Tim Jordan
Google
In NYC to see Clapton at MSG last September.
Sorry for delay in review. Two of us looking for a place near the subway for a quick breakfast. Saw Blue Dog Kitchen & Bar on the map, decent reviews, gave it a try. The restaurant is tucked back along the outside of the metrohub, and is quite small. Seating was quick, if we sat at the bar. We opted to do that, and were squeezed in between two other customers, our seats are awkwardly small, and there is no knee room under the bar edge to allow you to get close enough to eat comfortably.
Our server was the bartender, took our drink orders, and food orders promptly. The coffee was very tasty, our order included the charred cauliflower, a breakfast burrito & the crabcake eggs benedict.
They move food out of the kitchen quickly, only a 7 minute wait for our food to come. The crab cake on the eggs benedict was well flavored, but kind of mushy, without a well defined crispness on the outer crust. The amount of hollandaise was just about perfect, enough to taste it, but not so much as to drown the rest of the Benedict. The major downside to this dish was the stale English Muffin. About one-third of the outside edge was so hard it couldn't be cut with a knife easily. Some of the home fries were a bit crispy, or tough, but they were tasty and seasoned well. Be aware they have onions and peppers in them, if that's not your preferred, avoid them.
I was skeptical of a breakfast burrito without meat, but this one was very nicely done. The asparagus was fresh, as were the mushrooms, and the scrambled eggs inside were very light and fluffy, with a substantial portion of egg.
We both agreed, however, that the standout menu item was the charred cauliflower. A cast iron skillet, about 5 inches across, filled to the top with pieces of cauliflower. Nicely charred, lightly salted, just a perfect addition to the meal. I've never had roasted vegetables for breakfast, I discovered I'm a fan.
Service was excellent, the food was okay, and one menu item blue us both away (see what i did there? 😉) with its simplicity yet well prepared quality.
This would be a decent place to return to, but given the Flop on the crab benedict, we can only give it three out of five