Fleetwood News

[Sloth]

Passing by the corner of Broad & Gramatan, I noticed a construction permit in the window of what used to be a carpet & tile store. Listed as the incoming business was "take-out restaurant". I asked the owner of the liquor store next door if he had any info and he said it was going to be Japanese hibachi. First reaction is "Why?", but maybe it will distinguish itself from other similar places in the area.

Also heard from the chef at the Kefalonia diner that someone has already bought the Samba Na Brasa site, but he didn't have any specifics. If anyone has the scoop, I'd like to know. On the other hand, if its going to be Italian, Asian fusion or some kind of TGI Fridays imitator. maybe I don't wanna know.

Would have liked to see a multi-vendor market in that space (cheese stand, fresh fish, variety of take-outs) but I guess that's just a pipe dream.

[xecuchef]

Had lunch at Yoshino friday afternoon. I love Spring Asian's sushi but felt it only fair to give the new place a try. Walked in about 1:30, only one table of 2 in the very small space. Probably seats around 25p, maybe. We(2ppl) were greeted as soon as we walked in and seated. Drinks were ordered and delivered soon after. No liquor...guess my weekend wasn't going to start early there! We ordered 2, 3 roll sushi lunch specials and chicken and shrimp pad thai. All came with soup or salad. Strange that the pad thai had chicken and shrimp, usually a choice of either but with only 2 small shrimp in the dish, I guess they needed to put something in there. The salad was typical iceberg with an ok sesame ginger dressing, the miso soup was very good. The pad thai arrived first and was a rather small portion with, as I said, only 2 small shrimp and about 4 pieces of chicken. The flavor was not authentic thai at all, in fact, reminded me of that stuff that you pour out of a bottle. I am a Pad Thai freak, so this didnt even come close to being good for me. Just to be fair, I don't like the Pad Thai at Spring Asian either. We ordered the sushi with brown rice and it came as ordered. The problem was that the nori was tough. I have never experienced eating any kind of roll, that gave resistance when biting down on it. It was not inedible but not enjoyable either. As for the service well, there really wasn't any. No, "how is everything, can I get you another drink," NOTHING!!!! Remember, we were the only ones in the place now and they saw us because the 2 servers were leaning against the wall right next to us, watching us eat. No water was refilled and we had to ask. Ok, so all in all, not impressed. I won't bash, I just will not be making this place a stop when I visit my friends in Fleetwood. Someone should have thought of a small falafel joint or good Greek take out(a la Lefyteros)...no more Asian or pizza!!

[roxlet]

Too bad, and amen re: falafel or Greek or even....Vietnamese!

[nakkos]

hmm...I wonder if that was a fluke experience. I've been there twice so far and love Yoshino! I too was skeptical about another asian place in fleetwood, but their rolls are actually really different from spring asian, and even haiku and wild ginger in bxville. They have rolls with fresh fruit wrapped on them like strawberry, kiwi or mango. i thought it'd be overpowering or too sweet but it was delicious!!! The service was excellent both times I went, and the second time I was there, they gave us a plate of fried bananas for dessert on the house. they're also taking 10% off the total bill as a grand opening sort of discount. i think it ends it september. i like spring asian's entrees, but i think yoshino is definitely better for sushi.

[circuscookie]

I definitely have to agree with nakkos that the service was there. I went for dinner on a Saturday night when all the tables were occupied and I was asked twice whether anything was needed. But most importantly, I must praise their sushi. I was recommended the Strawberry King Crab and decided to go for it since I really could not pick one myself from the overwhelming list. I've never had fruits with sushi but it was so delicious that I could not believe that others didn't think to use this combination before. For all you sushi lovers, this is going to be a favorite.

[xecuchef]

Maybe it was a fluke because I didnt experience anything like what circuscookie and nakkos did. Because of your posts, I will give them another try just to be fair. Everyone is entitled to a bad day!

[goatlet]

I agree with Nakkos! I think the sushi is more than serviceable - some interesting rolls and the portion sizes no different from other sushi places. We've been there a few times already and will go back again. Happy to support the local businesses. In other news: it's sad that the Athena Diner is closing. We went almost every weekend - it may not have been grand but they served 5 star eggs over easy with grits. A lot of the staff don't know what they will do for work now - we'll miss them. Fingers crossed that they don't go corporate and put something awful like a Dunkin Donuts in that space. Another diner would be welcomed - I'm a real low brow and a sucker for diners that serve good eggs and waffles.

[lollypop]

Why are they closing? I read a post (cannot firm - just hearsay) that the rent was already at $25k/month and was increased. Also that the owner's wife ran away with a busboy? Sounds like a soap opera! Sad to see it go as well. Although I've only been a dozen times over the years, it was closer than Odyssey Diner in Eastchester & I never had a problem with their diner breakfasts!

[varsitysg]

Not true about the owner's wife. The rent, closer to $15k rather than $25k/month, was too high and they were unable to pay it.

