Ahhh, Brooklyn. How you tease me so. Manhattan is my girlfriend, but Brooklyn is my mistress. I'm having a love affair with Brooklyn you see. I mean, I'm in an open relationship with the Big Apple, there are no secrets between us. We do what we want, but always come home to each other. We are in Love. True Love. But, sometimes I need a little space, and that's where Brooklyn comes in. Brooklyn is my much more laid back girl. She is cool and hip, a hipster shall we call her? Her restaurants are cheaper than my babe's, and the food is fantastic.

Take my meal at Speedy Romeo last night. A cool spot in Clinton Hill. Italian, fun, chill, delicious. Speedy Romeo "brings together old school cool and breakout flavors..", highlighted by their custom-built wood-burning oven.

The Speedy Romeo Caesar ($12) is a lesson in perfection. Romaine, Anchovy, Lemon. That romaine had just a wonderful crisp to it, fresh as can be. That lemon gives the perfect zing.

Grilled Octopus ($16), with almond romesco, crispy potato, celery, is delicious. I love that char flavor from the grill on this dish. That almond romesco is quite tasty too.

The wood over pizzas at Speedy Romeo is something to talk about too. They have some awesome looking pies. I tried their "The Kind Brother" pie, wild mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, farm egg, and sage. Pure awesomeness. Earthy and rich, I loved every bite.

Another night in NYC, across the river, where you'll find hip and cool gems. Speedy Romeo is one of them.

Speedy Romeo

376 Classon Ave (and Greene Ave)

Clinton HIll

Brooklyn, NY 11238

718-230-0061