It took just
a quick stroll down Fifth Avenue to convince chef Mark Shenk
(pictured) that Park Slope was the place to open a restaurant.
"I met a friend who moved to the neighborhood and his landlord
mentioned an available space," said Shenk. One peek at the
empty room and Shenk began making plans. His new eatery, Red
Cafe, is scheduled to open this week.
Shenk, who says he "just likes red," painted all of
the walls a rich ruby and found photos of "red leaning"
politicos Karl Marx and Emma Goldman to hang.
Asked to categorize the cuisine, he says, "French. Italian.
I don’t know, New Bistro?"
The menu features small plates with items like a risotto cake
topped with sauteed shrimp and Italian green sauce; a classic
French chicory salad with bacon lardons (large chunks); and warm
mustard vinaigrette topped with a poached egg. But there are
also open-faced sandwiches and burgers.
A roasted fillet of salmon with French lentils or grilled Newport
steak au poivre with red wine sauce and fries are among the hearty
entrees.
What’s next for Shenk? "Finding an apartment near the store,"
he says.
Red Cafe (78 Fifth Ave. between St. Mark’s Place and Warren Street)
accepts Visa and MasterCard. The cafe serves lunch and dinner
from Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays. Entrees: $13-$18.
For reservations, call (718) 789-1100.
