Another one bites the dust

Thai Sesame, Mon Cher,
I bid thee adieu. Although I never dined on your fine Thai food (because once I saw a big ass roach on your sidewalk), I am confident that you were the third best place in Cobble Hill for Thai food, after Ghang Thai and Em. Your soaped-up windows lead me to believe that you are headed for Thai restaurant heaven. Another victim of our lousy economy. Fair thee well, Sesame friend.

Patois - now in Little Italy

Brownstoner reported back in January, 2009 that beloved Cobble Hill restaurant Patois was closing its doors. But for those who loved those delicious brunches, the writing is on the window! Patois is reopening at 177 Mulberry Street in Manhattan (not Manhatten, as the window would lead you to believe). Alors!

KIKU - another sushi restaurant on Smith

There are already at least three sushi joints on Smith between Carroll and Atlantic, but last week another appeared - Kiku, which claims to be a restaurant *and* lounge, on Smith and Wyckoff next to the big hideous cinder block mess on the corner. I was dubious about this place because it will take a lot at this point to surpass Wild Ginger in my heart (that pumpkin curry does me right).
However, Friday night I accompanied The Laser there for his belated birthday dinner and was very surprised to see that Kiku is a Japanese fusion restaurant that seems like it's straight out of West LA. Complete with wild colored lights beneath every counter top (red! green! blue!) and a list of specialty rolls that will knock your socks off. The food was very fresh and service was good. I hope this place sticks it out in the tough economy.