Le Paddock has been open a week now, and though they still seem to be working some kinks out, the restaurant is already what the owners intended--a relaxing neighborhood place with good food that won't break the bank.
As some people have already mentioned, the wood-burning oven that's used for baking breads and pizzas is quite smokey, enough that you'll get home after your meal and think you've been at a campfire, the smell still lingering in your clothes. It's not particularly offensive though--I'll bet it will be very welcoming on cold winter days, and it adds to the coziness.
And cozy it is. There are a lot of tables in the space, with little room between them. Still, on a crowded night you can't hear much of the conversation going on next to you, and some people at separate tables end up chatting with each other--which again goes toward the neighborly vibe.
The French-inspired menu fits right in with the comfortable space. The smaller plates are good for sharing, particularly the surprisingly light chicken liver mousse. Mix and match the charcuterie and nice selection of cheeses (three for $12, 5 for $18), and between two people, you may want to split a main course. Go with the moules frites, which has a mariniere sauce you could eat on its own as a soup--though the fries could be crispier to hold up better to dipping. Also, there need to be better, or more, napkins for all the food you're eating with your hands. If you manage to save room for dessert, you're better than me.
The wines are mostly French with some South Americans, and they're all affordable, none more than $40 a bottle. Beer wasn't on tap as of Saturday, but there are a couple of interesting Belgian brews by the bottle, including Delirium Tremens, which comes in a semi-ceramic bottle.
Le Paddock is cash-only at the moment, so be sure to stop by an ATM before you get there--if Mike's Deli down the block is closed, there aren't too many other options for cash nearby.
They'll be serving brunch starting this Saturday, which will continue on weekends from 11am to 4pm. If it's as good as dinner, Le Paddock is going to be crowded with mimosa lovers (me) looking for a nice place to start the weekend.
Le Paddock
1235 Prospect Avenue at Reeve Place
718-435-0921
info@lepaddockbrooklyn.com
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