Futura Bistro Modern may not be located
on the prettiest stretch of Park Slope’s Ninth Street, but don’t
let the landscape scare you away. Inside, the restaurant is brick-walled
and cozy with just enough 21st-century touches – like a long,
moodily lit bar lined with red, tulip-shaped bar stools (pictured)
and oversized chandeliers – to warrant its name.
For summer dining, tables are set up curbside for a quick snack,
and there’s a two-level outdoor terrace out back.
Futura Bistro owner Giovanni Iovine, who is Italian, also owns
Borgo Antico in Greenwich Village. He opened Futura Bistro in
September, with his partner in this venture, Davor Petrovic,
and his wife, chef Lisa Lo Bue, an American of Argentinean decent
who oversees the kitchen.
Like the couple, their menu hits global hotspots from South America
to Mexico with stops along the Mediterranean. So flaky empanadas,
fried calamari and cured sardines with a spicy herbed oil can
be enjoyed as an appetizer. Entrees include rigatoni with lamb
ragu; whole striped bass served with escarole, peanuts and black
olives; and the "pamilada Argentina" that is truly
a carnivore’s porn: short ribs, skirt steak, sweetbreads, pork
sausage and blood sausage served with a spicy herb sauce, "chimichurri."
Futura Bistro Modern (287 Ninth St. between Fourth and Fifth
Avenues in Park Slope) accepts American Express, MasterCard and
Visa. Entrees: $10-$21. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner
daily. Brunch is offered from noon to 4 pm on the weekend. For
reservations, call (718) 832-0085.
