This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Alfie's Bar & Kitchen where we find out about this organic and sustainable eatery. Chef Darren Pettigrew talks about what we should think about ordering from signature dishes to cocktails and how they have been navigating these past few months!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Chef Pettigrew, tell us about your culinary background and the influence for your style of cooking?

CHEF DARREN PETTIGREW: I studied at the best culinary college, the Dublin Institute of Technology for the Culinary Arts in Ireland. Earning a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, I held a sous chef position at a young age at the National Yacht Club in Dublin. The menu changed daily, offering the best fish and seasonal game in Ireland. I went to London to stage at a couple of restaurants there but ended up working at the Da Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. I was lucky enough to be a partner in my own restaurant, Stella Maris, which I had for six years. I sadly lost it after Hurricane Sandy.

AM: What can guests expect when dining at Alfie’s Bar & Kitchen?

CHEF DP: Guest can expect to eat well and relax in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. We serve elevated comfort food and are very careful about where we source our products from. Our products are mostly organic and sustainable. Guests can also expect our service, staff, and drinks to always be on point.

AM: When creating this menu, can you tell us about where the inspiration for your dishes came from?

CHEF DP: My inspiration comes from the seasons. I always look to see what’s good and available locally and at the market. The menu lightens up for spring and summer, but a couple of staples will always remain on year-round. People’s eating habits do change with the seasons.

AM: What are 3 signature dishes that you suggest that we should enjoy during the week?

CHEF DP: Our Mac & Cheese is hugely popular. It has Narragansett burrata cheese, Fresno chili and toasted panko breadcrumbs. Our Fish and Chips with a tempura batter flies out the door as well. Lastly, I would also highly recommend our Steak Frites with peppercorn sauce and hand-cut French fries.

AM: Tell us about your brunch offerings.

CHEF DP: Our brunch is very popular and has been super busy since we reopened our craft beer and cocktail bar. We execute a delicious brunch menu on the weekends. Our goal has always to over-deliver and surprise our guests with interpretations of classic brunch specials. What makes us stand out is that we offer two to three outrageous, over-the-top brunch specials which we always sell out of. We’re definitely the best brunch spot in the area and would give any other restaurant boasting the ‘best brunchin New York’ a good run for their money!

AM: What are 3 appetizers and/or desserts that we should try when at Alfie’sBar & Kitchen?

CHEF DP: Everyone loves to share our Parmesan Truffle Fries with a black garlic and truffle aioli. Our hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip with organic blue corn tortillas are also delicious. For dessert, we serve a signature individual chocolateBanoffee tarts with brûlée banana and torched marshmallow fluff. It doesn’t really get better than that!

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you sug-gest we should have when visiting?

CHEF DP: We have some really cool cocktails. Marshall Minaya is our beverage director and chief mixologist from our sister restaurant, Valerie. I would suggest The Money Clip, The Birds and the Bees, and our Purple Rain cocktail. These libations cover whiskey, gin and vodka!

AM: During COVID-19, many restaurants have had to pivot on how they serve the guests and neighborhoods with pickups, delivery, reduce indoor dining, outdoor dining etc. – what methods are you do-ing to ensure that you’re available to your community?

CHEF DP: We adhere strictly to all the guidelines, so that we can make our guests visit as safe and memorable as possible.We also offer heated outdoor dining for those who are not comfortable eating in-side.

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PHOTOS COURTESY | Alfie's Bar & Kitchen