Cafe de La Esquina Opens in Williamsburg

The signs are clear: complaints about space, tighter pants, and a fixation with handlebars (mustache or otherwise). Inevitably, Brooklyn happens.

Today, Cafe de La Esquina becomes the latest to make the jump with the opening of its Williamsburg outpost in the former Wythe Diner.

For those worried about crowds of sharp-elbowed hipster models, cool it. Imitating the exclusive Nolita original is not the intent. The front diner — a relaxed all-day cafe with booths — is where to drink (ginger beer Anocheceres, cucumber jalapeno Pepino Diablos) and order striped bass ceviche, mushroom and hominy tacos, and guisados.

In the dark-mirrored back dining room, chef Akhtar Nawab deviates from the formula with fresh, locally sourced dishes like day boat fluke ceviche with durango peppers, pickled carrots, and pink peppercorns and slow-roasted capon tamale with pumpkin seed mole, garlic, and watermelon (pictured).

The best part: A taqueria garden with alfresco seating will open soon for $10 margaritas and free sunshine.

Being selectively frugal — just another sign.

Cafe de La Esquina at Wythe Diner, 225 Wythe Avenue, between North 3rd Street and Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg (718-393-5500 or esquinabk.com).

TOP 5 (THE ARTS)

1.

Hip Hop Kung Fu
Dancing in the Streets
Tues, Aug 2 & Wed, Aug 3

Through a juxtaposition of the martial arts disciplines Shaolin Wushu Kung Fu and Tai Chi and hip-hop dance styles such as krumping, vogueing, waacking, locking and freestyle, dancer Buddha Stretch and his crew show the reciprocal influences of Asian culture and hip-hop. Tuesday’s event is an open dress rehearsal and conversation with the artists at Casita Maria in the Bronx. Wednesday’s event is the world premiere performance, plus a question-and-answer session, at the Asia Society in Manhattan. Both shows are free.

Valerie "Ms. Vee" Ho. Photo: Linda Gunther

2.

Thieves
Public Theater
Wed, Aug 3–Sun, Aug 14

American Indian Artists (AMERINDA) presents a play about searching. Set in a powwow in a Brooklyn high school, deals are made, souls are compromised, love blossoms, identity is sought after and redemption is found. At times laugh-out-loud funny and at times frighteningly brutal, the play highlights the absurdity of the urban Indian's dual existence.

3.

Word for Word Author: Sapphire
Bryant Park Reading Room
Wed, Aug 3

The writer of the novel Push, which became the award-winning film Precious, talks about her sequel (The Kid) which follows the son of Claireece “Precious” Jones, as he navigates life as an orphan in New York City.

Sapphire.

4.

Out of Doors Festival: Malkit Singh and Dengue Fever
Damrosch Park
Thurs, Aug 4

The impassioned vocals of Indian singer Malkit Singh have earned him a Knighthood and made him an unrivaled global superstar of bhangra and Punjabi pop style. L.A.’s Dengue Fever, fronted by Cambodia-born singer Chhom Nimol, mixes 1960s psychedelia, Cambodian rock, surfy garage-pop and Afro grooves.

Dengue Fever. Photo: Lauren Dukoff

5.

SummerStage in Harlem: Henry V by William Shakespeare
Marcus Garvey Park
Fri, Aug 5 & Sat, Aug 6

The Classical Theatre of Harlem and director Jenny Bennett explore the thoughtful, funny and belligerent diplomacy of the young King Henry V. Henry's reputation as a fun-loving lad who’s lived among the common folk inspires love from commoners and disregard from his enemies. He lays claim to France, and invades the country with a “band of brothers.”

Deal of the Day

Deal of the Day: Alfama’s “Get Happy in Portuguese” Happy Hour

After a 10-year stint in the far West Village, Alfama has relocated to some new, spiffy digs in Midtown East (214 E. 52nd nr 3rd Ave). Just in time for our “Deal of the Day” word comes in that Alfama has just launched a great happy hour deal it’s calling “Get Happy in Portuguese.” GHIP will feature a daily Portuguese wine and food special - two glasses of wine (one white and one red) plus a small bite for $10 and will be offered from 5-7pm. Wines will rotate and feature different regions of Portugal and the rotating snacks will feature Portuguese specialties such as codfish cakes and shrimp turnovers, among others.