A Brooklyn Life

The New York Times says Patois is closing, but a New York Times commentor on the same piece says the Smith Street French restaurant (one of the first on the street back when the neighborhood wasn’t such a destination) is just reopening across the street. Regardless, it brings me oh-so-quickly to my mixed feelings about Patois. I’ve had two incredible dinners there, two so-so ones and a very disappointing brunch. All of my hohum experiences probably wouldn’t have left such a bad taste in my mouth if it weren’t for the distasteful service. The food is actually quite good (except for brunch), but when the watiers insist on showing a disaste for having to serve their customer, the charm eventually wears off. [Insert standard French joke here.] Anyway, I do like seeing 20 people stand outside for brunch on the weekends, makes me feel like I know something they don’t.