Popina

After gifting my husband the cookbook of 'The Magic of Tinned Fish' by Popina chef, Chris McDade, I was the one who became enthralled with the book and the place. My husband has a penchant for buying tinned fish and mollusks - no matter which country he's travelling to but what he doesn't do is use them in time before their expiry date. So the 'Tinned Fish' cookbook by McDade, was one of intrigue. I therefore took it upon myself to make a few dishes from this extraordinary cookbook, and then learned that there was a restaurant I could visit which played on the themes from the cookbook. But adverse, tinned fish folks, be not afraid! Popina is not a place entirely of tinned fish - it's Italian more than any kind of fish. Food: Five stars I had the 'new' celery and fennel salad to start, complete with anchovies (yay!), ewe's blue cheese, and walnuts (delicate mint leaves folded in). If it came in a large size salad, I would have easily devoured it. It was SUBLIME!!! For my main, it was the Rigatoni with the guanciale, in a delicately-spiced pepperonata sauce. A generous portion of pasta I'm told by the staff, from all the pastas on the menu. So if you want lots of pasta, get this one. For drink I started with a Nebbiolo rosé wine by the glass and then with my pasta I moved to a 'chilled' Valpolicella red. Both were excellent in quality and paired well with the dishes. I couldn't make room for dessert sadly. There were only two choices but each would have put me over the edge. Service: Four stars Seemed a bit of confusion with the staff sorting out the seating and walk-in diners when I arrived for my early dinner booking. Or just my impatience? As I was only a table for one, and had pre-booked, I was seated at the bar, as not to take a table from diners who were 2 +. Atmosphere: Three stars Humid October night in Brooklyn. But the air conditioning inside the restaurant was pumping. Thankful for my jacket which I had to put around my shoulders for most of the night even after the air conditioner was turned off. Popina is located on a busy street and whilst the window looking out is generous if you're sat near it, there isn't much to look at but the fenced-in Pier 9, and many cars. But it's not noisy, indoors. Also I cannot comment on the outdoor garden space as I did not sit there, nor did I visit it.

I wish I had opened Popina myself. It is a perfect restaurant. The spicy chicken milanese and carolina arancini are sublime-- the service is good and I feel a little like I'm in a different city when I go to Popina. One that is hospitable, a little slower, that allows you to savor every moment, sip and bite.

Great food, excellent wine list, and a very relaxed and laid back atmosphere that is perfect for dining solo or with friends. Opt for a seat in the garden rather than up front which can be a bit tight. The corn agnolotti and classic spaghetti with sungold tomatoes, basil, and mascarpone are particularly excellent, as is the chess pie.

Great spot with a chill neighborhood vibe. I really appreciate the flavors of their pasta. We got the fettuccini with ramp, basil and breadcrumbs. Since ramps are in season this was a really good choice. Next is the orecchiette broccoli rabe, spring onion, anchovy. I can definitely taste the anchovy and all the flavors mixed well together and nothing is too overbearing. The hot chicken milanese was definitely "hot." It was cooked very well. (tip: If you can't handle "hot/spicy" ask for extra lemons) I asked so that i can eat it. For apps we also got the pimento cheese. They gave a lot of serving which was nice. Overall the experience was great. The service was also great, they were very attentive in refilling our water which was nice. I will definitely come again to try other food on the menu!

Came on a Friday evening with my husband. We made a reservation earlier that morning. Very tight space (we sat inside) with a nice, minimal ambiance. Too a minute for our waitress to get to us and then the bartender came by to get us drinks. Super nice dude. Also a tight menu but with a number of things that looked interesting g. Got the pimento cheese and potato rolls, which were great and came served with some pickled relish. I got the mafaldine pasta with pepper and pecorino. I was in the mood for something like cacio e pepe and this definitely hit the spot. The pecorino made it slightly sharp and salty, which I loved. Hubby got the hot chicken Milanese, which was also very good but definitely spicy, even for him who can handle spice. He washed it down with a can of IPA beer and I with a really good, funky, orange wine. Will definitely come back but will plan it during a time where I can visit their back garden.