Madre

We’re not sure who actually stays at Franklin Guesthouse in Greenpoint (other than parents visiting their well-adjusted adult children), but that’s a perfect conversation starter for a date at Madre, the new restaurant in the lobby. It’s a great place to take someone who wants to eat excellent in-season vegetables and drink cocktails, all while sitting in front of a huge open window and watching the dogs of Greenpoint trot by. There’s not one word to describe the food at Madre, but this place uses basil leaves like confetti and makes foam out of parmesan - and both of these things would be annoying if not for the simple fact that it all tastes simple and delicious. We especially like the very pretty plate of fried green tomatoes with summer squash, and the hunk of ribeye that cuts like butter and comes with mashed potatoes and maitake mushrooms.