What’s Cookin’

Jo’s, one of our favorite spots in Nolita, has closed! We eagerly anticipate what owner Johnny Santiago has next on the menu as much as we are curious to know what will take over the former M&R Bar space.

Old School Brooklyn (520 Court Street, 718-407-0047, OldShoolBK.com), brings American classics to Carroll Gardens. Proprietor Alessandro Peluso has partnered with Pasquale Failla to create a Brooklyn parlor circa 1930. Handmade rustic food is courtesy of chef David Buico, who serves up a nod to days past that featured Sunday suppers with dear friends and bottles of wine. Honey-drizzled ricotta with prosciutto, paté with fig mustard jam and fresh pastas outfitted with wild boar Bolognese bring it all home—and don’t split before dipping into the banana split!

Brunch has broached Lafayette (380 Lafayette St, 212-533-3000, LafayetteNY.com). Andrew Carmellini’s latest dream child is now serving eggs with smoked sablefish and lemon pancakes over the weekends.

In a partnership with restaurateur Stephen Starr (Morimoto and Buddakan for starters), Roots drummer/co-frontman Ahmir Thompson (a.k.a. ?uestlove) recently opened Hybird (HybirdNYC.com) in Chelsea Market (75 Ninth Ave). Unquestionably good signature fried chicken flutters about the menu at the “gourmet fast food eatery,” as do truffled egg dumplings and a watermelon “loveslush” for the dawg days of summer.