Pork Chops and Apple Strudel at Jake's Saloon

Robert Abrams
January 19, 2006

Jake's Saloon is three blocks and an avenue from Stepping Out Studios (37 West 26th Street, New York, NY, 646-742-9400, www.steppingoutstudios.com). Maybe you have taken a great lesson from Talia Castro-Pozo, and you need a great beer to top off the night? Try a Bare Knuckle beer ($6.50). It is smooth and creamy with rich flavor that lingers on the tongue. Bare Knuckle goes down well in Jake's Saloon's warm and welcoming atmosphere. I haven't been here in about a month and even so, the waiter, Aaron, remembered my name.

What better to accompany the beer than two oversized pork chops lavished with mushroom gravy, sitting on pile of mash potatoes and bright vegetables (a special, $15.95). If you have had a hard week, this is comfort food. The pork is savory. The pork and the mushrooms provide a nice textural contrast. The marsala wine makes the meat tender. The vegetables are cooked, but still hold together. Soft, but not mushy. All in all, a filling dish.

For dessert I had the Apple Strudel ($6.95). The crust is light and flaky. The apples are hot and tender. It was superb and homemade. The dusting of powdered sugar complements the tartness of the apples. The scattered blueberries and strawberry on the side give a welcome breath of spring in the dark of winter.

Jake's Saloon

A great restaurant and bar!
23rd Street and 7th Avenue
Conveniently located near Joyce Theater and Chelsea dance studios
212.337.3100
Ask for Jimmy
57th Street and 10th Avenue
Conveniently located near Lincoln Center ballet companies, outdoor dance, and John Jay Auditorium
212.333.3100
Ask for Jimmy
www.jakessaloonnyc.com