Neighborhood Fare

When Deborah Williamson and Bryan Calvert, owners of the successful events and catering company Williamson Calvert, decided to expand their horizons and open a restaurant, they opted for something a little bit closer to home. Literally.

James, the eatery the husband-wife duo opened this past summer, is located in the same building as their Prospect Heights apartment. Talk about being good neighbors.

“We wanted to invoke an old-world sensibility while adding a few modern touches,” explains Williamson. “We tried to avoid over-designing the space and instead worked to restore some of its original beauty.”

This meant touching up the original pressed tin ceiling and exposing the building’s aged plaster walls while custom banquettes, vintage mirrors, and a Dutch chandelier were added to complete the room.

Having been a chef at Bouley, Union Pacific and Café Atlas, Calvert knew that great food didn’t have to be overly complex, and so the menu at James reflects the simplicity of high-quality, seasonal fare. Expect to see end-of-summer heirloom tomatoes with chevre fondue as well as comforting classics like roast Amish chicken and shell steak with roasted marrow bone.

James can accommodate 25-30 diners for a seated dinner or 50-60 guests for cocktails. The biggest table seats 14, but larger parties require a complete buyout of the restaurant for $7000 to $10,000. Note: the cost of a smaller private party varies according to menu options.

James is located at 605 Carlton Avenue, (at St Marks Avenue) Brooklyn. For reservations, call 718-942-4255.

Lauren Shockey is a food writer who has contributed to publications including The New York Times Magazine, Gastronomica, Brides and ELLEgirl.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of James

For previous posts on Williamson Calvert, click here.