I have been stalking the old Maki Sushi spot for roughly four months. Peeking between cracks in the window covering. Emailing the owner of Maki Sushi (she’s out of the country.) Trying get a hold of the space’s new owner through every source possible. Finally! Today, as I walked by not only were the lights on– the door was unlocked! Poor folks didn’t know what hit them.
Welcome to Brancaccio’s Food Shop– a prepared food market, with pretty high end options if you ask me. They officially open their doors this Thursday afternoon– to show us what they’re made of and hopefully knock our socks off.
Chef Joe Brancaccio, formerly of Agata & Valentina (a quick google search of this guy will impress you) plans to offer items such as Pot Roast with Porcini Mushroom, Roasted Chicken, Poached Salmon and various Pastas. Just to name a few. There will not be a strictly set menu, as dishes will be designed around what’s fresh and good quality. You have to respect that.
Joe recently wrapped up a project in Manhattan called KidFresh. A healthy organic ready-made food shop for up-town kids and their on-the-go parents. When asked if he plans to offer any of those options in his new shop, he answered “I don’t do just healthy anymore.” Hey– that works for me!
I was given a hefty taste of the freshly made caponata– unbelievable. Seriously good stuff. It wasn’t sour like the dish can some times be. As well, the pot roast with mushrooms and onion was exactly the savory dish you imagine, but can never quite create on your own. Delish. Nothing heavy handed or over done about anything I tried. Everything I put into my mouth was well prepared, good quality and yummy.
Stop in later this week on your way home to welcome Joe and his crew– and to grab some pretty fabulous dinner.
Located on Ft Hamilton Between East 2nd Street and East 3rd Street.
Phone: 718-435-1997
Sun 10-5
Mon 10-8
Tues closed
Wed-Fri 10-8
Sat 10-7
really cool to get a prepared foods place! I didn’t live in the building when Maki Sushi was around so can you let me know where this place exactly is?
Good catch Larry! It’s located on Ft Hamilton between East 2nd and East 3rd– nestled between the salon and the pizza joint! -Mara
I met Joe a couple of times and have seen the place in various states of re-reno, but the thing that impressed me most is that he really believes in the neighborhood. He said he could have easily found a spot in Red Hook or Carroll Gardens, but waited to find a spot here. I’ll be frequenting his place just for that reason alone.
yay! so exciting! can’t wait to check it out…..
You won’t be disappointed with Joe Brancaccio. Anything he makes will make you want to go back for more.
I can’t think of anything more exciting than great prepared foods in our neighborhood!
Just met Joe this morning–seems like a cool guy. And so exciting to have new food in the ‘hood! Incidentally, googling around for more info on the joint led me to discover your blog, dear neighbors. hurray!
I have known Joe for 15 years and have worked with him in the kitchen. He is a fabulous chef with a passion for food. You will be impressed every time you enter his store!!!
I have to say that I have received more emails regarding the Food Shop than all my other posts combined. Every single person has had nothing but wonderful things to say. I agree with them all. Tonight marks my fourth meal made by Joe and his wonderful team– as usual, I am in heaven.
Thank you Joe for picking our neighborhood to open your Food Shop. We’re thrilled to have you.
-Mara