The Tuscan Gun – Officine Alimentari

Tuscan gun is a solid coffee and sandwich shop. Selections are limited, which is to me a plus because I am forced to be decisive, but will be a minus for anyone who wants more than 3 sandwich and 2 pasta options. Add to that one sandwich and one pasta are both porchetta and have a remarkably similar taste. I do love the porchetta sandwich with its salty pork belly, spicy arugula and toasty bread. But the sandwich needs some sauce or dressing or sautéed onions as it eats a bit dry. Service is very friendly and the coffee is dynamite. Try the cold press — it’ll keep you going all day! Don’t come with a crowd — there are 4 small tables and that’s it. And don’t go for the celeb sighting. If the owners are in there cooking, they are well hidden.

Second time I’ve been there, and I can’t not review it. The food is fine, but the older woman on staff there is incredibly rude. INCREDIBLY. She speaks down to customers, then talks to other staff about them in not so sotto voce while they’re still in the restaurant. It’s shocking. Head up to Krupa or Brunswick, or down to Commune for a better experience.

This is my destination for espresso and pancetta scone every Sunday morning before heading to the nearby green market. The place is relaxed, clean, and dog– friendly.

I walked in from the steamy steamy weather outside and it was kinda hot inside too until I stepped further in. I ordered the Porcetta Panini and watched the counter person heat the pork up in a pan on a stove top. The heat had me feeling particularly dubious and I wondered will this really live up to the hype?
Yes. Yes it would and yes it did.
Go. Go now. Go yesterday. That panini was so good– the meat, the bread, the greens, the marinated peppers. Me wanty again.

It’s great having a spot like this fairly close to me in the neighborhood. I attended one of the first pop-​up nights they had in this space (before they owned it) and it was like being invited in Gabriele’s home. We really enjoyed our time there. Recent we went to the pasta dinner with my wife’s cousins and the food was fresh, seasonal, local, simple, and delicious — just like Italian cooking should be. Take quality ingredients and let them shine. Will have to come sometime for breakfast/​lunch.

Stopped in for a quick bite with the wife on a mid Saturday afternoon. We shared the Porchetta Panini, the Insalata Di Farro (cherry tomatoes & ricotta salad), and two cold brew coffee’s. Very tasty. We will be back to try their breakfast.

$ 110 BYOB pasta dinners? Way to gentrify the neighborhood after claiming you moved here to escape the over-​the-​top lifestyle in LA. I’m sure there are some people who will pay this amount of money, but please stop claiming to be «neighborhood people» and then doing things like this.

I am proficient in both economics and the making of cold brew (I usually use Grady’s cold brew concentrate or my French Press). It is my understanding that the situation of this Brooklyn café, close to Prospect Park and the apts of many of my friends, is one in which demand exceeds supply for the cold brew. I came here on a recent weekend and saw a long line of customers purchasing cold brews or iced espresso drinks. It seemed as though the supply of cold brew would not last the day. Simple high school level economics. However, a comparative price analysis/​reality check is in order:
Price of cold brew from Toby’s Estate in midtown Manhattan=$ 4
Price of cold brew from Birch Coffee on the UWS =$ 4
Price of cold brew from Stumptown in the Ace Hotel=$ 4
Price of cold brew from Blue Bottle Rockefeller Center location=$ 4
Price of cold brew from now shuttered Herald Square Intelligentsia (RIP)=$ 4
_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​
Price of cold brew from TGOA in Windsor Terrace, BK=$ 4.63
I have lived in this city for over 15 years and have an interest in urban history. Windsor Terrace is historically a working class neighborhood with long-​standing blue collar bars and family-​owned businesses. I don’t watch tv, so I was not aware of the Cooking Channel show or of the famous Tuscan Gun brand until I stopped into the TGOA last weekend. My interest piqued, I did some basic Internet research and came upon this statement made by the owner of The TGOA on his reasons for moving from LA to New York:
«The school there was fantastic, but it created expectations of a lifestyle that, even if I could provide it, I would refuse to,» Mr. Corcos said. «We had a 60-​inch plasma screen TV with surround sound in a massive living room. My daughter used to come back from school saying, ‘How come we don’t have a screening room?’ It’s because she was in class with Don Johnson’s kid.»
This statement makes for an interesting juxtaposition with the price points of TGOA, not only for their cold brew (which btw is excellent), but also for the ticketed BYOB events on their website:
«It is always sound business to take any obtainable net gain, at any cost and at any risk to the rest of the community.» Thorstein Veblen

SO excited for this much-​needed addition to the neighborhood!
Friendly and efficient staff, great ambiance, and honestly — the BEST cold brew I’ve had in Brooklyn to date. And let me tell you, I’m originally from Seattle so it’s in my DNA to be a coffee snob. Trust me on this one, people. Also, try the pancetta scone — equal parts savory and sweet, it’s a delectable delight!
Tuscan Gun, expect to see a lot more of me! :D

