SONS OF ESSEX.

From the same man that brought you the Eldrige in LES, Matt Levine's newest venture, Sons of Essex, is not nearly as hip-stentious (a portmanteau for HIPSTER + PRETENTIOUS). The scene was underground and communal - I sat in the front of the restaurant near the bar, where you are seated picnic table-style next to other diners. A little invasive and rocky (the table's legs were uneven and shifted often), but the extreme comfort food menu made me forget about all my discomfort. 

 My friend ordered the Truffle Grilled Cheese - a deliciously puffy and crispy sandwich of gruyere, goat cheese, parmigiano reggiano, sauteed mushrooms, and baby arugula. YUM. It also came with a side bowl of Tomato Cheddar soup.

I began with the Asian Calamari Salad - a blend of lightly battered and fried calamari tossed with sweet and spicy Asian chili sauce, cucumber, watermelon, cilantro, and celery leaf. I loved the combination of celery and cucumber flavors along with the calamari - light and refreshing. 

It was a hard call - between the Macaroni and Cheese options and a true entree - but I ended up ordering the Eggplant Parmesan Stuffed Tomato - a carved local beefsteak tomato stuffed with layers of eggplant parmesan. DIVINE. You know my affinity for cheesy and mushy vegetables - which was exactly the consistency of the eggplant parmesan. Next time, I'm going for the Lobster Pot Pie! 

 

We also ordered some sides to accompany our meal - the Cauliflower Puree was lovely. A creamy, whipped, airy puree with light flavors. The Roasted Brussel Sprouts were topped with pine nuts and had an excellent mush-factor.

Desserts were an absolute must. My friend ordered the Churros with Creme Anglaise Dipping Sauce - light, crispy sticks of fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar and served with a delicious vanilla scented cream. This must have been the lightest and cinnamon/sugariest encrusted churro I have ever eaten!!!! Absolutely fantastic. 

The Butterscotch Pudding with Bruelee Bananas was also excellent - a golden delight, smooth luscious pudding with hints of caramel topped with sweet ripe banana made slightly crispy with their burnt sugar topping. YUMYUMYUM. The pudding had a wonderful vanilla flavor to it - which was enhanced by the caramelized bananas. I absolutely LOVED this dessert - it definitely competes with Magnolia's Banana Pudding (which I love so dearly). 

Had a wonderful meal at Sons of Essex and cannot wait to go back and try more items off their menu!