To celebrate the final evening of CMJ, the annual New York music marathon that features breaking artists in the college radio world, I appropriately spent the night in Williamsburg. I was there to see a band getting a lot of attention, Active Child, who were playing the midnight set at Spike Hill. As a result, I chose to dine at a nearby restaurant also getting a lot of attention, Traif (229 S. 4th St., nr. Havemeyer St., Williamsburg; 347-844-9578) Traif is the creation of chef-owner Jason Marcus who keeps his changing menu both innovative and cost-effective. The plates are perfectly prepared for sharing, so one should plan on ordering about 2-3 plates per person (I ofcourse had 6). I strongly recommend the following:
Pimm’sFizz: cava, pimm’s,cucumber, grapefruit
roasted carrots, apples, raisins, feta, sunflower seeds, greens, berry vin
butterfish carpaccio, grapefruit, avocado, mint, sesame, soy
crispy-glazed confit chicken wings, hoisin, five-spice, sriracha
bbq, braised short rib sliders, sweet potato fries, smoked paprika aioli
strawberry-cinnamon glazed baby back pork ribs
mom’s key lime pie, graham crust, pineapple
Although Traif is known for their bacon doughnuts, I got my carnivorous kick from the wings, ribs, and sliders, and had to slide my gluttonous self out of there to make it to the show. Just as I had been told by my foodie friends, Traif is a must when you’re in Williamsburg. Whether or not you have a show to catch, your meal at Traif will be music to your ears…and pleasure for your palate.
