Brooklyn is booming with fabulous restaurants. I tend to dine out in Manhattan more, the city I love, but Brooklyn should not be overlooked. With casual, cool, and hip gems, for less money, Brooklyn is where it's at.

I had heard great things about the restaurant Gwynnett St., and knew I needed to check it out. And that I did last month, and discovered a great joint. Chef Justin Hilbert is turning out some delicious and unique modern American fare, that is worth the trip over the bridge.

Start with an order of their Whiskey Bread ($5) with cultured butter, it is amazing.

A plate of mushrooms ($16) was unlike any mushroom dish I had encountered. Accompanied with chestnuts and plums, it was earthy and wonderful, truly unique.

Chicken ($23) with potato, turnips, and ash was also unique and ingenious. I never had chicken cooked with hay ash, which added a pleasant smokiness to the dish. A great mix of flavor and texture. This was some 21st century chicken. Superb.

My pear dessert ($10) with pine and white wine was beyond outstanding. Autumn in my mouth. This dish blew my mind. It was as if a tasty forest was playing with my taste buds.

So for a unique modern American experience in Brooklyn, look no further than Gwynnett St., a magical adventure awaits.

Gwynnett St.
312 Graham Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
347-889-7002
www.gwynettst.com