[goatlet]

I have since found out that rumor had it that at one point Dunkin Donuts was considering occupying part of the space. I originally said it as kind of a joke but it seems that a franchise presence there is a real possibility after all. I really hope not. It would be sad to see a franchise come to what is otherwise an old fashioned shopping and restaurant block. Oh and I don't know anything about the busboy rumor - I'm glad that varsitysg is disconfirming it! My sense was that it was about $.

[varsitysg]

A demolition permit has been filed for the interior of the Samba Na Brasa location. All indications are that a grocery store will be going into that space with rumors being that it will be a Key Food. The Key Food rumors have some residents in a hissy fit because they don't like that choice.

[Cheese Boy]

You might be in luck if SME Holding Corp or any of its subsidiaries is involved in revamping that location. Sal Bonavita of SME Holding Corp owns several Key Food stores and every store he touches turns to gold. Maybe Fleetwood residents might get lucky this go around. Don't fret yet.

[rolise]

From the article I read, posted in my laundry room so I don't know who wrote it, the Key Food rumour is from the architects drawings which show a key food sign although key food has denied knowing anything about it. I was hoping for a store like the one in Pelham.

Edited to say here is the article I read:

http://lohud.com/article/20090630/NEW...

[jcmods]

It's not as if the A&P was any great shakes. In fact it was HORRIBLE! No matter what I wanted they seemed to be out of it, until I didn't want it (such as smoked turkey legs or ham hocks). The only reason I ever went there was because it was in walking distance. I still did the bulk of my food shopping at Super Stop N Shop. Therefore, I say anything that exists there is OK. I am just so glad they are not putting a TGIF or a steak house there.

[varsitysg]

I did the same, A&P for convenience but SSnS for most of my groceries. It's funny, the people I've heard complaining the most about just the rumor of a Key Food taking that space are the same ones who were quite outraged at the CVS replacing the A&P. Mount Vernon's Mayor promised the people of Fleetwood that another supermarket would be built here and while I'm not sure what kind of role that he played behind the scenes, I'm glad that it's happening - apparently at least.

[jcmods]

And besides, the soon to be opened Cigar Shop on Grammatan is probably destined for failure. So any falafel/Shawarma joint owners reading this could move in there when it flops. I would love a sort of permanent farmers market instead of a traditional grocery store, but like I said, it would be very difficult to create a supermarket worse than that A&P.

I was going to try Yoshino this weekend but then got dissuaded someone who told us the portions were absolutely tiny for the prices. Still want to try at some point, but got a little put off by the portion size report.

[geendatz]

The problem for any small business opening on the main streets of Fleetwood is parking.People don't seem to want to park in that nasty,dark public lot...and that cigar store...?I'm convinced that anyone opening a store like this is[1]totally clueless[2]a front or money laundering operation.Yoshino?IMHO,do not trust any restaurant using the term 'Asian Fusion'..

[varsitysg]

Fortunately, it appears that the parking garage will be getting some long overdue attention. However, as far as small businesses in Fleetwood go, there is a long track record of success. East side of Gramatan from Grand to Broad has had the same businesses there without a vacant storefront for many years. The most junior store there must be the Curves which has been there for at least 4 or 5 years now. On the west side of that stretch of Gramatan it's almost the same story. The Houlihan Lawrence real estate center that is now being replaced by the cigar store was there for years and closed because of the real estate downturn and HLs decision to consolidate offices. The B. Floored flooring store closed because of the economy and the fact that they didn't offer high quality service. Neither closed because of the parking. On the next block north, The Bayou has been there for many years and the Bank of America was preceded by a longtime Italian Deli which only closed because the new landlord increased the rent through the roof in order to get them out and the bank in as a tenant. On Broad, Joe's and the Chinese take-out joint are long time tenants as is the fire extinguisher company across the street. On Grand, storefront vacancies are rare and when they do occur they get filled fast. The only long term storefront vacancies (2) are on the east side of Gramatan, just north of Broad. Fleetwood is a great place to open many types of small business although I will reserve judgment on a cigar store.

[Paris76]

My mom in law lives there so I am often around. I was told that the old A&P will be CVS...Like we need another one in the neighborhood. Also that the Brazilain place is supposed to be a supermarket. Who knows anymore! But I wanted to know if anyone has been to that Rib and Chicken place???

[jcmods]

I have ordered food from there. The last time was probably a few months ago. (because their new menu says "new management"). I have always thought the food was pretty good. The BBQ sauce on the ribs is not too sweet and the meat is very tender. I also like the Jerk Chicken and Mac and Cheese sides.

Maybe it ain't Memphis (I wouldn't know) but I have had BBQ in more expensive places that wasn't half as good. (It is certainly much better than the Bayou in terms of food). In terms of atmosphere...that's another story.

