Walter Foods was surprisingly hopping with Brooklyn sophisticates on Christmas Eve, so I would highly recommend making a reservation for what is clearly becoming a neighborhood favorite. It's dimly lit (hence the blurry photo) with a clean dark wood and white old timey ambiance.
It fits in well with the speakeasy trend and even the waiters are impeccably dressed with bow ties and crisp whites. As much as there's seems to be a backlash to this look, and whatever is popular always has a backlash – just ask the men from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, it's a trend of good taste that I am in no rush to see abandoned, especially when the result is a restaurant as comfy, happening, and tasty as this one.
The brain child of Balthazar bartender Danny Minch and Barrio Chino owner Dylan Dodd, Walter Foods specializes in seafood and steak house favorites like pork chops and filet mignon. Lobster seems to be the chef's favorite though, as it's featured in several dishes including the club and the salad that Jim and Laura ordered and enjoyed. I ordered the special because, as an unhealthy fan of the magnificent sauce we call Bearnaise, I can not resist it drizzled on anything and in this case it was four plump scallops, asparagus, and haricot verts, a combination I've never tried but found very satisfying.
We all began with oysters, each trying one of the four available, I can't recall all the names – one bourbon drink was already served – but one was blue point and one of the best and briniest was the Hamma Hamma from Seattle. I love oysters and until Five Leaves truly serves them closer to my house, I certainly wouldn't mind a few more trips to Walter Foods if only for a half dozen and a cocktail.
Speaking of which, their cocktail menu is extensive and good, (I intend to try the bramble next time, which I overlooked) but like everything on the menu, a bit too pricey to make this a restaurant you could eat at regularly: Worth it for a nice night out, a bit of a end of the meal shock otherwise. Still, as long as you're aware of the price (entrees between 18- 28 or so, cocktails are 11), you are bound to enjoy your meal.
The service is beyond competent, every water glass was filled, every accidentally blown out candle was lit, free shots of eggnog were dispensed (you've noticed how often that's been happening to my friends and i lately, right?) and it's all done with a smile and charming affability.
But what do you think?