Hook & Cleaver
68 Greenpoint Ave
Brooklyn, NY, 11222
hookncleaver.com
718.974.1283
Chef Diane DiMeo has been a runner up on ABC’s ‘The Taste’, champion of Food Network’s ‘Chopped’and has been featured in several publications including Food & Travel, but don’t let the glitz and the glamour fool you into thinking that is solely the reason why she is opening a restaurant.
In fact, DiMeo, who is self-taught, brings a long list of experience to the table as an Executive Chef, Pastry Chef and an Executive Chef Consultant to restaurants including The Imanta Resort in Mexico.
The talented chef is bringing her culinary chops to Greenpoint, Brooklyn with Hook & Cleaver, a beefsteak house restaurant. I was one of the lucky guests attending the opening night on Wednesday, January 7th. It was the coldest night of the year so, I was hoping it was worth the trek and it was indeed.
Hook & Cleaver is a steak house modeled after the old school ‘men’s only’ underground social clubs. There is no sign at the entrance. There are just two red bulbs to let you know that you are at the right place.
Once inside it’s a warm and cozy place that I can best describe as being sectioned off into little nooks. The restaurant has a very romantic feel to it. When you first walk in to your right there are lounge chairs, a table and bookcase with an old school turntable.
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| The Menu of Items Served for the Launch Party |
The menu is simple and basic with starters of salads and soups, main courses of steaks, ribs, chicken and sides that include mashed potato and my absolute favorite roasted brussel sprouts.
Well, I say basic but, there was nothing basic about the food. It was rich and delicious. Did I mention the Brussel sprouts? I had an endless amount and I will be back for more. The Cauliflower with cheese was also scrumptious.
The steak was melt in your mouth perfection and includes a specialty sauce. I loved the ribs too and felt absolutely no shame licking my fingers.
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| Through the Looking Glass into the Kitchen – Chef Diane DiMeo |
The kitchen is fully visible with a large glass pane so you can watch the chefs do their magic. They seemed to be having quite a bit of fun too on opening night which is good because the food came out with love.
There is a full bar with the focus being on Whiskey Sours, Bengali beer, which is an American IPA and Yuengling. I wish they had a signature drink. How cool would it be to order a Hook & Cleaver? I don’t care what’s in it but, it should be bad ass and with a kick.
Diane DiMeo is a gracious host. She was hard at work in the kitchen but, then seamlessly worked the room. She even photobombed me as I was trying to capture a photo of the crowd.
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| Chef Diane DiMeo |
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Chef Diane DiMeo and Lyndon Tobias, guest
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| Chef Diane DiMeo and guest |
If you’re looking for romantic, cozy and warm then head to Hook & Cleaver in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It’s very easy to get to and a short walk from the G train.
They are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 12am and it looks like they may be including a brunch menu soon. The restaurant is cash only. Check the menu here.
