Melba's Restaurant - New York, NY

I knew I was in the right place from the minute I walked in the door! Quaint and friendly, with smooth R & B music playing in the background, Melba's Restaurant beckoned me in for a down home dinner.

Melba's, located at 114th Street and Fredrick Douglas Blvd, was the comfort food place I had been searching for in New York City. I had a hard time deciding on what to eat. Not because the menu was that extensive, but because I wanted every item I saw brought out of the kitchen! The person to the left of me had a very generous portion of grilled salmon that looked fabulous. The couple to the right had fried chicken and waffles. Not a one of them had a crumb left on their plate, so I must assume it was delicious.

My table ordered a bountiful Caesar salad, fried catfish, turkey meatloaf, three-cheese macaroni, fresh mashed potatoes, and greens. All the dishes were so tasty and well seasoned. Unfortunately for me, I am allergic to turkey and could not try the meatloaf or greens. But, I am appreciative of the heathy twist Melba has added to her menu. Considering how magically meatloaf and greens disappeared from the table, they MUST have been good. The  three-cheese macaroni & cheese was better than mine. (I need the recipe!) Though full, I had to bring back to the hotel a slice of the sweet potato pie. So glad I did!

Melba's is not a large restaurant; room for maybe 60, including the charming bar area. You'll want to make a reservation. The quaint size only adds to the charm. I did not get to meet the owner, Melba, but she must have a big heart. You can feel the "homemade love" by watching the families and tourists enjoying their meals and the joy and laughter from the party of 12 in the corner. That can only be a reflection of the owner and her amazing staff. 

One thing for sure, I have found my "comfort zone" for comfort food in New York City!

4 1/2 of 5 Valcooks Aprons

Melba's Restaurant

300 W. 114th Street

New York, NY 10026

(212)864-7777

melbasrestaurant.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

Red Rooster - Harlem, NY

 

I had heard so much about the Red Rooster. I tried on numerous occasions to get a reservation and failed. (Must be a popular place with phenomenal food, I reasoned.) This trip, I made certain and made reservations weeks in advance. Two days prior, I needed to change the number in the party by one. They said they were booked. Not one to take no for an answer, I had someone else call seconds later. Bam! Reservation made with same last name. Previous reservation canceled. I got what I needed. I guess when you're that popular, you can treat customers this way. Enough ranting...lets get to the food.

You've heard the old saying, "Don't believe the hype". Well, I did and sadly, was disappointed.  The appetizers were okay. They consisted of shrimp with dirty rice, chicken & waffles and salmon salad. I was wondering why the shrimp dish was cold & stale. After all the appetizers were consumed, out came the steaming hot, fresh ones! They were sent back because we're now waiting for the main course.

The main course dishes were Helgas Meatballs, Fried Yard Bird and Mac and Greens with Lobster. Of the three, the Helgas Meatballs was the best. This is the signature dish of owner & popular Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The chicken was overly salted and the greens side dish - way too much vinegar. The Mac & Greens with lobster? Let's just say the lobster bits were eaten and the rest was not.

I truly wish the experience had been more positive, but I must be true with my readers! Hopefully, it was just an off night.

2 ½ Valcooks Aprons 

Red Rooster

310 Lenox Ave.

New York, NY 10027

(212)792-9001

redroosterharlem.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"