Brooklyn Rec: Madre
A hearty and romantic Spanish fusion spot in Greenpoint
Oops, it’s been three months since I’ve written a post. I’ve been busy starting a new job as Director of Social at CAVA… yes… my job is now literally food (I’ll write about that soon, I promise).
But fret no more, I am back with another banger of a recommendation and excited to tell you about it. Regardless of how much I write or don’t write, I’m still eating and trying new places around New York City.
Today we’ll be talking about Madre, a Spanish fusion spot in Greenpoint worth whatever commute you have to convince yourself to make for a Greenpoint dinner. I visited this wonderful spot for a meal earlier in the year, and have been meaning to write about it.
I was recently trying to think of some of my favorite meals from the first half of the year, and Madre immediately stood out. They had one of the best chicken dishes I’ve had in a long time and a dessert that still hasn’t been topped since I had it.
The thing about Madre that makes this article a little tough to write, is how often they’re changing their menu and innovating with Spanish flavors. Certainly not a bad thing for you and I as customers, but just keep that in mind if something stands out as something you want to try in the future from here!
Starters
I’m a massive fan of appetizers. In fact, most times I got to a restaurant I wish I could just get five apps and split them all. But the starters and drinks at Madre felt more elevated than the normal loaded fries or nachos I’m eyeing on a menu. In a good way!
First, the Papayas Bravas (top left) could put any chips and dip dish at a Super Bowl party to shame. The fried potatoes that take the form of chips, served along side the dip that reminded me of a classic but obviously better sour cream and onion dip, could have literally been my actual meal. I highly recommend.
Next, the best starter I got, was the Croquetas. When I tell you my eyes rolled to the back of my head on the first bite, I am not exaggerating here. This was a special, almost otherwordly experience. I’ve long believed that ham and cheese is one of our world’s best food duos, and the Croquetas from Madre sported both Jamón Ibérico Ham and Comté Cheese from Spain.
The only unfortunate thing about this dish is that you couldn’t pay for a bottomless situation. But perhaps, quite fortunate for my wallet.
Lastly, on the food side of the appetizers, was a Ceviche with verde sauce, served in a clam shell. Personally, I’m not a huge ceviche fan but the presentation made me intrigued enough to take a few bites. It wasn’t bad! Just know, this type of dish isn’t my forte so I imagine if you like ceviche you’ll enjoy it much more than I did.
Before moving on to the mains that I order, I have to give a shout out to the Ski Lift to Kentucky drink that I got. I don’t normally partake in whiskey based drinks but I really liked this one. The sweet vermouth mixed in is supposed to take away some of the bite of the whiskey and it clearly worked on me. As of writing this, it seems that they’ve switched to some more summery drinks on the menu, but I hope they bring this back for the fall.
Half Chicken
This is the chicken dish I mentioned earlier in this post. I truly mean it when I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I laid my eyes on it… and I say that because honestly just looking at this plate in person is enough for me. It’s a sexy piece of work.
The crispy outside was layered with different Spanish spices before having spiced jus poured on top, creating this wonderful brothy plate you want to dip each bite into.
One of the most fascinating parts about this dish was how flavorful each bite was. You could have taken the skin and broth away and the meat on the inside was still packed with flavor, it was almost confusing. The salsa verde on top was just an extra little touch that honestly wasn’t needed but absolutely welcomed.
Tile Fish
The best fish I’ve ever had in my life was on a trip to Cannes in 2023, this might be the second best fish I’ve ever had. To be fair, I don’t eat fish too often, as I’m sure you’ve noticed chicken is usually my go to protein.
But that doesn’t take away from this wonderful dish. The bed of tahini with preserved lemon poured across it really set the tone. In the middle of the plate you have a fantastic combination of chickpea, lentils, and spicy harissa nestling against the tile fish.
A little bit of everything on the fork when eating this was sending my tastebuds into space, I’m telling you it was out of this world. I’d put it right up there with the chicken!
If you’re a fish person, I highly recommend this dish, or any other fish dish they could make you whenever you visit!
Kurobota Pork
This dish hands down surprised me the most. I’ve never had pork so soft and rare, but it had a wonderful taste, like everything else at Madre. I’d personally probably opt out of this one next time, but by no means does that make it a bad experience, especially if you’re into high end pork meals.
Oddly enough, what really set this plate off was the figs filled with gorgonzola cheese. That alongside the mole poured around the plate gave way to a wonderful bite, almost overshadowing the pork entirely. I’d even go as far to say that these could be an appetizer and I’d buy them immediately.
Banana Matcha Souffle
Madre does this thing where they have a seasonal souffle, so sadly you might not be able to get this souffle in whenever you visit, but no doubt get whatever souffle they have. I can almost guarantee it’s going to be amazing.
For this one in particular, they opened up the souffle and poured warm matcha in the bottom, where there was banana pudding awaiting. They then topped it off with vanilla ice cream, and the rest is history. One of the best desserts I’ve had in New York City to this date.
All in all, the folks at Madre have something incredible on their hands, and I hope you all get to try it soon. I’ve seen some go as far to say that it might lowkey be the best restaurant in Brooklyn, I’ll let you decide!
Stay tuned for a recipe soon, from my Grandma!