Location: 757 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY
Cuisine: Caribbean
Items: 3 cocktails, 2 Appetizers, 2 Entrees, 1 dessert
Best Dish: The fish tacos are absolutely amazing! It is an all in one dish that you will enjoy and feel good about. It isn’t heavy or greasy and has just a little bit of spice. The fresh veggies add to the nutritional value and give a nice bit of crunch. The oxtails are also highly recommended. These bits of beefy goodness are braised beautifully, tender and flavorful, simply divine!
Overall: Great food, good atmosphere and a amazing service this is one spot you won’t regret entering. Visit with friends of the family and prepare for greatness.
In the quest for good food sometimes you have to venture off the beaten path. Ordinarily our comfort zone has us locked in on the isle of Manhattan but last week we took a trip into Brooklyn for a great Caribbean feast. Flatbush Avenue is a bustling metropolis all its own people from many different races and groups wander the streets in search of good deals and great eats. Just a few feet from some fast food favorites lies MangoSeed a quaint bistro with relaxed decor, friendly staff and a chic patio in back. Upon entering we were led out back to the patio space and given our menus. The venue resembles a cross between a grand roof top and a rustic back yard. Half of the area is enclosed with beautifully draped fabric and the other a natural curtain of trees and shrubbery. MangoSeed has the unique distinction of being a premium rum bar offering several different types of Rum from all over the Caribbean. In addition to premium rum cocktails guests can also enjoy “Flights” which are 1oz shots of different flavored rums. Each flight offers a different assortment of rums. After a few moments with the cocktail menu we opted for two of the cocktails. I chose the MangoSeed Sunset Mimosa a light cocktail made with chilled brut champagne mango, passion fruit & orange juice and sorrel liqueur. My companion went for the rum punch a familiar mix of rums and tropical fruit juices.
Once our thirst was quench we dove right into our appetizers. To start we went with the “Jerk Fish Red Tacos” and the “Flatbush Avenue Wings”. The fish tacos are slightly spicy in flavor and visually beautiful. This dish is filled with so many bright vibrant colors it was almost to good looking to eat. The spiced morsels of fresh fish were gingerly placed on a soft red tortilla then drizzled with savory chipotle mayo then topped spicy red cabbage slaw. This is a truly tasty option that is light refreshing and just the right amount of spicy.
Anytime I see wings on a menu I am instantly excited. Wings are always a great idea and MangoSeed’s Flatbush inspired flavors is a mixture of sweet and spicy. The tender juicy wings are smothered in honey-buffalo bbq sauce and served with blue cheese. Despite the generous helping of sauce and creamy blue cheese the wings are also a health conscious option as they are not greasy and fried. These baked wings are tasty and slightly sweet with just a touch of spice.
After our starters we were presented with our fab entrees. Our server recommended the salmon and we simply could not resist. The Mango Pico De Gallo Jerk Salmon is served with green beans, fresh corn and sweet plantain. The fish is topped with traditional jerk spices and grilled perfectly before being placed on a bed of fresh buttery green beans and corn. The salmon skin was crisp and the flesh was moist and delicious.
Oxtails are a must at any Caribbean eatery and MangoSeed was no exception. I had to sample the Braised Oxtail served with market vegetables, rice and peas. The chef has a strong commitment to fresh ingredients and so the vegetables offered may be different every visit. On the night we went we were served steamed broccoli with our Oxtail entree. The bits of oxtail were well seasoned and melt in your mouth tender. If you have never experienced oxtails before MangoSeed will provide you with a tasty introduction. The oxtails are one of the least spicy dishes on the menu but if heat is what you want you can add the house made hot sauce. This fresh pepper sauce is seriously spicy! This sauce is not for the faint of heart just a drop is enough to burn the tongue and spoonful can clear your sinuses for life. Give it a try, we dare you.
Before our dessert we went with one more cocktail. The Sugar Cane Lemonade is made with premium rum , fresh squeezed lemonade and sugar cane juice garnished with a bit of fresh sugarcane. This is a perfect summer time sweet treat and the right way to end a fantastically savory meal.
The dessert menu also changes frequently depending on whats available. On our visit we were treated to the Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding topped with cool vanilla ice cream and drizzled with warm fudge. This dessert was light and decadent at once. The sweet flavor of the banana and the rich chocolate chips complimented each other very well making for a delicious end to a fantastic meal.
Every now and then it is necessary to step out of your comfort zone and venture out into a new world of flavor and spice. MangoSeed is just a short 20 minutes from midtown and offers a world of sumptuous options as well as a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. The staff help reinforce the casual space by providing excellent service and a welcoming energy. Though the restaurant is also a premium rum bar families with children are welcomed and can be easily accommodated. Whether with a group of friends or with the little ones this is a space worthy of visiting. Before the summer officially ends and the temp drops to an unbearable level take a trip out to our friends at MangoSeed and revel in these last few days of summer with a great meal and a refreshing cocktail on the patio.
2 comments
One of my favorite places!! Food is amazing!!!
I had an awe-inspiring experience there a couple of months ago. It was the best culinary experience ever. I had the coconut fried chicken and waffles during brunch. My friends had the steak and eggs, and the jerk salmon dish. We shared with one another and everything was absolutely delicious. I can not wait to go back.
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