Marlow & Sons, Brooklyn

It's that time of year again - when a lukewarm breeze floats in the air once chilled with winter gloom. People leave their hibernating stance to greet spring with customary cheer; cooled after-work drinks on a quaint café patio, strolls on the Brooklyn Promenade, and perhaps a visit to the much-anticipated return of the Fort Greene Flea. My spring indulgence is shell food. I don’t know why, but as soon as it gets a little bit warmer, I start craving oysters or mussels.

As it hit 69 degrees (21º C) yesterday in New York City, a group of friends and I made our way to Williamsburg where we were to dine on oysters at Marlow & Sons. Although I had read great reviews of it, I must admit this place was even better than I expected! The décor lured me into summer thinking. Pastel blue faded walls and our chipped white picnic table made me long for seaside travel. The oysters were fresh and plump, and served with the traditional vinaigrette (red wine vinegar and shallots).

Oysters aside, this restaurant offers delicious fare. The small menu, supplemented by daily specials, offers the freshest local ingredients. One can choose from their daily selection of cheese and cured meats, to their pasta, fish, soup and salad specials. Recurrent menu items include the Coppa and Mozzarella, and Bagna Cauda (anchovy butter) paninis, the crostini, the chicken liver paté, and the potato tortilla.

The dessert must-have (no ifs, no buts), is the bread pudding with rum-raisin ice cream- a taste of warm, moist, and succulent heaven. The chocolate tart with caramel and sprinkled sea-salt is intoxicatingly rich and equally mouth-watering.

The bar offers a delightful variety of beer, wine, and cocktails. But if you’re picky about what you drink, there is an option to BYOB (with corking fee).

Marlow & Sons, 81 Broadway
Williamsburgh Brooklyn 11211
(718) 384-1441

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