(photo credit: Reader M.)
Ciro's, a new Italian-themed eatery at 307 Smith Street that took over the space once occupied by the Fall Café, was getting ready for its grand opening yesterday afternoon as I walked by. Red and white checkered tablecloths adorned the tables, the windows had been decorated with assorted Italian staples like yard of roasted peppers, provolones and salamis. Workers were busily giving the place a last polish.
According to my friend M., Ciro's, which was conceived by Jim Mamary, Smith Street pioneer restaurateur, was asking people off the street into the restaurant to sample free food last night. See an example above. According to M. "it's Italian all the way"
Was anyone there last night? How was it?
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25 comments:
Where is the 16 Handles-level outrage over this façade? Those red lights are absolutely hideous. They look super cheap and tacky.
Whether or not it's good, or even amazing, do we really need more Italian food in the neighborhood. Really? Really?
Agreed about the lights. They do look rather utilitarian. But I am not about to mess with Mamary.
It's hard to make a point for another Italian restaurant in Carroll Gardens, especially with all of the great specialty food stores in the neighborhood.
How difficult is it to get a great loaf of bread, a fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, fresh pasta and some fresh sauce at Caputo's on Court Street and whip up a great Italian meal for half the price?
Yes! We need an Italian place nearby. I don't understand what those other 10 restaurants nearby sell because I can't read or smell. But look forward to this. Also can someone let me know where to get a burger around court and Baltic. I can't find a place to sell me one.
I don't see the big deal about the lights considering Boat bar has the same light design on their facade.
Bully again...
The lights. They are utilitarian. That's the look! Ever been to 61 Local? They've got filament bulbs in carboys over the bar. Where's the outrage? Talk about picky.
As for being another Italian restaurant...if the food is good, who cares? There's enough sub-par Italian in this traditionally Italian neighborhood that a celebrity chef needs to intervene.
The real outrage on this board should be about the empty "Jungle lot" on Smith. A bank will be rising out of that Heart of Darkness. The horror...
Mamary tried and was ran out on a rail when trying to open an oyster night club on Hoyt Street.
The lighting is fine and simple on the front. Tho' stealing the famous Ciro's name will not get me inside that theme park.
Really? Fake salamis and fake cheeses and cans of tomato paste? Hahahahahah. Sorry. I agree w Katia.
And why can't that commenter read or smell? Was that a joke?
Trumbull Bully... you are RIGHT ON POINT. That empty lot on Smith between Douglass and Butler Streets is really disgusting. Not only that but the wooden fence (that takes up most of the sidewalk and only leaves grating to walk over) is collapsing. Katia! Find out whats up! Its been like that for at least 6 years....
Agreed that the lights are horrible. If you want good looking utilitarian lights look at Brucie or Ceol. Comparing the outside of a building to the inside of a bar is just silly.
And personally I find the hanging salami kitschy in the worst way.
Bully checking in...
Just got back from dinner at Ciro's. Amazing food. Go, you will not be disappointed by the food or portions. Great value. Also, for the anonymous smart alec...the cheese and sausage in the windows are real.
Went there last night. The food was excellent, except for the garlic bread which was good but too oily. Get over the decoration. It is simple but not garish. The back garden is small and charming. In case you were wondering, we had the watermelon salad, lasagna and the rigatoni. All three were dishes were wonderful. The place is also moderately priced for this CG, which is a boon.
"How difficult is it to get a great loaf of bread, a fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, fresh pasta and some fresh sauce at Caputo's on Court Street and whip up a great Italian meal for half the price?"
Erm - because it is actually sometimes a nicer, social, experience to go and eat out somewhere? Should we only eat out when the food cannot be prepared at home?
Really, how difficult is it for you to come up with a better riposte?
Ugh. I live around the corner; just moved back to CG after a few years in Park Slope. Was looking forward to what I remembered as great food but now I can't figure out what's going on around here: South Slope opens spot-on restaurant after amazing spot, and Vanderbilt is now well into an impressive hit list. Don't get me started on the investment and creativity in Williamsburg and recently Bushwick.
