Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck

The lobster roll from the Red Hook Lobster Pound Truck is pretty to look at and feels so summery, with chilled lobster fresh from Maine dressed in a mayo and celery salad with a dash of bright paprika on a buttery toasted bun (also from Maine) and served with a Brooklyn Brine pickle.

Luke's Lobster Truck

The Luke's Lobster "Nauti" Truck has their amazing lobster roll to go - huge chunks of fresh Maine lobster (including whole claws!) served chilled on a bun with a little bit of mayo, a little bit of lemon butter and a lot of delicious spices.

Bistro Truck

The Bistro Truck is a fantastic addition to the food-truck scene. There are sandwiches, but the food leans towards French-Moroccan plates instead of street-food - like the light and fluffy poached tilapia in extra virgin olive oil with Moroccan spices, basmati rice, and a salad with a mustard vinaigrette.

Community Garden Cafe on Cleveland Pl

A new cafe (official name is unclear) has taken over the former What Happens When/Le Jardin Bistro space on Cleveland Pl. The menu has soups, sandwiches, salads, desserts and brunch - like the creamy biscuits and gravy served with fruit & salad - and is best eaten out back in the spacious and lush garden.

Spritzenhaus

To be honest, I usually prefer a cocktail den or wine bar to a beer hall, but Spritzenhaus in Williamsburg is a major exception. The big, open, airy space was full without being overcrowded, it feels modern, and the menu includes a selection of oysters and good sausages, like this chicken sausage with curry ketchup.

The salty pretzel with mustard.

A side of sweet sauerkraut is a great addition to any of the sausages.

Il Pesce @ Eataly

Eating seafood at Il Pesce @ Eataly is a great experience. We ate our way through the specials on a recent visit - starting with a gorgeous soft shell crab swimming in butter and wilted greens.

The smoked trout was a beautiful and delicious dish with rich smoky flavor, a light fluffy texture and sprinkled with capers and lavender blossoms.

Even the crudo trio was fantastic - a silk snapper topped with red lava salt, pumpkin swordfish with crushed almonds and blue fish with a salty gaeta olive aoli.

Momofuku Ssam Bar's geoduck

I have to admit, the first time I heard of geoduck (pronounced gooey duck) was while watching the exotic surf & turf episode of Top Chef Masters. When a friend and I were at Momofuku Ssam Bar and it was on the menu as a special, I couldn't resist trying it. Thinly sliced carpaccio of geoduck arrived with a cucumber gazpacho with paper thin slices of cucumber and creamy globs of apple butter. It was refreshing, delicious and utterly approachable.