While we can’t say there’s anything Prohibition-era about a menu combining shrimp scampi and teriyaki pork chops, it’s nice to see a dining trend slip into Bed-Stuy with the opening of the “speakeasy themed” SarahJames today.
Partner Jeff Rathgeber does have the mind-set right. “We want to be a bit of an after-hours spot for a lot of people who live in the area but work in restaurants in Manhattan,” he says.
For that reason, they’ll open daily at 6 p.m. and close anytime between 2 and 4 a.m., “however long people want to stay.” The décor aims for an old-time feel, with an old stove from the twenties acting as a hostess-waiter stand, plus some antiques picked up from local shops like Zukkies.
Unfortunately, it’s beer and wine for now, while they wait for a full liquor license. To go with that Blue Moon, chef-partner Dakota Freeman’s preview menu is below.
Appetizers
SARAHJAMES CRAB CAKES
Two Six Ounce Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Served With Mixed Greens 12
BEER BATTERED SHRIMP
Beer Battered Golden Brown Jumbo Shrimp Served With Our Chipotle Dip 10
Entrees
SMOKEY PENNE
Scallions, Portabella, Cherry Tomato, Roasted Garlic in a Chipotle Cream Sauce 7, 12
Served With Our SarahJames Signature Chipotle Dip
Add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
SHRIMP SCAMPI LINGUINI
Jumbo Shrimp Sautéed With Butter, Roasted Garlic, White Wine 10, 15
CITRUS TERIYAKI PORK CHOPS
Inch Thick Center Cut Slow Simmered in Our Own SarahJames Citraki Sauce. Served With Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Saffron Rice & Sautéed Vegetables 10 , 14
COCONUT FISH
Farm Raised Tilapia Simmered in Coconut Milk Served With Garlic Mashed Potato or Saffron Rice & Sauteed Vegetables 15
10 OUNCE GRILLED SIRLOIN
Hand Cut Grade A Top Sirloin Grilled To Perfection Topped With Sautéed Portabella Mushrooms. Served With Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Saffron Rice & Sauteed Vegetables 18
SarahJames, 217 Pulaski St., at Throop Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn; no phone
