It always surprises me when places like Carnem exist and no one really seems to know about it.
I showed up in Brooklyn for brunch at Carnem, not far from the Barclay center and with enough foot traffic in the area for the place to have a decent amount of guest. However, we were likely one of two other parties there so I begin to get skeptical about the menu.
Carnem is obviously over staffed, however, the servers were all pleasant and more than accommodating. The restaurant is plain lovely, with a downstairs area as well and outside patio. Did somebody say brunch party?
The favorites of the afternoon were the Chicken and the French Toast. The chicken just had a perfect crisp to it and when torn, a mouth watering chunk of white meat stared back at you. The french toast was simply the right amount of sweetness needed. “Perfect” french toast is hard to make happen with all the factors involved but Carnem knew how to make it just right and my stomach was grateful.
There was also traditional Steak and Eggs on the table and my order, which was the Steak Sandwich. The sandwich was definitely a heavier option than I was prepared for, but it was a texture party to enjoy. The steak, rubbed in a sauce paired with onions against the toasted bread, was exactly what I was looking for. Now, I will say I would have preferred to get the french toast because it was just that intense, however, if you’re struggling with the whole lunch versus breakfast thing, the steak sandwich is the direction you want to go in.
In the end, I had no reason to be skeptical over the menu because the place is only lacking people like you to visit it. The upside to that is if you’re looking for somewhere laid back and chill, Carnem would be perfect.