Now Ciros? The sausage may be real in the window, but why can't we have Al Di La instead of this slapdash nonsense? Where's the style, restraint, and frankly the personal touch that EVERY OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD IN BROOKLYN churns out so seemingly effortlessly?
Anyway, if the food here is 1/2 as good as Al Di La's, I'd love to say i'll be a regular. But this decor is terrible. (Maybe it's an homage to the old neighborhood. Marco Polo II anyone?)
I wish they'd let this guy have his Oyster Bar. We need the variety. sigh. At least we have the Ramen Shop going in up the street.
I hope restauranteurs are reading this. CG looks saturated, but there's a huge need for simple, delicious restaunts.
Hopefully the cheese and sausage in the windows aren't real. DOH will come down on them when grading- all food must be kept in sanitary/cooled conditions (canned/bottle excluded)
Jim hasn't done a decent restaurant in ages, and this place just shows how out of touch he is. Even if the food is great (which would be something) what's the draw here? Hokey Italian-American? I can walk to 10 different places within 5 minutes. AND there's a pizza place opening up next door. I'm always excited when a new place opens up, but one look inside and I knew it was going to be tough.
Look how excited people are to have a Pho place open up. Jimmy, you were ahead of your time, and now you're behind the curve, buddy!
cirosonsmith.com for menu etc
Just ate there. Really good, simple but interesting dishes.
There are so many Italian joints in the neighborhood, but most are terrible and outdated.
Ciro's is a nice competitor to Fragole for solid, affordable, neighborhood Italian. Go upscale a bit and head to Brucie or Frankie's.
And *maybe* one or two red sauce places that are ok (enoteca, casa campagna).
Submitted Comments earlier about loyalty - did I write something wrong that it wasn't added to the posts?
Hi CG,
Just checked, but couldn't find a previous comment on the subject from you.
Loyalty -
To the person that wrote "There are so many Italian joints in the neighborhood, but most are outdated"
Outdated to some is Traditional to others. If the place is clean and the food is good, who cares if the decor is "Outdated"
Why not consider those places in CG that have ties to our neighborhood? The workers at Casa Rosa live OVER the restaurant. The owners of Red Rose (2 doors over from Ciro's) own & live in that building. These people pay taxes here, they vote here, they shop here, they go to Police Pct. meetings to support the neighborhood. Where is our loyalty?
Casa Rosa & Sam's don't raise prices too often - Red Rose hasn't raised prices in 3 years. WHY? Because they know thier neighbors are going through hard times.
Speaking Of the Red Rose, How can you go to a place 2 doors down when this family has been there for us for generations? 30 years in that same building and another 15 years on Cheever Place. Where's the Loyalty?
Red Rose & Casa Rosa gave away Free Food during the Big Blackout 9 years ago and yet you go to Fragoli or Ciro's?
It would serve us right if they close up and sell to Subway's or McDonalds.
Good Point C.G. since before...
How about alittle loyalty to our Old Time Neighbors?
Katia, why not a month long treatment of OLD businesses in C.B. and skip ALL the newbies for a month or two? How about you profile Sam's, Red Rose, Casa Rosa?
You already know the food is good there - you & your husband have been to events in each recently. Why not?
I would love to do a story on Red Rose and have asked Santo many, many times, but he does not seem too eager.
Why not ask again? I'd be surprised to hear that Annie & Santo & Tony would say no.
Had dinner last night at Ciros - the food is fantastic. Seriously.. just like Nona's.... The eggplant cutlet and watermelon salad are delicious. Chicken Caccitore is just like grandma's. On the bone, saucy and balanced. Just ask for pasta in the same sauce for a true authentic experience. The service here though is underwhelming. Actually, the service is so less than ordinary that its annoying. Not just one server, but both of them. (This does not include the male bartender, he is the only charming character of this joint). Go to Ciros, the food is good, just ignore the indifferent staff. What's up with the girls with the glasses. Terrible. -
Sadly, they appear to have closed, without a sign or notice or anything. I'll miss this place. Great food.
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