I suppose you don’t really need a reason to go to Brooklyn - it’s like Manhattan with shorter buildings - but if you do, a Michelin starred wine bar owned by James Murphy is certainly a good one. I think it’s genuinely brilliant, that the typical thing of a rock star deciding they want to own a restaurant has turned into an absolute triumph long beyond any sense of name recognition. It eclipses his reputation, which is a thrill (that being said, as a side bar, I did on my first visit here manage to bump into Murphy in what was a perfect little interaction, and that has reduced the pressure each time I’ve been since). Another slight challenge on the veganism front, but not impossible, and it also means I get some delicious Hidden Falls brie. To start, scallops, beautifully prepared with a shiro dashi. Some of the best I’ve ever had. For my main, the “spring allium rice”, which is a risotto full of cultured butter to its very heart, with a selection of garlic, ramps, and onions to perfectly cut through the richness. I am livid that the Americans have somehow done a better sticky tofee pudding than us, not too datey, a sumptuous caramel sauce, and a resounding tuft of whipped cream to top it off. The service is impeccably friendly, the playlist is banging - what more could you want?