Monday, August 25, 2008

El Jamon, don't sleep on it!

El Jamon (25-51 Steinway) has got a lunch special fit for a king I tell ya! To my surprise, I went in for a nice Sunday afternoon lunch and was offered the new lunch special. Now I've gone there a few times before and been very satisfied with both the food and the service every time, but now there is even more of a reason to like the place, 3 courses for $12.95! (You can add a fourth for another couple of bucks but that would be gluttony). Needless to say, I had lunch for the next day...

I didn't take too much of a close note on all the options but there are 2 or 3 for each course. While you are looking over the menu there is always a nibble or two brought out by the sweet wait staff, this time was no different. We got toast with a ceviche flavored fish of sorts, maybe sardine? Also two little croquettes (I had a lunch date, i assume they will always bring out one of each person). I then of course looked over the lunch menu - which is available every day mind you.... but I forget the times (sorry!) and found great options.

I settled on Hogaza de Lomo (melted manchego cheese topped with grilled marinated pork loin and piquillo pepper) as my appetizer. Here I am thinking OK, I'll get a piece of toast with some smidge of pork- yeah right! This could really have been enough for me at this point. I was already starting to daydream about my lunch of leftovers for tomorrow! The flavor of the pork was so nice and tangy. It had a nice red tinge to it too, you could see the seasoning had worked.

So now comes the big one. My main was the Chuleton ala Brasa, a 10oz. grilled rib eye with cabrales cream sauce served with poor man's potatoes (they are kinda like home fries but better). I couldn't believe this was a "lunch" portion! They have the 16 ounce version on the regular menu and it goes for $20- that's craziness I tell you CRAZINESS! No joke, I started in and tried to make a dent and pretty much fell in food lust with the whole thing. The potatoes where nothing to scoff at either, they were under there just sopping up the cheese and meat juices, I'm not much of a potato person and I killed these- for reals. Over half of this plate ended up for lunch the next day. Filling isn't the word.

Is there room left for anything? Damn right there is! When it comes to their Chocolate Mousse, I can always make room. What kind of review would I be able to give if I didn't go all the way with my 3rd course?!?!?!? I really do love the simple homemade mousse they have here. I get it every time I'm there :) It's got flecks of shaved chocolate in it and they serve it with these little fried puffs of some sort of not too sweet fruit goo. Hahahaha I know my description sucks but hey, I'm a foodies not a proper writer!!!! But you get it right? Go try it for yourself, give me the better description- I'd love to hear it!


Yup, that's my review. The place is adorable and the people are sweet. The food is good and you get more then your money's worth (especially on this incredible lunch deal). I'd like to see this place stick around, it will now be my go-to steak place when I get the hankering thats for sure.

13 comments:

Jen Rock said...

Glad to know this place is up to snuff, I live across the street and have been curious for some time!

Its pretty traditional for the Spanish to eat a large lunch and a light supper, so I'm not surprised you were bestowed with such a feast.

Unknown said...

Yup Jen, please go and let us know what you think!
my partner had fish (his usual) and the meats and cheeses app which were also very very good

Andy said...

hey we just launched a similar astoria blog at http://www.nyknifeandfork.com/ maybe we can link one another?

Andy said...

heres a link: New York Knife & Fork

Andy said...

maybe this one works: New York Knife & Fork

MissPinkKate said...

Ok, you've convinced me! I'm having lunch here on Friday!

Brian Dailey said...

So per your recommendation my wife and I went (for supper, not lunch) and I must say, that 16 oz is a beast. I ate about half and I'll have to save the rest.

The waiter was very, very friendly.

Fooditka said...

Hey Sooz, this is awesome. I can't wait to try it. Next on my list! The pics are great too!

Unknown said...

oh yay brian, glad you had an enjoyable time!

and yes foodista, please go and write a proper tell all :) you're much better at it then i!

megc said...

I gotta get there! Sounds amazing - and so close. It's moved up in my "must eat" list, for sure.

chickendumplins said...

this looks rediculously good. thanks for the heads up with the lunch special - can't wait to try it!!!

Jen Rock said...

I have to unfortunately report that my trip there today was pretty unpleasant.
I had the 4 course lunch and it started off well enough with the pork and cheese on toast. But then I had the salad which was a typical pre-cut pre-bagged mix of greens covered in preserving chemicals. Not good. I ate about a quarter of that. Then I got the pollo con queso which tasted fine but I could barely eat it I was already so full. Then I finished with their creme brulee-esque dessert which was good but I was not feeling good at all. Its a good thing I live nearby: as soon as I got back to my apartment I pretty much lost my entire lunch.

My criticisms are that the portions are way too big for a healthy lunch or dinner. That's just not realistic to give so much to eat, even if one is hungry. Also, I could tell just by eating that some of the cuts of meat and ingredients were not of good quality. The steak that my partner had, for instance was full of gristle, tough to chew.

In quantity to price, its a good deal, but in terms of quality, I'd say its mediocre at best.

Maybe I hit it on a bad day, but I don't think I'd want to go back.

Anonymous said...

Is his birthday? treating like a king.





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