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Chowing down around Prospect Park

Compiled by Daniel McDermon | amNY.com

August 11, 2006

Ali's Roti on Flatbush Avenue offers flaky pastries, wrapped delicately around spicy fillings.

Grabbing a bite to eat in Prospect Park isn't the easiest proposition. There are authorized vendors, but there are times when a warm water hot dog or pretzel with mustard just won't suffice. And the streets bordering the park don't offer much in the way of nutrition, either -- unless you want to knock on some stranger's door.

So whether you're en route to an impromptu park picnic or you want to relax in a nearby restaurant consider some of these same spots.

There are four neighborhoods within striking distance of Prospect Park, each with its own distinctive flavor, but all require (at least) a short walk.

PROSPECT LEFFERTS GARDENS

On the east side of Prospect Park, near the Wollman rink and the Concert Grove, you'll find Prospect Lefferts Gardens. At first glance, you might think the neighborhood offers nothing more than Chinese takeout, pizzerias, and fast food joints. But walk up Flatbush Ave., north of Parkside Ave. and you'll find the neighborhood's true riches: a dazzling selection of West Indian shops and restaurants, where you can feast on vegetarian delights, fresh fish curries, a variety of meat patties, and more.

Ali Roti Shop 589 Flatbush Ave., between Rutland Rd. and Midwood St. 718-462-1730 Mon. Sat., 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sun., 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Stews and curries are available, but the reason to go is the flaky roti, which comes wrapped around delicious curried chicken, beef, goat, or vegetables. For $5, you can get a substantial meal to go with burrito-like convenience.

Veggie Hut and Fish Restaurant 600 Flatbush Ave., at Rutland Rd. 718-940-7090 Mon. Wed., 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Thurs. Sat., 8:00 a.m. - Midnight Closed Sun. The curries and stews are100 percent vegetarian, if you don't count the varieties of fish served up six days a week. Organic juices, from the common carrot to the more exotic sea moss and sorrel, are also available.

Sajoma Restaurant 599 Flatbush Ave., at Rutland Rd. 718-462-1111 7 days, 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. A mixture of Cuban and Spanish essentials are the staples at this reliable neighborhood spot, where a pressed Cubano sandwich and a side of fried plantains will set you back just $6.50.

Scoops 624 Flatbush Ave. 718-282-5904 Tues. Sat., 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Specials change daily at this Caribbean-inflected vegetarian haven, but the star attraction may be the variety of ice cream, which typically includes vegan options. Fresh juices and veggie/tofu 'barbecue' is also available.

Errol's Caribbean Bakery 661 Flatbush Ave., at Hawthorne St. 718-469-6078 The ubiquitous meat patties are available here, but the best thing to take away may be the deceptively simple coco breads, available in rolls with or without raisins or in larger portions for sharing.

K-Dog and Dunebuggy 43 Lincoln Rd., between Flatbush and Ocean aves. 718-282-7139 Mon. Wed., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thurs. Fri., 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sat., 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sun., 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The neighborhood has a solid coffee shop and cozy hangout space in this relatively recent addition to the area. Just steps from the south entrance to the Prospect Park B/Q/S station, the spot offers good coffee and picnic-ready items such as fresh sandwiches, salads, and focaccia, with rotating specials.

WINDSOR TERRACE

Around the southwestern corner of Prospect Park, the best dining options are in Windsor Terrace. Not far from the bandshell at 10th Street and the baseball fields in the Long Meadow, the options for takeout or sit down meals include some of the best in Brooklyn and some friendly faces serving up reliable fare.

Terrace Bagels 224 Prospect Park West, between 16th St, and Windsor Pl. 718-768-3943 Mon. Thurs., 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Fri., 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Sat. Sun., 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The legendary bagels here can make for long lines on weekend mornings, but locals insist they're worth the wait. Most other times you shouldn't have to wait for a quick takeout lunch of soups and sandwiches.

Clemen's Taco and Burrito Place 252 Prospect Park West, between Prospect Ave. and Windsor Pl. 718-768-0909 Mon. Thurs., 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Fri. Sat., 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Sun., Noon - 10:00 p.m. The filling burritos at this fairly new spot include Mexi-Cali and Tex-Mex varieties, with some more traditional Mexican options available, from the soft corn memelas to the salsa-marinated rotisserie chicken.

Hot Diggity Dog 263 Prospect Park West, between 17th St. and Prospect Ave. 718-499-0008 Mon. Sat., 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sun., 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If the grey-water hot dogs on offer in the park aren't up to your standards, you can find relief a few blocks away at this all-beef frankfurter specialist. The basic dog will only set you back $1.75, but dozens of options are available, from the classic Chicago Dog (with relish, onions, tomato, and pickle spear) to the indulgent Texas Dog (with bacon, mushroom, cheese, and barbecue sauce). Sandwiches and burgers are also available, but one look at the shop's instant-classic logo and you'll know the dog's the way to go.

Sushi Yu 214 Prospect Park West, at 16th St. 718-832-8688 Mon. Thurs., 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Fri. Sat., 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Sun., Noon - 10:30 p.m. This Japanese spot serves sushi, noodle dishes, and grilled items; but the ready-made bento boxes might offer the best picnicking option, with sushi and grilled choices for the perfect quick takeout.

Crossroads Cafe 1241 Prospect Ave., at Reeve Pl. 718-972-1852 Mon. Fri., 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sat. Sun., 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. In the midst of a mostly residential zone near the west shore of the lake and the Ft. Hamilton stop on the F train, this cool neighborhood hangout boasts fresh-made sandwiches, tasty pastries, and free wi-fi access.

Laura's Gourmet Kitchen 1235 Prospect Ave., at Reeve Pl. 718-436-3715 Dinner, Tues. Sun. If you're looking for a slightly more upscale option, it's an open secret among locals that Laura's offers some of the best Italian fare in Brooklyn.

PROSPECT HEIGHTS