Brooklyn Diner

Brooklyn Diner
155 W 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 265-5400

Before our trip to New York, Howard and I were watching Throwdown! with Bobby Flay on the Food Network. That episode, Bobby went to Melba's to challenge Melba Wilson on her chicken and waffle dish.

I have to make a confession here. Before watching the show, I had never heard of chicken and waffles (as one dish) before. My first thought was, that's weird! Why would you combine the two?

The episode explained the origin and Howard said it would actually be a good dish for someone like me. I always have to decide between ordering an entree versus a dessert at a restaurant. An entree makes me too full to eat dessert. A dessert isn't an adequate meal (according to some).

So, ever since we watched that episode, I wanted to order chicken and waffle.

While we didn't go to Melba's, we did stop at the Brooklyn Diner at Times Square for dinner. The service was very nice and they have cakes and dessert trays on display. Best of all, they have chicken and waffles on their menu!!

I ordered Henry’s Fried Chicken and Waffles with Vermont maple syrup. When my plate arrived, I noticed newly seated customers eyeing my dish. I overheard them telling that waiter that they just had to order the chicken and waffles too! =)

First thing I did was place the giant ball of butter to the side. Sorry, I only need maple syrup with my waffles! The waffle was really good, sweet, but not overly sweet, which made it a good companion to the syrup. The chicken, also very good, with no special seasoning as far as I can tell. Just good fashioned fried chicken. I can see myself getting addicted to this dish. I had a meal and dessert in one. It was very filling but that didn't stop me from trying Howard's dish.

Howard ordered the Three Cheese Chicken Parmigiana served with spaghetti pomodoro. Wow. We do not get portions like this in Toronto. The chicken was on one giant serving plate!

The spaghetti was served on a small separate plate. When we order chicken parmigiana here, it is usually the opposite. The spaghetti comes in a larger heap!

My brother ordered the Cuban Chicken (Pollo Cubano), a pan roasted chicken breast with vidalia onions, cilantro, lime, served with plantain chips and rice & beans!

Enjoying Times Square at night! =)