Myrtle Avenue is fast overtaking DeKalb Avenue as Fort Greene’s and Clinton Hill’s restaurant row. In little more than five weeks, a jaw-dropping (and saliva-inducing) five boites have opened their doors on the avenue once better known for its crime stats than its mascarpone blush sauce.
Il Torchio, an Italian joint, has begun churning out farfalle and penne between Washington and Waverly avenues; Manee Thai, between Clermont Avenue and Adelphi Street, brings a much-longed-for Southeast Asian alternative to the stalwart Myrtle Thai; the Ruthie’s soul-food empire is opening its third restaurant, between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue; Tamboril, a Nuevo Latino boite, has started serving sun-dried chimichurri between Grand Avenue and Steuben Street; and an American take-out joint called Kuote has been selling pasta salad between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue.
“Myrtle Avenue is up and coming now,” said Ed Fowler, the co-owner of Kuote. “There’s a Walgreen’s coming up the block. There are two new condo towers going up near Flatbush and Myrtle.”
The Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project, which has been working to transform the avenue for years, announced the news this week on its blog. Even better for TV diners, MARP has posted the menus online (take that, MenuPages!).
At least one local eater is thrilled.
“Il Torchio has fantastic food and décor,” said Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District President Doug Bowen.
“And, frankly, I’d rather see an empty space turned into a new restaurant than another nail salon.”
