There are very few restaurants I visit more than once, let alone many times. Someone asked me this the other day and I was shocked that I could think of very few restaurants I’ve been to more than 2-3 times. Jane happens to be one of those places that I’ve visited for every meal, more than once, and it never disappoints.
Situated nicely on West Houston and Thompson, Jane is one of my favorites in the city – it’s inviting, friendly, and the food is god damn delicious. Every time. I stopped in here on a whim last Wednesday with my two girlfriends, and it was amazing from start to finish. Let’s talk about that start, shall we?
Jane makes pasta for an appetizer…and if you think it’s a heavy starter…you would be right. BUT IT’S SO WORTH IT. Toasted ricotta gnocchi with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and white truffle cream?? How can you go wrong with that combination? You can’t. I promise you. They’re like little sexy pillows of creamy, cheesy, deliciousness. Just order them.
Jane had a special on this specific day for a slow roasted pork shoulder with grilled peaches, frisee lettuce, gorgonzola polenta, and hot cherry peppers. I…don’t know where to begin. The pork itself was so tender and juicy, but when you got a little bit of everything on your fork it was like an explosion of flavors in your mouth: savory pork, sweet peaches, creamy polenta, slightly vinegary and spicy peppers, and crunch of the frisee…wonderful. I can’t stress enough that this place knows what they’re doing when it comes to food.
My friend Alexis had the NY Strip steak with sweet onion marmalade and potato-gruyere croquettes. I have had many a good steak in my life, and this one was right up there cooked to medium rare perfection. Slice a piece of that buttery meat and top it off with those sweet onions…dear god. I’m actually salivating writing about it.
Moving right on to dessert here. You can get as fancy as you like with things like Strawberries & Cream with mascarpone, lemon custard and strawberry consomme, or you can keep it very simple with Milk & Cookies. Yes. They have this as a dessert and it’s ohhhh soooo perfecttttt. Three GIGANTIC cookies served with vanilla ice cream and super cold milk. Unless you’re lactose intolerant or just plain stupid, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t like this. The cookies are crispy on the outside and warm and chewy on the inside. Once again, pardon me while I wipe the drool off my chin.
Jane…in a city that makes it difficult to be monogamous, you have won my heart over and over again. I’m not saying I will be completely faithful, but I will never stray too far.
Jane
100 West Houston St
212-254-7000
Website Link: Jane
