Eating In Translation

Choncho's Tacos

Baja Williamsburgh.

"American Food"

At the Brooklyn Book Festival, the emcee at the north stage made continual entreaties on behalf of the nearby "food court," which amounted to no more than two stalls, one for fruit, one for baked goods. The hourlong panel on "American Food" offered much more meat and, unsurprisingly, attracted a much more attentive crowd.

Shown, left to right: moderator Ed Levine (Serious Eats); Mark Kurlansky (editor, The Food of a Younger Land); Liz Thorpe (The Cheese Chronicles); Jennifer 8. Lee (The Fortune Cookie Chronicles).

"American Food"
A panel at the Brooklyn Book Festival, Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza
www.BrooklynBookFestival.org
Mid-September

Lassen & Hennigs

This longtime deli/bakery/caterer prepares the softer style of black-and-white cookie ($2.25); as at Leske's Bakery, still-moist frosting perches on a spongy base. Because it travels more easily, the "hardshell" variety — as at Nussbaum & Wu — is much easier to track down in New York, and you can find it in several variations (I'm fond of all-vanilla). But sometimes there's good reason to make the trek to Brooklyn Heights: If you want to "get in your licks," only a softie like this will do.

Lassen & Hennigs
114 Montague St., Brooklyn Heights
718-875-6272
www.LassenCatering.com

Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral Greek Festival

An entree that didn't stuff me left room for a second dessert.