Chicken = Grub Match secret weapon

Our final contender in the Brooklyn Brunch Showdown is smooth operator and chicken whisperer, Eric Lidman. He explained to us the beauty of potato salad and why he (and his dog) consider Beast in Prospect Heights a true neighborhood gem. Here’s more from Eric:

You’re headed to a deserted island to live on grass and coconut milk–what’s your last meal before you go? Full breakfast—eggs, bacon, cheese, fresh bread with butter and preserves, cheese, fruit, yogurt, cheese … breakfast, it’s not just for, um, breakfast anymore.

You’ve come into uncountable gobs of money—who do you hire as your personal chef? Batali, if I had to choose…though I’d resurrect Julia Child, if at all possible…

What’s the single most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten? Dinner, October 2011, Adour at the St. Regis Hotel … lobster bisque, beef cap bordelaise with bone marrow, poached rhubarb with yogurt cream and strawberries, all washed down with a 1964 French cabernet …I almost passed out when I finished.

Have you ever worked at a restaurant? Burger King, for 2 shifts. I was fired for inadvertently closing the burger steamer lid on my supervisor’s hand.

So what is it about Beast? Beast is a longtime ‘hood favorite; they take their time, prepare all dishes with the best seasonal ingredients, and focus on quality, not quantity. It’s not a perfect place, but the food is good. Plus, they don’t have a deep fryer, which I find noteworthy for some reason. And they let me eat outside with my dog. And they serve these rosemary-covered pita slices in place of bread, which are a sublime appetizer.

What are three words that describe this place? seasonal, creative, lesbians

What’s your favorite item on the menu? Burger, with cheese, and a side of bleu cheese potato salad (instead of fries, which no one else does).

Why will your restaurant be crowned Grub Match champion? Fun, mixed crowd, solid seasonal fare…the quality of the ingredients and its creativity will hit home with everyone who eats there.

Will Beast put the hurt on Peaches and Cafe Luluc? Find out next Tuesday when our brunch contenders step into the ring.

Want to take part in a future Grub Match? Tell us about your favorite restaurant at submissions@pitchknives.com.