[rolise]

It may be new management but food seems the same except for new selections like creamed spinach, etc. and they have raised the prices. Same guy behind the counter though.

[varsitysg]

I've been ordering from them through what I think is three different owners and I like the food from the BBQ Rib House on Gramatan. The fact that they deliver is also a plus for me.

[swept]

I live in Fleetwood and have watched this place for about a month. .ordered delivery sushi this week and it was very good! Got two cooked rolls (007 and Sunset roll) and one similar to a rainbow roll.. very fresh, quick service. Will have to check out dinner at their location...

[varsitysg]

I popped my head in today and they said that they will open for business tomorrow . I picked up a menu, Asian Fusion takeout and delivery with dining seating for about 12 - 16.

Sushi/Sashimi by the piece ranges from $2.25 to 3.25. Rolls/hand rolls from 4.00 to 7.00. Chef's Special rolls from 9.00 to 15.00. Entrees from10.00 - 20.00.

[varsitysg]

Some examples of entrees include:
Tokyo Crispy chicken/beef
Spicy Dried Crispy Beef
Thai Crispy Tilapia
Vietnamese Cubed Steak
Wok Glazed Ginger Beef/Chicken
Pad Thai selections
Indonesia Sambai Sauce w. Chicken/Jumbo Shrimp
Honey Glazed Sauce w. Jumbo Shrimp
Spicy Thai Mango Sauce w Chicken/Shrimp
Yaki Unon / Soba noodles
Sukiyaki Chicken/Bef
Yosenabe

[xecuchef]

Was in Fleetwood today going to have lunch at Spring asian and walked pass the old flooring store. Door was open so I asked one of the workers what it's going to be. He told me a sushi/Asian take out-delivery and some tables for sit down. He said they will be open in 2 weeks. The inside looks nice and new but really really small for a restaurant. Strange that they would open another Asian place in town with Spring Asian and great wall right there. Go figure???? Hey, I live in Yorktown and when a place closes up around here, they just turn it into Italian/Pizza! Cant anyone think outside of the boring box???

[jcmods]

Apparently not. Anyone reading this board would immediately know that what is desperately needed is a falafel place or a vietnamese restaurant. Actually there is a falafel nearby but it wasn't even close to being a good falafel. So that's the other problem. It has to be different AND good.

[lollypop]

The Fleetwood area could also use a reliable American restaurant -- with salads, healthy entree options, etc. It could provide counter service for coffee, breakfast, pre-made sandwiches and sit-down service for a complete meal that doesn't break the bank. How about one of those?

[rolise]

Well that is what a diner is for but the Fleetwood Diner at Gramatan and Grand has really gone downhill. There is a coffee shop which has a decent breakfast and lunch on Grand (and Fleetwd Ave?) if you stick to eggs, pancakes, french toast and sandwiches. They now have southern food but I have not been that impressed by it. Not sure if they do salad. You can get a pretty good spinach and feta omlette. My usual standby.

[jcmods]

Actually Green Apples on Williams might fit that bill. Some people think it went downhill but I wouldn't know what it was like more than a year ago. I actually think it is good for what it is. Way better than the diner although I have only eaten breakfast at the diner and dinner at Green Apples.

[lollypop]

Is Athena the diner you are talking about?

[jcmods]

Yes Athena. I know everyone thinks its AWFUL, but I think most diners are mediocre. In that respect I do not think it is SOOOOO bad. I mean, it's a perfectly average diner.

[rolise]

The food is not terrible if you stick to the basics and get the one good waitress. However it used to be better, better food, better service and cleaner. I don't think the value is there either.

[rolise]

We so do not need a japanese hibachi restaurant with 2 chinese takeouts and Spring Asian (japanese/chinese/pan asian) as well as numerous pizza/italian options. I was hoping for a coffee bar/ ice cream kind of place. at least is isn't another bank.

The rumour I heard for Samba Na Brasa was that a supermarket was coming. Don't know how true it is.

[roxlet]

That would be interesting, but I'm not sure that the parking situation there favors a supermarket!

[rolise]

I have been told that duane reade used to be a supermarket with same parking situation. of course probably why they left when bigger markets opened as competition.

[roxlet]

I just spoke to someone who lives in the area and she said that she thought that it was going to be a supermarket since the A&P in Fleetwood just closed.

[jcmods]

That would be the sensible thing to do, since any restaurant that takes that space is liable to be lousy. The deck would be a nice place to sit if you didn't have all the cars entering and exiting the Cross County right under your nose. I really hope it is true.

[jcmods]

The Name is Yoshino Sushi Grill. As far as I can tell it is not a mini chain (although there is a restaurant with that name in Oakland CA.). I was hoping to maybe find a menu online.

It's not open yet, but it appears to be getting close.

[lollypop]

I live in the area so I'll watch to see who responds. Unfortunately, the pickings around here are slim so I can't say I ever want to Samba Na Brasa or any of the other places in the neighborhood.