of the way - but is well worth the travel.

The interior is outfit in dark lacquered wood and exposed masonry, but the hard interior belies warm service and food inside. The service is quite warm and chatty (but not obnoxious), and dog friendly when the large exterior doors are open. Small details such as water served from old handblown glass bottles, adds to the charm. Lamb & Jaffy is a good choice for both intimate meals, and larger group meals.

For dinner the we would recommend the excellent flank steak, which is pan-charred with creamy potato gratin on side. Herself enjoyed the tilapia dish, which while generally spicy, seems to fluctuate in terms of spice level on different occasions. Lamb & Jaffy also sports an excellent brunch menu, with giant pancakes or the kielbasa and pepper omelet your best bet.

While not high dining, the redeeming elements of Lamb & Jaffy are the relaxed atmosphere and the good, if safe, dishes. This may become our favorite neighborhood restaurant, especially in the winter when the heavier meals will be a welcome respite from the cold. Lamb & Jaffy is the very definition of cozy neighborhood restaurant - until the masses figure this out, and invade yet another favorite restaurant.