Month: March 2011

Taylor Ham – this blog’s namesake

Posted on by mmmcupcake

taylor ham

Have you ever had Canadian bacon? How about fried bologna? Yes? Then you might have a slight idea of what taylor ham is.

But in reality, you have no idea.

There’s nothing like it.

Its meaty and succulent. Not fatty, but not lean either.

It’s versatile. When sliced thin, we call it taylor ham and put it on egg sandwiches or serve it up with eggs and home fries at local NJ diners. When eaten on a roll by itself, we call it pork roll, which sounds less appetizing but tastes much better.

Its everything you could ever want in a processed meat. Go to NJ and buy some today.

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Lucky’s Famous Burgers

Posted on by mmmcupcake

If you walk west down 52nd Street, you can’t miss Lucky’s Famous Burgers. It’s interior screams at you in yellow and orange tones and snares you in from the sidewalk. The tiny space boasts four tables and two counter spaces for your dining pleasure.

So, what does any sentient being order at a place called Lucky’s Famous Burgers? The cheddar burger, naturally. The solid patty of goodness has delicious written all over it. Lucky’s generously tops the burger with tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. (I’m sure you can ask for the burger to be prepared without any of these.) Like the Shake Shack (the standard), they use a potato bun to bookend the scrumptious inards.

The fries are as wonderful as the burgers. Crinkle cut and on the skinny side, these fries are light and easy-to-eat in twos and fours. Lucky’s offers a few condiments for your fry-tasting: ketchup, chipotle mayo, and Lucky’s sauce–which was a smokey mayo concoction that we couldn’t quite identify. Next time we’re going to try the onion rings.

We ordered a black-and-white shake, which came in a tall styrofoam cup with a plastic lid with a too-narrow straw. Though it was onerous to drink, the shake was pretty good. You could taste the syrup–which I like.

Lucky’s has several locations in the city. I highly recommend visiting one of them.

Pies ‘n’ Thighs: The Gamut

Posted on by mmmcupcake

What is there to say about a place called Pies ‘n’ Thighs? They have great pies and, oh my, what fine thighs.

Seriously? They serve up delicious fare at affordable prices. Have you seen their chicken biscuit? It’s only $5.50 and that will keep anyone satisfied for days on end.

I ordered the Fried Chicken Box ($12.50), which came with a dense, buttery biscuit, three pieces of chicken, and one side. I chose macaroni and cheese, although I thought about trying their grits–which, I’m sure, are phenomenal. The biscuit is best eaten with a bit of honey, but the chicken needs no embellishments. It’s salty crust embodies the epitome of fried chicken perfection. Greaseless, and after three whole pieces, I don’t feel like I’m going to vomit. Think about the last time you went to Popeye’s. Or don’t.

A drizzle of hot sauce nicely accented the creamy mac ‘n’ cheese’s delicate flavor. I enjoyed this dish, but would definitely try one or more of their other sides next time.

My dining partner, Goody Wang, ordered the Catfish Box ($12) We both lamented the lack of boxes around our food. If there’s something Pies ‘n’ Thighs might change about their presentation, it’s definitely boxes. (Did you know I am listening to Justin Bieber as I’m writing this? What the hell?) She said her food was excellent as well.

We ordered requisite pies, one slice for each of us.

I got the banana cream pie and she tried the fried apple pie with ice cream. Whoa, did I just say fried apple pie? Like chicken fried apple pie? Almost, but not quite. The banana cream pie’s difficult-to-cut crust had a distinct flavor that I cannot place. Her fried apple pie was coated with granulated sugar and piping hot. Yum.

I highly recommend Pies ‘n’ Thighs–especially on a week night. You might try one of their boxes (they also have a Brisket box), or opt for the chicken biscuit. Whatever you eat, you’ll be beyond satisfied.