This Saturday, I finally made it to Shopsin's for brunch. I have been trying to go there for quite some time now, but could never seem to make it happen. It also didn't help that they're closed on Sundays. Shopsin's is located inside the Essex Street Market in the Lower East Side. I didn't realize how small the seating area is. There were literally about 10 tables in a a corner, right next to Saxelby Cheesemongers. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait very long. I was instructed by a regular in line to not point to what others had ordered as a method of ordered (the menu is ridiculously long) because it pisses the wait staff off. Surprisingly, it didn't take me long to select a few items off the menu. There were some clear standouts that I absolutely had to try.
Who can resist sliders? The guy in line recommended these. I thought they were really good, the best part being the super soft bun.
Mac and cheese pancakes! Probably the best creation since sliced bread. These were sweet, salty, cheesy, and eaten with maple syrup (I know it sounds weird, but it just worked) were absolutely addicting.
This dish was called Blisters on My Sisters. I think I ordered it because of the name alone. It's basically a tortilla with beans, chorizo, a fried egg and cheese everywhere. Eaten alone, it was a bit plain but with hot sauce, totally delicious.
Shopsin's is a family run establishment. During my meal, I witnessed a family squabble complete with door slamming and cursing. It was quite interesting since you don't normally experience that in a restaurant. However, the food was good enough that I didn't really care about the noise and lack of professionalism.
In fact, I ordered a strawberry milkshake to go on the way out.... :)
Restaurants mentioned:
Shopsin's
120 Essex St.
New York, NY 10002
Hi Jenn!
ReplyDeleteI watched the documentary on this place ("I Like Killing Flies", I think). Totally random. Good job on going there. The owner/chef seems very eccentric/crazy/devoted to his craft. The mac pancakes and blisters dishes were featured in the movie as well. yay!
Winona