JoeDoe

REVIEW

May 18, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Brunch
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Lower East Side

 

45 East 1st Street Between 1st and 2nd Ave

(p) 212-780-0262

 

After Prune sentenced us to a 45 minute wait for brunch on a Saturday afternoon, we decided to try neighboring spot, JoeDoe. The space is warm and inviting, with  a vintage, flea-market inspired feel, accented by dark wood trim, and antique knickknacks. Immediately after sitting, our friendly waiter brought over a plate of homemade biscuits with a sweet, honey butter which we inhaled while looking over our brunch options. The menu is eclectic, if a bit unusual, with an emphasis on meats like homemade chorizo and pork jowl.  Owner and chef, Joe, who can be seen from the tiny kitchen, refers to his food as "Aggressive American."  It seems a little more "Aggressive New York," though, with menu items like the "Conflicted Jew," consisting of liver and bacon on Challah with an apple dipping sauce...

 

 To get a feel for both savory and sweet options, we ordered the french toast and the eggs benedict. The french toast consisted of two enormous slabs of Challah, had an almost creamy consistency, and can be ordered with bananas foster or fresh fruit, but is equally as satisfying plain and liberally doused in powdered sugar. The eggs benedict with pork jowl is  the epitome of savory breakfast food; the pork was thick and meaty paired with the eggs and creamy hollandaise.  Both dishes were beautifully presented and flavorful, hinting at successful food beyond the brunch menu.  Though we haven't been to Prune before noon yet, it looks like they should have some 1st Street competition.

 


Posted in FOOD on May 18, 2009 12:20pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments




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