Fort greene

ICI
(718) 789-2778; 246 DeKalb Avenue (Vanderbilt Avenue); $$; Review: 7/21/04.
Ici has the intentions and soul of a neighborhood bistro, not a destination restaurant, although it turns out to be a pleasant destination. Its menu lists about eight appetizers and eight entrees, among them braised pork shoulder with Anson Mills grits, Brussels sprouts and pecans, and oven-baked short ribs with celeriac puree and roasted vegetables.

THOMAS BEISL
(718) 222-5800; 25 Lafayette Avenue, (Ashland Place); $; $25 and Under: 11/3/04.
The bright yellow facade at this Viennese spot, across from the academy, makes it hard to miss. A patio garden is open year round. The menu is part bistro, part Austrian, with items like cod schnitzel, and Prince Edward Island mussels with garlic, white wine and smoked jalapeños.