Some individuals fangirl over Taylor Swift. At Greenpointers, we get excited in regards to the quick rib ravioli at Naked Dog (47 Java St.). In truth, I’ve been recognized to eat mentioned pasta a number of occasions in a single week. What can I say? I’m in my pasta period.
The distinction between Taylor Swift and Naked Dog is that you probably received’t have to attend in line to eat on the Greenpoint Italian restaurant. Naked Dog is small, but it surely’s nonetheless considerably of a hidden gem on a sleepy stretch of West Street.
The heat and welcoming restaurant opened in 2015 and serves addictive do-it-yourself pasta and different Italian specialties. Naked Dog straddles a fragile line of being each family-friendly and romantic with one thing for everybody.
The restaurant’s proprietor and Greenpoint native, Cecilia Di Paola, referred to Naked Dog as “her baby.” It is her first restaurant, and doubtless the one one she’ll personal in her lifetime, she informed Greenpointers.
Di Paola is extremely concerned within the day-to-day affairs. She personally oversees the menu and helps resolve which dishes go on it after tastings and discussions with the chef. “You could say that it is a joint effort between our chef, myself, and our GM Nunzio,” Di Paola mentioned.
Greenpointers spoke with Di Paola about Naked Dog’s distinctive identify, habit-forming do-it-yourself pasta, and new late evening bar program.
Greenpointers: Let’s begin with the identify. When you hear “Naked Dog,” it’s not instantly clear that it serves Italian meals, or that it’s even a restaurant. What led you to make this fascinating alternative?
Cecilia Di Paola: I needed to call the restaurant one thing that was vital to me. I needed it to imply one thing as a result of I sensed that this restaurant could be vital.
Back then, I had a canine I used to be very connected to. His identify was Luigi, and I almost named the restaurant that, however there are plenty of eating places referred to as Luigi. My husband and I referred to as our canine the “naked dog” as a result of he didn’t like garments, collars, and harnesses. So, we named the restaurant Naked Dog after Luigi.
Looking again, I might need referred to as it Luigi as a substitute. People typically anticipate one thing else after they see the identify Naked Dog, like a canine groomer. Every six months, I’m going again and take into consideration altering it or including Luigi to the identify.
Greenpointers: In 2015, when Naked Dog opened, West Street was a bit naked… and nonetheless is. Why did you resolve to open “your baby” there?
Di Paola: We opened Naked Dog there principally as a result of we appreciated the house and the nook. I additionally appreciated the truth that it was industrial again then. It had plenty of attraction.
There weren’t plenty of eating places on West Street. Achilles Heel was close by, however that was it. The excessive rises are right here now, and clearly, I prefer it once we get busier and busier, however the truth that neighborhood is getting extra crowded won’t change issues for us. We have 68 seats and that’s it. It’s a small restaurant. But, I wouldn’t thoughts somewhat competitors.
Greenpointers: Naked Dog’s do-it-yourself pasta actually stands out in a metropolis with a surplus of Italian joints. What makes your meals so good?
Di Paola: Our chef and our kitchen employees! They are all very devoted. They be certain every thing is constant. One of the toughest issues is making meals the identical method each time. We verify our meals rather a lot. If one thing doesn’t come out proper, we begin over. There are plenty of eyes on the meals. That makes a distinction.
Plus, we make the pasta recent the identical day, perhaps the day earlier than. It goes actually quick. We make every thing from scratch. It’s simpler to regulate the meals that method.
Greenpointers: Naked Dog lately began a late evening bar program. Tell us extra about that.
Di Paola: We flip our restaurant into a comfy bar from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. We will probably be serving cocktails, wine, desserts and a small choice of menu gadgets, principally appetizers and sides. We received’t do pastas or entrees late at evening. We didn’t need to hold the restaurant open till 1:30. That wasn’t the purpose.
I all the time need to eat a chew once I drink, and realized that whereas Greenpoint is filled with fantastic bars, not lots of them provide late snacks or desserts.
It’s just like the idea at Achilles Heel. We are all the time sending individuals there as a result of we’re closed, and so they have meals! We needed to supply an identical expertise.
Greenpointers: What is your favourite cocktail on the menu?
Di Paola: There are just a few. The “Hornet” was my favourite for a very long time. It has tequila, cucumber, and lime, and is so refreshing. Right now my favourite is the “Bitter On Bitter.” It’s a twist on an Aperol Spritz, however ours is made with each Campari and Aperol, so it’s not too candy or too bitter.
Greenpointers: What is your favourite meals merchandise that will probably be provided late evening?
Di Paola: For late-night, the fried eggplant is my favourite. It’s referred to as the “Torretta di Melanzane.” It’s crispy eggplant with recent burrata and a balsamic glaze. It’s each fried and refreshing. It’s one among my favourite gadgets normally. I prefer it for the late-night menu as a result of I usually crave fried meals at evening.
Greenpointers: Do you may have a favourite dinner entree?
Di Paola: This has by no means modified, but it surely’s not probably the most in style dishes. I like the “Maltagliata,” which interprets to “wrongly cut one.” It’s a big square-shaped pasta in a white pork sauce. The style is earthy. No matter my temper, it all the time makes me completely satisfied.
Greenpointers: Where do you hand around in North Brooklyn whenever you’re not at Naked Dog?
Di Paola: This is simple… Ashbox Cafe (1154 Manhattan Ave.). That’s the place I often go for lunch. Japanese is my favourite sort of meals after Italian. Ashbox’s proprietor, Yoko, is so candy and makes every thing herself from scratch. I like understanding what I’m consuming.
