Eat It Up...At America Eats Tavern

C Says...

So last month, I explained my obsession with all things Top Chef. This month, I'll try to not do the same with my obsession with all things Jose Andres. I love the guy. I love his PBS show. I love his accent. I love Jaleo. I love his hijinks on late night talk shows. I love how he's making food fun -- the way Ferran Adria did at the now closed El Bulli (so sad). And that's exactly what he's doing with America Eats Tavern...making food fun. I mean how ballsy is it to shut down a perfectly successful restaurant (Cafe Atlantico) and reopen it as a pop-up in partnership with the National Archives' "What's Cooking Uncle Sam Exhibit?" with ALL the profits going toward The Foundation for The National Archives?

All the menu items, and there are many, pay homage to America's food history. Want to know how macaroni and cheese came to be a staple in American homes? Try the vermicelli prepared like pudding. I did. And trust me...it's unbelieveably good. Care for something more historical? How about Eisenhower's stew. I didn't try that this time, but on a previous visit, I did have the peanut soup and that's seriously good.

For our entree, J gave in and let me order the bison steak for two. It was cooked to perfection with accompanying side "catsups" (these are not of the Hunt's or Heinz variety) and cheddar mashed potatoes and veggies. The entire meal was amazing, and yes, my dog did devour the leftover bone.

If you're looking for whimsy (bills come enclosed in a book by an American author -- Hardy Boys anyone) and interested in the history of our country's food culture (there are no descriptions of what the meals include, only the origins of each dish) and looking for a great meal, I highly recommend making a reservation...and fast. America Eats Tavern closes, appropriately, on July 4, 2012. Now if only someone would take me to Mini Bar...

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J Says...

C picked America Eats Tavern, which I had only previously heard about from the Other J (who was quite jealous we were going). My immediate reaction upon arriving was deja-vu...I'd been there before. Apparently, it was when the space was Cafe Atlantico. Kudos to Jose Andres for sprucing up the place.

Dining upstairs, the waiter explained that the goal is to have 4 plates...Oysters..."To Follow"....Soups & Salads...Meats & Fish. Yea, that wasn't on my docket that night. I went with the Hush Puppies from the "To Follow" menu to start and then, partnering with C, we tackled the 27 oz Bison Tomahawk Steak with cheddar mashed potatoes, catsups and pickles. The hush puppies were good, but not unique. The Bison steak, however, was AMAZING. Totally worth giving up control of my meal (I'm not a food-sharer by nature)...and think C's dog Stanley enjoyed the thigh bone that we wrapped up for him after we devoured the meat.

I liked America Eats Tavern but not rushing to return...there just weren't a lot of options on the menu that piqued my interest. I'm sure the Other J will enjoy going there...but be careful if you do, certain menu items are only available on certain nights...another no-no in my book.