The Meatball Shop

Through this blog, I meet so many awesome people – one such person being Sarah of Fritos & Foie Gras.  As soon as I saw her blog name, I knew we were destined to be besties, because those are two of my favorite things in the world.  I had to hide my “WE ARE MEANT TO BE FRIENDS” from her for a little while because 1- usually people freak out when I say that, and 2- because, as StB will attest (and yes, I am still friends with her, though she’s not appeared here for months, it’s because I haven’t seen her for months; all will become clear soon enough), whenever I fall madly “in love” with a new friend, it falls apart faster than I can clear off space around my neck for a new “BEST/FRIENDS” necklace.  So I was trying to take things slow, you know?  In any case, after a slow, tantalizing Twitter dance of seduction, a chance meeting, and then a magical night under the stars/umbrella, I’d impressed Sarah enough that we could move onto the real seduction: a lunch date. 

Because I was dying to try it after the All Clad Chef’s Tour, I suggested The Meatball Shop, and she politely didn’t mention she’d already been.  What a nice date 😉

After getting lost because I thought this was on East 7th, not Stanton Street – and I assure you, those two streets are not even close to each other!!! – I arrived to a patiently waiting Sarah.  I’ve been late twice now, and am determined to not let it happen a third time!  So sorry, darling! – but wisely, she had a book with her, because she must have other friends who are routinely late.  I must try that – bringing a book when I’m meeting friends who are routinely late.  I sat down and quickly ordered the lemonade of the day: blackberry.  I was surprised when it came so red – I don’t have much experience with blackberries (beyond my Torch, ha… ha… *crickets*) but this was nicely tart, slightly sweet, and if it tasted like blackberries, I would have no idea.  Tasty. 

After we discussed our order at length, we decided on the smash – two balls smashed on a brioche bun – with what I believe were the classic beef meatballs topped with parmesan cream and mozzarella, plus the family jewels (a sunny side up egg).  And a salad.  This is $8. 

PERFECTLY fried sunny side up egg, one of my huge pet peeves is going anywhere for sunny side up eggs and getting one that’s undercooked (runny white) or overcooked (solid yolk).  Both are highly offensive to me, and I drooled a little watching Sarah try to cut this in half as the yolk ran everywhere.  So good.  I loved the parmesan cream, and the meatballs were, as expected, fantastic.  I would definitely go back to get the parmesan cream over pasta or mashed potatoes next time.  I’m already mentally planning my next visit, to be honest. 

While waiting for me, Sarah chose two sliders to share. 

The special meatball of the day, Buffalo chicken with blue cheese dressing, was a huge hit.  I don’t really order chicken (aside from fried or wings) when I go out, and would never have thought to order a chicken meatball, but this was genius.  Just the slightest burn of heat (great for me) and the cooling creaminess of the blue cheese – awesome sauce.  Perfect.  I think just one was the perfect amount too – well, half, as we split everything. 

I am pretty sure this was the spicy pork with spicy sauce, but I’m not entirely sure – I just remember it was GOOD.  That’s what matters, right?  That it was GOOD?  Yum. 

Because we’re gluttons – or just like to eat, whatever – we ordered dessert too. 

LOOK HOW TALL THAT IS.

Don’t believe me?  Here’s my finger for scale!  I have the most famous fingers on this blog, as they’re in tons of pictures to show scale!  Anyway, house-made mint ice cream with the special cookie of the day – chocolate wafer – holy crap, those are the chocolate cookies of my dreams.  And the ice cream was minty-fresh, with bits of fresh mint strewn throughout, and so tasty without being too sweet.  I picked up one cookie (and helped Sarah take the other one; I’m a lady, see?) and nommed it while scooping bits of ice cream into my mouth.  Love, love, love.  

I definitely am planning a return very shortly.  The lighting was gorgeous for a lazy afternoon lunch, and it was laidback in there.  We sat at the bar, we weren’t bothered, and all this (plus a seltzer for my svelte lady), with tip and tax, came to $16ish/person.  Not bad… not bad at all.  

Then I wandered up to Madison Square Eats… will post tomorrow!  🙂

Yvo says: I really enjoyed our meal, and I totally want to go back to try more combinations of things and some things I missed on this first visit.  Very reasonably priced, love the atmosphere and service, just a great time and a casual place to enjoy a meal with a friend.  Love.  And no, the chef who called me ‘cute as a button’ wasn’t there, but I didn’t go to see him! 😉  Maybe next time.  Ha!
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