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The Meatball Shop
“It was perhaps the best pairing of meat and vegetables I’ve ever had.”
Spicy Pork Meatball in Spicy Meat Sauce (Photo: seventyoneplace, via Flickr)
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Michael Chernow and Daniel Holzman knew that they wanted to launch their own eatery, but they also were aware that diving into the restaurant business isn’t easy, especially now. They knew that they needed a great sense of confidence in their vision and product, and with their acquired knowledge about the industry, the two planned to launch their own restaurant. Originally, they intended for something more formal, but when Holzman agreed to Chernow’s idea of an all-meatball eatery, The Meatball Shop was born.
The restaurant décor is straightforward: pictures of cows, chickens and pigs greet patrons as they settle in. The bar is to the right and tables to the left with a long wooden communal table in the middle. Mr. Chernow welcomed my guest and me with a handshake. Once seated, I knew that it was going to be a different dining experience: since the theme here is “comfort,” The Meatball Shop allows patrons to choose what they want by providing markers for them to check desired items off. With markers in hands, our meatball journey begins.
From the A La Carte Menu
Spicy Pork Meatball with Parmesan Cream Sauce and Mashed Potatoes It felt like a big hug, warm and cozy and good. The subtle spiciness of the pork pairs very well with the sauce and with the mashed potatoes, it was pure bliss.
Classic Beef Meatball with Mushroom Gravy and Market Green Salad The meat was hearty and delightful. Not that I ever forgot, but it made me remember why I love meat. It was also perhaps the best pairing of meat and vegetables I’ve ever had. The salad was crisp and crunchy accompanied by pieces of corn and drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
From the Sliders Menu
Chicken Meatball with Pesto One piece of meatball between two pieces of bread sure leaves a big impression. All of the flavors from the meat and sauce blend together perfectly.
Special Meatball with Tomato Sauce This delicious concoction hits the spot. All I can say is that I was speechless after having my first bite of it.
As we munch on the genius creations, the crowd burst into a spontaneous sing along with the Beatles song “Hey Jude, which played on the speaker system. Could it get any better? Oh yes!
From the Dessert Menu
Apricot Ice Cream with Amaretto Cookies Our waitress told us it was her favorite and recommended it. It’s ice cream for grownups; the apricot pieces in the ice cream makes it sophisticated but still fun, and the amaretto is the cherry on top.
Mint Ice Cream with Chocolate Chip Cookies It will satisfy anyone who likes mint ice cream. The soft cookies melt in your mouth with minty goodness.
Strawberry Cream Soda Float The best float I’ve ever had. It has the perfect texture of creaminess and comes with a generous scoop of homemade strawberry ice cream (with real strawberry pieces). They leave the mixing up to you, so you can customize according to your liking.
It’s no surprise that when people think of comfort food, The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton St.) comes to mind. I don’t think it’s a trend either: the meatballs are here to stay. For more information, please click here.