Discovering Culinary Gems in the Borough of Kings
As a proud Brooklynite, I can’t help but feel a sense of culinary superiority over my Manhattan-dwelling counterparts. Don’t get me wrong, the island across the river has its fair share of incredible eateries, but when it comes to true gastronomic innovation and that je ne sais quoi that makes a dining experience unforgettable, Brooklyn reigns supreme. And at the forefront of this culinary renaissance is a little gem nestled in the heart of Park Slope – Camperdown Elm.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Park Slope? Isn’t that the land of overpriced strollers and kale-obsessed parents?” And you’d be right…to a certain extent. But Camperdown Elm manages to transcend the neighborhood’s sometimes stuffy reputation, offering a dining experience that is at once elevated and unpretentious, innovative and comforting.
The restaurant’s name itself is a nod to its Brooklyn roots, referencing the majestic Camperdown elm tree that once stood on the property. And this connection to the borough’s natural beauty and history is reflected in every aspect of the Camperdown Elm experience. From the carefully curated menu, showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients, to the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining in a friend’s cozy kitchen, this place is a true embodiment of the borough’s vibrant culinary spirit.
The Culinary Visionaries Behind Camperdown Elm
But what really sets Camperdown Elm apart is the dynamic duo behind the operation – Chef Jared Sippel and Sommelier Layla Khoury-Hanold. These two culinary powerhouses have crafted a menu and wine list that read like a love letter to Brooklyn, with each dish and pairing telling a story of the borough’s diverse flavors and rich history.
Sippel, a native Iowan who cut his teeth in some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens, found his true calling when he landed in Brooklyn. “There’s just something about this borough that ignites my creativity,” he tells me over a glass of the restaurant’s signature natural wine. “The energy, the diversity, the unrelenting passion for food – it’s all so inspiring. And I wanted to capture that essence in every plate that leaves the Camperdown Elm kitchen.”
And that he has. The menu is a masterful blend of classic comfort foods and cutting-edge culinary techniques, with dishes that both satisfy the soul and tantalize the palate. Take, for example, the restaurant’s signature dish – the Camperdown Elm Burger. On paper, it’s a simple cheeseburger, but in execution, it’s a work of art. The grass-fed beef is sourced from a local farm, ground in-house daily, and grilled to perfection. The cheese, a tangy and creamy blend of Cabot cheddar and Grafton Village blue, melts into the meat like a dream. And the bun – oh, the bun! – is a buttery, house-made brioche that practically disintegrates in your mouth.
But Sippet isn’t content to rest on his laurels. He’s constantly pushing the boundaries of what a “burger” can be, experimenting with different proteins, toppings, and cooking methods to keep the Camperdown Elm faithful on their toes. “I never want our guests to feel like they’re in a rut,” he says with a wink. “There’s always something new and exciting to discover on our menu.”
And when it comes to discovering the perfect pairing for those culinary creations, Layla Khoury-Hanold is the maestro. A sommelier with an encyclopedic knowledge of wine and an unerring palate, Khoury-Hanold has curated a list that reads like a love letter to the natural and biodynamic vineyards of the world. “I want our guests to experience the terroir of every region we feature,” she explains, “to taste the stories of the land and the people who crafted these incredible liquids.”
From the earthy, robust reds of the Finger Lakes region to the bright, mineral-driven whites of the Basque Country, Khoury-Hanold’s selections are a revelation. And her passion for her craft is infectious, as she guides diners through the nuances of each vintage, offering insights and anecdotes that bring the wine to life.
Camperdown Elm: A Beacon of Sustainability and Community
But Camperdown Elm isn’t just about delivering a world-class dining experience – it’s also a beacon of sustainability and community in a borough that sometimes struggles to balance its rapid growth with its deep-rooted values.
The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients is unwavering, with Sippel and his team forging close relationships with area farmers, foragers, and purveyors to ensure that every element of every dish is as fresh, flavorful, and environmentally responsible as possible. “It’s not enough to just slap a ‘local’ label on something,” Sippel says emphatically. “We want to know the stories behind our ingredients, to understand the care and craft that goes into producing them. That’s what really makes a difference, both for our guests and for the planet.”
And this dedication to sustainability extends beyond the plate. Camperdown Elm’s design and operations are also infused with a deep respect for the environment, from the reclaimed and repurposed materials that make up the restaurant’s interiors to the composting and recycling programs that divert nearly 90% of the establishment’s waste from landfills.
But what really sets Camperdown Elm apart is its role as a community hub – a place where locals and visitors alike can gather to celebrate the borough’s vibrant culture and culinary heritage. Whether it’s hosting a monthly supper club featuring up-and-coming chefs, collaborating with neighborhood artists on rotating gallery displays, or simply welcoming patrons into the cozy, convivial atmosphere, the team at Camperdown Elm is constantly finding new ways to engage with and give back to the community that has embraced them so wholeheartedly.
“At the end of the day, this isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a labor of love,” Sippel reflects, his eyes shining with pride. “We’re not just serving food, we’re telling the story of Brooklyn, one delicious bite at a time. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Uncovering the Magic of Camperdown Elm
So, what is it that makes Camperdown Elm so special? Is it the meticulously crafted menu that celebrates the borough’s bounty? The thoughtfully curated wine list that transports you to the world’s most revered vineyards? The warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining in the home of a dear friend?
The truth is, it’s all of these things and more. Camperdown Elm is a restaurant that effortlessly blends high-end culinary chops with a down-to-earth, community-driven spirit – a rare feat in a city where pretension and exclusivity often reign supreme.
But don’t just take my word for it. Step through the doors of this Park Slope gem, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Camperdown Elm. Whether you’re savoring a perfectly grilled burger and a glass of natural wine, or immersing yourself in a multi-course tasting menu that celebrates the season’s bounty, you’ll quickly understand why this restaurant has become a beloved fixture in Brooklyn’s vibrant dining scene.
So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the subway, hail a cab, or lace up your sneakers – however you choose to get there, a world of culinary delights awaits at Camperdown Elm. Trust me, your tastebuds (and your soul) will thank you.