My recent excursion to Brooklyn, NY was quite an adventure.   One thing you will eventually figure out is that some of my motivation for picking certain eateries is due to time spent watching Man VS Food.  Overall Adam is a pretty solid dude and definitely has a tits job getting to try food all over the country.  However I will often side with other recommendations away from greasy-ass/un-healthy meals and will venture outside of the hood unlike south philly.  Brooklyn is certainly not “the hood”.   However, be aware there is a healthy amount of riff-raff walking around aimlessly.  Don’t you ever wonder what these people do? I’ll cover that later.  Let’s discuss Brennan and Carr Hot Beef.  This spot was covered in an episode of Man VS Food but my experience was slightly different from Adam’s. Probably due to the fact that I am not a celebrity and it was a random Tuesday afternoon.  I happened to be one of three people in the whole joint.  Surprise…CASH ONLY.  So once again I make the credit card walk of shame and end of paying an extra $3.25 to partake in the experience.  It was worth it.  As I sit down I am approached by what appeared to be the head chef because he was wearing a full cook outfit/hat.  He was actually the waiter and a very respectful one at that.  One issue I have to bring up: Because I was one of the only customers he stood about 3-4 feet away from my table in a militant stance waiting for an opportunity to fill my water-glass, provide additional ranch dressing, answer stupid tourist questions, and fetch more napkins. I APPRECIATE good service, and a have a great eye for it.  This was a bit aggressive. 

The menu:

I forgot to take a photo for your viewing pleasures.  It basically consisted of; Burgers, Roast Beef Sandwiches, Salad, Onion Rings, Fries (cheese optional), and then the Man vs Food item: Gargiulo Burger-A cheeseburger topped by famous Roast Beef and submerged in beef broth.  The waiter suggested it, I complied.  (see pictures below).

As you can see, its not a HUGE, NASTY BIG ASS BURGER.  Man VS Food gave off the impression that it was. It’s a decent sized burger topped with a few slices of Roast Beef.  Meaty.  I did enjoy it and would absolutely suggest it to anyone living in NYC or planning to visit in the future.  The burger itself was juicy.  I would compare it’s flavor to that of a typical burger at a college hole-in-the-wall.  The roast beef/broth is what makes this a unique experience. 

I have never tasted roast beef like this before, and I am well versed in Arby’s selections.  The broth was also delicious and is probably the component that sends the meal into tits in my face status.  It would also be short-sided to not give the onion rings a shout-out, they were the best I have ever had.  Perfectly breaded, perfectly cooked.

You will find the staff is very friendly, but hit the ATM first.  It completely blew my cover that I was a tourist, but I guess so would the fact I was wearing a collared shirt.  Hints of advice: Lock your car, don’t eat prior to engaging, it’s another pepsi joint, try to go during normal lunch hours to avoid aggressive service, my hunch says avoid dinner.  It might be where the mob grubs on roast beef.

Good times Brennan and Carr.

*Details*

Price: $10-15.00

Address: 3432 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11229

Next up this week: Pittsburgh’s Legendary Sandwiches.