July 8, 2009 12:22 pm

Fort Greene's New Catch: Aqualis Grill Floods Brooklyn with Mediterranean Flavor

Gorian Papa's first restaurant, Aqualis Grill takes Brooklyn back to the good 'ol days this July where visiting an aquarium like Coney Island's can still make for a exciting summer day. Only this time, the aquarium is a bit livelier, or more so, edible for this neighborhood Mediterranean restaurant, serving fresh seafood daily in the heart of Fort Greene off of the booming Fulton Street.

Papa handpicks fish at the Fulton Fish Market Cooperative in Hunts Point for Aqualis where it is prepared by culinary expert, John Tsakinis, former chef de cuisine at midtown's Kellari Taverna . When it came to designing Aqualis, Papa kept Brooklyn's personality in mind. The grill, lined with dark wood flooring and white-washed brick walls holds 46 seats for its guests. A simple five-seat bar is located just beyond two colossal French doors leading to the liveliness of Brooklyn's crowded Fulton Street. Shelves and walls are adorned with framed antique mirrors and pottery Papa encountered on Long Island's North Fork.

Tsakinis converts the catch of the day into simple, yet exquisite meals. Entrées include whole grilled sea bass, grilled shrimp with orzo in a light tomato sauce, pan roasted scallops with cannellini beans and roasted half chicken with mashed potatoes, satisfying any hungry New Yorker. Still want more? Desserts include housemade baklava with sour cherry yogurt, a fresh fruit platter and watermelon sorbet.

Although this neighborhood grill liquor license is still in the works, its current beverage menu is far from dry. So far drinks include homemade sodas like lemon & orange, blossom water and watermelon.

—Joanna Weinstein

Aqualis Grill
773 Fulton Street
(between South Portland Avenue and South Oxford Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718.797.3494

Photo credit: Time Out New York

— Written by Joanna Weinstein

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