Café Kestrel occupies a diminutive space in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood, but what is lacks in size it more than makes up for with thoughtful culinary executions and warm, refined service. At once casual and elegant, the tightly edited menu sports French leaning, pan-European selections with small bites like baguettes and chilled shrimp to larger terrines, salads and a broad list of entrées. Many dishes become instant favorites, as in the sage-infused fried halloumi served over honey Main dishes include duck leg confit with rich, creamy rutabaga puree and candied kumquats or a seafood terrine with crème fraîche and crispy, golden gaufrettes. Dessert is non-negotiable, especially the apricot cake with caramel sauce.