Whim, the little seafood place on DeGraw
Street in Carroll Gardens, has closed, but put away your handkerchiefs.
Chef-owner Marc Elliot has taken down his wall-mounted shark,
and wheeled his raw bar around the corner to Court Street, where
his new restaurant, Blue Star, opened in the former Latin Grill
space on Feb. 8. The new restaurant is named in honor of the
Grateful Dead song "Stella Blue."
"The song is about Jerry Garcia cleaning up his act and
focusing on his music," says Elliot, a self-proclaimed "Dead
Head."
"That’s what I’m doing with Blue Star. I’m expanding on
what Whim did well – the raw bar and great seafood – and giving
the customers a lot more."
That includes a huge steamer behind the bar for "The Mermaid
Parade," a tower of raw oysters and steamed crab legs, clams
and shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces. The list of meat
dishes has a southwestern theme: pulled pork sandwiches, Angus
prime rib steak and roast pork carnitas (shredded pork burritos).
Every Wednesday, starting Feb. 25, says Elliot, he’s hiring "one
of those guys with a Karaoke machine" for evenings of square
dancing.
Blue Star (254 Court St. between Kane and DeGraw streets) accepts
cash only until April 1. Entrees: $12-$19. The restaurant serves
dinner seven days a week. Lunch is served, noon to 3 pm, Wednesdays
through Fridays. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, from
10 am to 3 pm. For reservations, call (718) 858-0309 or (718)
858-5806.