Six years ago, when I first moved into what I’ve dubbed «Mister Roger’s Neighborhood» (
), I had often walked past a vacant commercial space on a residential block that looked suitable for a cocktail bar, wine bar, or café. I suspected that were it ever purchased, the neighborhood would be graced with yet another yoga studio, juice bar, antique shop, or kids’ activity center. Luckily, a small café called Savor Brooklyn was opened, but, alas, it wasn’t long for this small world (
).
Enter *The Tuscan Gun Officine Alimentari*, brainchild of Cooking Channel celebrity chef and hosts of Extra Virgin, Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar, both of whom are as friendly, inviting, and refreshingly down-​to-​earth as they are talented in their respective fields. Before the two took over the space, they had hosted many successful pop-​up dinners and, in a gesture of giving back to the community, served their neighbors a gratis sample Tuscan feast last summer, complete with Chianti procured from another neighborhood gem, Windsor Wine Merchants (
). The latter event was documented in the Season 5 première episode of Cooking Channel’s Extra Virgin, entitled «Gift to the Neighborhood»:
.
Since officially taking over the space, The Tuscan Gun has transformed its interior with a sleek and spare aesthetic that is at once vintage and contemporary, rustic and urban, and makes optimal use of seating capacity. Interspersed among the muted shades of blacks and browns are pops of bright colors from the floral arrangements adorning tabletops and countertops and an accordion of patterned throw pillows on window seats. A display case houses both Tuscan Gun branded merchandise as well as a carefully curated selection of the best Italian imports, e.g. LavAzza® coffee beans, my personal favorite, San Pellegrino® Aranciata Rossa, Mieli Thun®, a mono-​floral origin honey made in small batches by an Italian artisan, available in several enticing varieties such as orange blossom, and, of course, EVOO. Tuscan Gun branded Limoncello is in the works:

The Officine serves both sit-​down, working/​reading/​socializing patrons and grab-​and-​go customers equally well, offering dishes made to order, a full espresso bar, Balthazar pastries, as well as house-​made baked goods, including experimental Nutella macarons made by Tuscan Gun CEO Anthony Michael Contrino aka @TheSingingChef, mouth-​watering sandwiches piled high with arugula, roasted red peppers, and heaps of porchetta on homemade Ciabatta, and pre-​assembled salads perfect for a picnic in Prospect Park.
Everyone must try the LavAzza® cold brew post haste at this charming café that is a most welcome addition to the neighborhood. This highly addictive masterful concoction – smooth, sweet, strong – is truly a work of art and the summa summarum of cold brewed coffee offerings in this fair city – a tall order.

Gabriele Corcos and wife Debi Mazar, of Cooking Channel’s Extra Virgin, recently opened The Tuscan Gun in a sleepy stretch of Windsor Terrace in Brooklyn. It’s dangerously close to my apartment, which explains why I’ve been there four times in three weeks.
Really their signature Porchetta Panini, slow cooked pork served on focaccia with arugula and roasted peppers, keeps me coming back. It’s so easy to eat while walking those sunny tree-​lined streets around the neighborhood — a good few blocks from the bustle.
It’s a tasty and concise menu including some breakfasty stuff like yogurt, scones, and muffins, and for lunch a few pastas, salads and a soup. They’ve also got a serious coffee bar.
They’re not trying to boil the ocean here, they’re doing a few dishes exceptionally well. I dug the Sugo di Porchetta pasta cooked with pork renderings and an IPA, and served with rosemary, sage, and pecorino.
If you drink iced-​coffee, you don’t need me to tell you that most isn’t worth drinking. We know it’s bad, we drink it anyway because deep down inside we don’t think we deserve better. Treat yourself to the real deal once in a while. The Cold Brew Ice-​Coffee at The Tuscan Gun is among the best I’ve had in Brooklyn or beyond. Get it as they suggest, with a little cream and sugar. Grab a nice Anise & Coffee Shortbread or an Orange Olive Oil Muffin and life is good.
There’s no set dinner-​hours, but they do host events, cooking classes and restaurant pop-​ups some evenings.
Another plus in the Brooklyn column. Maybe we do deserve it.

Wish I could give negative stars. Don’t waste your time or money! I thought I was going to a relaxing 5 course 3 hour dinner. Course 5 was served 1 hour and 35 minutes after starting! Totally rushed and dessert was served in a to go cup! If I wanted a to go cup I’ll go to Farrell’s you are never rushed there! This was insulting! Even after the meal was rushed I still planned to relax and enjoy the company I was with until the 3 hours were up. Instead lights were turned up, dishes clashed & tables moved we got the hint «Get Out You Are Done!» Don’t waste your time and money if you are in the area walk 1 block further and go to Rhythm & Booze great meal, great price and never rushed!

