Sometimes it's tough not to take advantage of "The City That Never Sleeps." When you've been out until 2:30 (or, uh, 4:45) on a Friday or Saturday, you invariably wake up the next morning (whenever that is!) a bit hungry- after all, you've been up half the night and need some fresh energy. But you probably can't stomach greasy diner food, and you may even need a bit of fortification to get through the rest of the weekend; a bit of the hair of the dog as they say. 

Enter Scottadito. It takes the edge off without that edgy vibe which can sometimes get annoying in Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. But even if you've had a completely sober weekend, Scottadito's in Park Slope is the perfect place to head for fresh, organic nourishment. Their weekend brunch is a standout, even in Brooklyn, which is packed with delicious bruncheries (not to mention recession-friendly, at $14.95 including drinks, coffee, and filling main course).

Start with complimentary (unlimited free refills!) of champagne or mimosas and (very good) coffee with fresh milk, and a serving of toasted Italian bread and tomato/red pepper spread; it's a creamy/salty/sweet departure from the usual butter 'n bread or EVOO, and reminds you that Scottadito's roots are Tuscan. Though you'll feel like you've wandered into an Italian village's local eatery when you enter the restaurant, which is complete with cozy fireplace, wooden floors, brick walls and lots of homey and rustic touches, so it's hard to forget.

Brunch offerings include a pretty extensive list of selections, including Ouvo Benedette, a traditional eggs Benedict with super-thinly sliced pancetta, or eggs cooked the way you like them with salmon or pork sausage, and an omlette of the day; dolce choices include French toast and pancakes with fresh fruit; salads like frisee with local goat cheese or one with wild-caught salmon, and pastas, from gnocchi with homemade ricotta to tagliatelle with melted brie and truffle oil. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are options.

The salmon salad included a generous piece of super-fresh fish served with a creamy aioli dressing (on the side) atop haricots vert and cherry tomatoes; the veggies were cooked lightly and seasoned with fresh herbs. The omlette of the day I visited was an artichoke, asparagus and pesto combo (a complement to the Spring weather outside!) and came with a side of diced potatoes and a lightly dressed green salad. Scottadito's prides itself on sourcing food locally, and you can taste it; everything is fresh, and cooked to enhance the natural flavors of the dishes.

Scottadito's is worth stopping by for dinner as well; desserts are impressive, simple and sweet in the Italian style of letting ingredients like fresh lemon, rich chocolate and dense cream take center stage. The atmosphere of an evening is super cozy and the service never pushy, so you can dawdle over the great offerings with a friend or two and get a chance to really catch up. It is European time at Scottadino's and you won't be rushed out the door.