Governor

You think Colonie and Gran Eléctrica are good? Governor is from the same crew and is clearly their pet project. It's super ambitious, with a bold New American menu and a grand, modern industrial design. There's a lovely bar, counter seats looking out picture windows, mezzanine-level dining and a living wall of greenery—a design element originating at Colonie. From Brad McDonald's open kitchen come always-changing, locally sourced dishes as well as house-baked bread and freshly churned butter. You might find cold lobster consommé with apple and fennel; grilled toast topped with chicken oysters (the succulent meat found on either side of a chicken's lower spine); or sea robin fillet with Swiss chard, fish sauce, tapioca and cilantro oil. You just never know, but it will always be audacious and creative. The name Governor, which may seem odd, comes from the founder of a paper bag and carton empire who erected factory buildings in DUMBO in the late 19th century; he ruled, and "Governor" was his nickname.