Despite the popularity, I had never managed to find myself at a Smorgasburg event until this past Sunday. I made plans to meet up with a good friend for brunch, and in the “where-do-you-wanna-go-oh-lets-meet-here” song and dance, we ended up meeting at Prospect Park for some very Instagrammable eats. I had some idea of what we were getting ourselves into, and was even worried I wouldn’t find the hearty meal that could counteract the previous night’s antics.
That being said, I am happy to say that sometimes, things are popular for a reason; because they’re awesome. Smorgasburg is an open air food market taking place every week. It happens in various spots around the five boroughs; Prospect Park, Williamsburg, and World Trade Center are the locations I’m aware of, although more definitely exist.
When I went, my friend and I found a number of food vendor tents set up in a large circle surrounding a sparse lawn which served as the eating area. Naturally, we took the lap around and I saw so many different kinds of food; Korean food, burgers, noodles, elotes, ice cream, vegan options, fish fry, and more. I didn’t even bother keeping a mental list of what I wanted to try. Foolishly, I thought I would simply eat my way around the circle, maybe skipping some things and doubling back to keep some semblance of the appetizer-entree-desert structure. But I was wrong, I only managed to have four things before I had to call it quits, especially with a Sunday drive through Brooklyn traffic just around the corner.
Nevertheless I insist; Grab a couple friends (y’all can split the food, therefore try more things), some cash (makes tipping easier), and a blanket (you’re not getting a picnic table, best embrace that pretzel style), and check one of these things out. Live the foodie life for a few hours and try things you’ve only seen on Insta stories. Finally, here’s what I had:
BIG MOZZ (Mozz Sticks $11)
According to their sign, these are handmade fresh mozzarella sticks breaded with fresh garlic, parsley, and pecorino romano. Served with red sauce of course. I got four, and they were probably the best mozzarella sticks I’ve ever had. I feel like mozzarella sticks get by on the whole “I’m-drunk-and/or-super-hungry-and-this-is-all-I-want-in-the-world” energy, but it’s clear what time and effort can do. Still it’s easy to get sidetracked, so lemme break it down for you:
If you’re hungry, get the mozz sticks. If you’re just peckish, get the mozz sticks. If you’re a fan of French cuisine, and were lucky enough to have a meal at Les Halles when it was jumpin’, get the mozz sticks.
ROOSTER BOY (Rooster Boy “Jr” Sandwich $11)
A single koji marinated fried chicken patty, with vinaigrette slaw and a sauce, all on a potato bun. But the secret ingredient in this sandwich must be clout or something. I kid you not, three different people asked me where I had ordered it from, not more than a minute after I got my order. This was delicious enough to leave an impression, but you gotta get it with the hot sauce. Don’t chicken out; that’s what the man at the counter recommended and I pass on his good word.
VERMONT MAPLE LEMONADE (Organic Vermont Maple Lemonade $5)
This lemonade is good af. Not much to say, because it’s lemonade. We’ve all been there. But the addition of genuine Vermont Maple syrup as the sweetener is worth experiencing. Not to mention they also have a staggering amount of flavor options if you’re not an allergy-laden dork like me. Still, the plain jane option was plenty tasty.
THE GOOD BATCH (Chocolate Chunk $7)
This is the only photo I have of what I ordered from this vendor. That’s because the ice cream sandwich I got was the best one I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. Sandwiched between two big chocolate chip cookies with salt flakes, this scratched all the itches I had for a dope desert, and was the perfect cap to a great day of food tasting.
In hindsight, my brunch worries seemed silly. Sure, Smorgasburg didn’t fit the mimosas-and-breakfast-food image I had in mind for that morning. But in exchange for preconceived notions, I got delicious food, a relaxed environment, and something I can add to my list of places to hit up on any given weekend. Work past the fear of doing something touristy and go. Do it. Right now. Do it. Text your friends, set the date and time. Do it. Don’t keep reading to see how long I drag out this bit. Do it. Don’t get distracted wondering why all my articles sound like rejected SNL skits. Do it. Come on, do it.
