For the Perfect Combination of Old School Tradition and Classic Food Choices in Modern Times: “P.J. Clarke’s”
Since
1884 P.J. Clarke’s has been a Manhattan staple serving up their signature
simple food for their celebrity as well as civilian clientele. I am, as of now,
part of the latter working towards being apart of the former.
The
first time I came upon a P.J. Clarke’s it was by accident. I was heading out
towards Lincoln Center and it caught my eye. I was in the need for a place to
eat before these kinds of outings that was fairly priced, had great food and
many choices to choose from, also without a line out the door. Here the line is
moving despite being incredibly crowded. Lucky for us diners the space is huge
and operates on two full floors. Once your entire party has arrived there is
usually no more than at fifteen-twenty minute wait. Any one of these criteria
would be beneficial but to have it all is why it’s getting a dedication from
me, here and now.
Though
that first visit was some years ago my affinity for them has not changed.
Despite the changing area it is now in. There are more bars and more
restaurants to choose from but my decision never waivers. Apparently there are
many like-minded people from all over that are seated around me.
On that
first visit I ordered the roasted chicken dinner. It was one of the best
chicken meals I have ever had. I eat quite a lot of chicken but preferably not
off the bone. However the exception here is this moist, juicy flavor of a
simple dish prepared with know-how.
For my
second and third visits I went with a more popular meal, one that this
establishment is known for. That would be their burger. There are only a
handful of restaurants that have a dish that is so iconic that to order
anything else would be foolish. This has no bearing of course on how tasty said
dishes are. No matter how you order your burger or which one you choose you
will end up with a happy, full stomach. I have had the sliders and more
recently their wild mushroom cheddar burger. That was to die for! It looked
like more than I could finish but turns out it went down no problem. To convey
how truly delicious this burger was I have to mention that I didn’t eat a
single fry until I was done with the burger! That has never happened to me,
before or since. I am craving it right now so bad it actually hurts.
P.J.
Clarke’s now has expanded into several locations in N.Y.C. as well as other
U.S. cities and now even internationally. Talk about good word of mouth! Too
bad they can’t ship their burgers.
During
its long history celebrities have and continued to frequent this restaurant and
especially the bar. Celebs like Frank Sinatra, Jackie O, Ted Kennedy, and Buddy
Holly just to name a few. Literally, just a few. This place has the longest
list of celebrity patrons (past, present, and probably future) that I have ever
seen. There are way too many to list now but you should read up on it.
But of
all of those who have loved P.J. Clarke’s besides me, there is one who is now
nearer to my heart and that is Mr. Johnny Mercer. Before last year I had never
heard of him. Since then I have traveled to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015/03/for-hard-hearted-hannah-vamp-of.html),
I am now well acquainted. His former home, Mercer Williams, is legendary in
those parts especially since the murder that took place there. For more on that
you will have to read or watch “Midnight in the Garden or Good and Evil”. Both
are well worth it I assure you.
Back to
Mr. Mercer. It is known that he wrote the lyrics to “One for My Baby” on a
napkin while sitting (and presumably drinking) at the bar. It is these kind of
experiences that makes New York City a place that will never get old. It has
the charm, arrogance, and tradition all its own.
Another
little tidbit of information that all will enjoy, is that as soon as Dick Clark
was done counting down the New Year on TV. the first thing he did was to return
to P.J. Clarke’s for burger. I have heard it is important who you kiss first at
midnight as it sets the tone for the entire year. Maybe it is even more important
what your first meal of the New Year is. It is something I am now taking very
seriously.
So this
year when the calendar arrives on December 31st, I will be thinking
of Dick Clark and also craving a burger from P.J. Clarke’s. A tradition I will
continue to enjoy until my name is on the famous faces page.
For
Much More Information:
For the
Famous Faces of P.J. Clarke’s:
For
More of My Burger Reviews (in Order of My Opinion after P.J. Clarke’s):
Comments
Post a Comment