244713 Sun Dec 12 20:25:54 -0800 2004 7 19 Outer Boroughs 0 1299713 For all you folks who love an out of the way surprise (and those of you who live in the neighborhood), don't miss El Huipil, a brand new lovely and cheap Mexican spot, owned by a young couple, Megan and Jesus. Megan's a New Yorker, Jesus is from Guerrero, and they live in Harlem, but they found this spot and renovated it into a bright airy space decorated with artesania brought from Guerrero. Jesus's mom, Dona Lola, makes all the spices and seasonings, the salsas, the mole, the pozole, the beans, from scratch. Everything is super fresh, the guacamole made when you order it. It is like stumbling into one of those family-run loncherias you find in Mexico. Don't miss the quesadillas (not your average quesadillas, must be guerrero style) stuffed with potatoes and chorizo, or potatoes and epazote if you're veg. In the mornings they have Mexican hot chocolate or atole, and tamales. I want these guys to make it because they're serving the best food in the neighborhood; business has been slow cause they're in a tough location, so go check it out. You won't be sorry. You can find El Huipil at 116A Sullivan Street between Van Brunt and Conover. Their number is 718 855 4548, and they're open Mon-Thurs from 11 to 8, Fri and Sat from 11 to 10, Sunday from 12 to 8. No credit cards, but they do serve beer. Sun Dec 12 20:25:54 -0800 2004 0 Daisy 1 1299720 How about subway directions for us out of borough-ers? Mon Dec 13 00:06:09 -0800 2004 1299713 0 Bill Strzempek 2 1299726 Subway? There is no subway in Red Hook. You can take the F or the G to Smith/9th and walk many blocks or you can take the B61 bus which you can get at Borough Hall (A/C/F) which runs up Van Brunt. Mon Dec 13 08:41:26 -0800 2004 1299720 0 Elaine(Snutteplutten) 3 1299734 Although, as a longtime Red Hook resident I hoped for the best, and although the decor is charming, the food was less than adequate. The pork in the tacos was tough. The chicken was stringy. I do remember a very nice soup of some sort. Fine enough for a quick bite in the neighborhood, but not (like 360 or Hope & Anchor) worth a trip. The service was also very, very strange. Some young local kid who seemed terrified of the customers.... I am, however, eagerly awaiting the opening of Baked - the new retro bakery from the owners of Chocolate Bar. Mon Dec 13 10:37:04 -0800 2004 1299726 0 Scott Berkman 4 1299739 I haven't tried the tacos...the food may be uneven, but I still think it's worth the trip. More than 360, whose food runs from mediocre to (occasionally) excellent, but service is often downright rude. (Though in the case of 360, this only adds to it's outsider appeal.) Next time try the quesadillas! Mon Dec 13 11:50:57 -0800 2004 1299734 0 Daisy 5 1299740 I know, believe me I am no big fan of 360 - for food or service. But you're right - it is a big draw for outsiders. And it is important to get people visitng Red Hook (and caring about it's future) for whatever reason.... I will stop in this week to try some if the Mexican items you mentioned. Mon Dec 13 11:57:06 -0800 2004 1299739 0 Scott Berkman 5 1299762 Have not been to the Mexican restaurant you mentioned, but I agree with your assessment of 360. What's all the fuss about? Ugly room, indifferent service, and mediocre food. If it were located anywhere else but Red Hook no one would pay attention to it. Mon Dec 13 16:21:32 -0800 2004 1299739 0 mick 2 1299727 you can also take the b 77 which goes to Red hook from the Smith 9th st station to red hook. I believe you take it to the last stop Mon Dec 13 09:05:18 -0800 2004 1299720 0 jason c