On a prime corner overlooking McCarren Park in Greenpoint, Chef Quang Thái Nguyễn (ex-Wildair and Michelin-starred Cosme) and partners Noah Bernamoff, Julian Brizzi and Rachel Bailin (Grand Army Bar, Black Seed Bagels, Celestine, and Pebble Bar) have opened Cool World, one of Brooklyn’s hottest new restaurants.
While there are definitely homages to classic brasserie dishes, Nguyễn’s creative—and almost autobiographical—menu also draws inspiration from nostalgic dishes from his childhood in Louisiana and Texas, his Vietnamese heritage, and his experience working in award-winning kitchens throughout New York City.
Starters include house made pretzeled Parker House rolls; a crab chip tostada with cured salmon, golden beets, and trout roe; oysters Rockefeller with braised collards, breadcrumbs and bacon, and an outstanding take on the classic wedge which includes a black garlic ranch dressing, ample amounts of dill, smoked shiitakes, and savory granola. For mains, there are moules frites with nduja and miso, steak frites with umeboshi bordelaise and charred cippolinis, and a fried chicken sando on a pretzel bun with Crystal hot sauce, charred scallion mayo, and dill pickles.
For those who always save room for dessert, the chocolate tart is the way to go. Paired with an espresso martini, it's the perfect combination to end the night.