I used to live in Windsor Terrace and am always happy to see new things opening there. When I heard that The Tuscan Gun was open and celebrating National Doughnut Day, I decided to make the trek over to check it out. My FitBit appreciated how far out of my way I went for a cup of coffee.
I had hoped that early afternoon on a Friday would be a good time to set up shop at a table with a good book, but it was not to be. The strollers of Windsor Terrace had beaten me to it. With nowhere to sit, I opted to grab my coffee to go and head to the park. The coffee was great (hello, Lavazza), the service was quick and friendly despite the crowd, and I left a happy camper. I neglected to grab a doughnut but I guess that just means I’ll have to make another trip back there.
Good coffee was hard to find when I lived in this area (sorry, coffee shop with a state’s name in it that shall not be called out here) so I’m happy to see this place. I know it isn’t *just* a coffee place and that the reviews of the food have been so-​so, but I hope they listen to the feedback and up their game. If they do, they’ll quickly become a neighborhood staple.

The food here was utterly blah. The salad was limp yellow romaine from a bag with overly acidic dressing. My husband ordered the porcetta pasta which was sitting in a pool of water, or oil or both. There also wasn’t a single piece of pork in the entire order. My pomodoro pasta was decent jarred sauce on box pasta. They also charge you $ 3.50 for a bottle of nyc tap water carbonated by a soda stream that wasn’t even chilled. Very disappointed.

Cute little Italian style café that serves only «on the go» type breakfasts (crossaints, muffins, scones) and coffee of course
I had the cold brew which was great and their walnut cookie which was also great
Gabriele Corcos, the owner, also popped in while we were there and he was extremely nice to chat with. The workers were also super friendly
4 stars only because we didn’t try the food (tiny menu)

Excellent coffee and muffins made in house. I can’t wait to try more of their food. Adorable space on a charming block, very close to Prospect Park. They also have cooking classes, and as soon as they have one for vegetarians, I will sign up.

I’m thankful that Tuscan Gun has opened here; the low foot traffic and residential heavy block are challenges to overcome when it comes making it there. But, hopefully good food and ambiance will increase its exposure to others. I have stopped for a quick coffee and croissant, so take out is quick and above par in comparison to other places. But, for the weekend, I did not have a good experience. I stopped there for a light bite, had a Coffee and their «lunch sandwich,» the «Farmer’s» Italian Mortadella. I was not pleased with the sparse layering of mortadella on a small «crumb-​size» ciabatta bread with a waxy artichoke spread. It was not worth the $ 7.50 price. It was simply the same as bologna on an English Muffin with butter! You can’t bring diners back if they feel they can to the same or better at home. The presentation either has to be better or the price reduced for my palate. But, the ambience is nice, open windows, small tables, flowers on the table A good place to have a nice breakfast, but only if they have breakfast options on the menu — having only breads and croissants for breakfast — on a SATURDAY! — will not «bring the cows home.» You have to have some bacon (turkey or pork) some creamy pastries, toast, home fries something for a weekend breakfast. I look forward to a change in menu options and some «lifting» on breakfast choices on weekends. This is a place I am willing to come back too in the A. M hours… but give me a reason!
But, lets not sing a sorry song yet… I haven’t been their for dinner and the World is a funny place when it comes to dinner… will see…

What can I say, a local all star restaurant in Windsor Terrace, hosted by Gabriele Corcos. We were welcomed by the staff and felt like we were part of the family. Starters were amazing and it only gets better. Will definitely come again. Just as we were eating our meal Gabriele’s mom and brother just flew in from Italy, and we had the plesure of meeting them. very nice family. At the end we also meet his beautiful wife Debie Mazar.

A very cool, modern yet cozy little sandwich /​pasta shop just opened up in a sleepy yet charming section of windsor terrace. Think classic northern italian. There are takeout pastas to go — FINALLY a place you can pick up food for a picnic in prospect park!
There are only a handful of tables as it is a small space, but honestly this reminds me of something you would find in soho. I’ll be back in short order to pretty much try everything — stay posted! Note hours 6am — 6pm so it is more of a breakfast /​lunch snacky time place.
Update: The pancetta sandwich, while slightly unruly with large chewy artisan bread — was as good as it was difficult to eat. While it should probabally be cut in half, you will actually think you are in tuscany when you taste it (wow) and you will l want another despite its construction. I want one just writing about it.
Tip: Balthazar bakery croissants (yeah!) were better than the homemade muffin, and iced coffee is as unique and thick/​potent /​chocalatey as you have prob ever had (i recommend a hearty dose of half and half with it). I swear there is a small bar of dark chocolate in there. Oh yeah– also– Lattes are FANTASTIC.
In short, this place is not 100% perfect but it still totally ROCkS. Worth jumping off the rear car of the F train (a block away) on your commute to manhattan and trying this.

Mangia! This is one of NY’s most authentic Italian cafes you will find. I am so happy that this street and NYC/​Bklyn FINALLY have something to talk about! The food, the service, the hospitality, the beverages and the atmosphere will be the new shop everyone goes to for their morning Joe, or their lunch. I just hope the lines don’t become too out of control! It’s THAT good. I had an authentic Italian iced coffee (I forget the name), but it was amazing and I have never had it before! I thought this city had everything. Now it does :)