If you're a lover of all things bacon, then you must visit two places on your next leisurely Saturday or Sunday in Park Slope:
Applewood and
BrookVin.
First, let me preface my spiel by stating that I have not been to every brunch spot in Brooklyn but I take my Brooklyn brunch very seriously as I do not like to travel into Manhattan during the weekend unless absolutely necessary (and that really includes Williamsburg, but exceptions are made). Some brunch spots fare better than others but Applewood ranks among my top favorites which include Roberta's (Cheeses Christ!); Buttermilk Channel; Stone Park Cafe; Get Fresh Table and Market; Alma (for the view); and Clover Club (liquid brunch) to name a few. Although every place is different, I almost always order bacon and grits (if possible) to compare.
By far, Applewood has the best prepared bacon and the grits are just right: creamy and thick with a subtle yet rich cheese flavor dispersed throughout. Other places tend to place a greasy, semi-warm clump of cheese on top of an otherwise flavorless grit ensemble. The applewood smoked bacon is cooked to utter perfection with thick, rich, smoky and crispy (not burnt) slices that melt in your mouth with no traces of grease whatsoever. Well-prepared bacon like this transcends the material world and makes every thing okay. As an added bonus, Applewood also serves the absolute best Bloody Marys in Brooklyn that are so spicy, they give you a complementary Ale chaser.
After your brunch, just head south 1/2 of a block on 7th Avenue for a novelty bacon bonus. Brook vin serves a glazed ham bacon infused Bourbon concoction with organic maple syrup. yes, you can read that again. It tastes like Bourbon then finishes strong with a smoky, woody bacon flavor. And there you have it.
