My Go-To Spot in NYC

For the past eight years, I have been seeking out go-to spots in ATL where I can turn to in times of weakness for a culinary pick-me-up. The qualifiers are fairly simple in my opinion – cheap, quick, consistent, delicious, easy to get to and not too unhealthy to eat at regularly. Unfortunately, for the most part, I’m still searching.

However, having never lived there, I have one in New York that delights every time. I was first introduced to the Excellent Pork Chop House in Manhattan’s Chinatown by some friends, and I make it a point to return on almost every trip. While it is tucked away in the bowels of Chinatown on Doyer St., it is easy enough to get to using a combination of subway and foot.

I get the same thing every time – Pork Chop Noodle Soup. Frankly, I don’t see the point in trying anything else. After all, if you are going to a place called “Excellent Pork Chop House,” you had better order the dang pork chop. And who doesn’t love noodle soup? Especially when you’ve been suffering in the often-cruel New York weather?

Let’s start with the pork chop. In real life, I don’t really like pork chops that much. However, when flavored like they are at this place, they are irresistible. The taste is almost sweet, with hints of…I want to say cinnamon? Whatever it is, it’s scrumptious, and surprisingly lean.

The noodle soup is very simple – fresh noodles, a light but flavorful broth, a few scallions and bits of pickled vegetables. The combination is perfect – very comforting but not oily or heavy as some soups can be. I typically round out my meal with a nice bowl of pickled cucumbers, which adds a bit of extra crunch and brightness to the whole experience. For me, it’s a spread that can’t be beat.

The service and ambiance at the Excellent Pork Chop House are also pretty excellent – pleasant, fast and comfortable. I always leave “the house” feeling very satisfied, but not too full, and anxiously awaiting the next time I get to visit. I urge you to go the next time you’re in town. Check them out at http://excellentporkchophouse.com/.

JCT Kitchen – Best ATL Meal in Years

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been inspired to write a raving review of a restaurant – obviously. But the time has come. Last night I dined at JCT Kitchen, a classy joint that has been on my radar since it opened several years ago. It is a bit pricier than the places I normally visit ($86 for two), but I decided to go for it since it was for an annual holiday dinner my husband and I have with our best ATL buddies.

Starting out with the environment, JCT Kitchen is in Atlanta’s industrial Westside Urban Market. To me, that area is funky enough to warrant a visit just to check it out. Things get even fancier upon stepping inside the restaurant, but not to the point where those in jeans aka my husband feel uncomfortable. It kind of just feels like you’re in someone’s house, but a really nice house. The restaurant was definitely packed and the atmosphere was lively, but not to an intolerable level. We could still make our way to the table without having to throw any ‘bows and could hear each other and our friends talking just fine.

Our waiter was very young, but ultra professional, and honestly for me his youth made the experience feel more welcoming and less stuffy. (Translation: I didn’t feel dumb asking him questions about the menu.) The service was great, and if you are wearing anything but white, I would definitely accept the offer to switch out your white linen for black regardless of how pretentious you might feel. The white linens over there are serious lint machines.

Now onto the main event. This meal was the best one I’ve had in Atlanta since eating at the now-defunct Beleza in 2008. We started out with the fries covered in parmesan and truffle. I usually don’t get too into fries because they often lack flavor. Not these bad boys! All fries should involve truffles and cheese. I also tried out the “JCT Salad,” featuring green beans, romaine, spiced pecans, apples and buttermilk dressing. Every bite was coated with creamy tanginess, but not to excess. I was already approaching a full stomach, but could not stop eating this salad.

I was torn when it came to selecting an entrée because I typically just go for whatever sounds most Asian. All of the dishes at JCT, though, are very basic, American-type dishes, but with deliciously sophisticated twists. I eventually went with the trout, which also featured truffles in the form of a vinaigrette. The fish was perfectly grilled with hints of char, nestled onto a light smear of pureed white potatoes and topped with perhaps my favorite part of the dish – pickled celery. (Side note: I usually don’t even like celery.) The dish also featured a few other amazing surprises including almonds, fennel fronds and battered, fried green beans. Mmmmmm. The portion size was just right too.

I was pretty well stuffed after the main course, but since everything else had been such a hit, I felt it would be inappropriate not to try a dessert. My husband picked the butterscotch bread pudding, which tasted like a super dense hot apple pie. Anyone who does not like the sound of that is crazy. Our buddies chose the coconut cake, which comes soaked in rum – very boozy and tasty.

Our meal at JCT was impressive from start to finish and I would definitely go back there in a heartbeat to get another dose of class and try out their other creative, yet approachable concoctions. Check out their feel-good food at http://jctkitchen.com.