Post Film Premiere at Westville East 11-19-2009

Location: 173 Ave A
Time: 9pm
People: JLam from MeSoHungry, JR, Mike, RB and myself

Feelings: Congratulations to my friend and former colleague, Andrea Wachner! Her stripper impersonation comedy, "I Remember Andrea" has been all over the major networks and web. After attending the New York film premiere on Thursday night, the gathering/after party continued at Angels and Kings in East Village, and some of us walked a block to one of my New American restaurants, Westville East.

The restaurant was packed, and it continues to prove its popularity even on a Thursday night. We shared a side of delicious brussels sprouts, which were flavorful and perfectly cooked. JLam was intrigued by these brussels sprouts, and he mentioned they are much better than when he had them more than 20 years ago. JR asked for the recipe, and I believe she will attempt to cook them for Thanksgiving dinner.

Mike ordered sausage and peppers over grilled bread. It had a surprising amount of heat. JLam's Newport steak sandwich (with caramelized onions, horseradish mayo on baguette) looked like quite a quintessential Americana dish. RB's beer battered codfish and chips were not authentic but tasty. He was not crazy about the buffalo wing sauce that came aside. As a fish and chips purist, he wanted the malt vinegar...which usually completely stinks up the space and his breath, so I was happy that he was not given the malt vinegar.

JR and I both ordered grilled salmon salmon dishes. JR got it in a salad form, and I got it as a sandwich. The salmon was well cooked, but the sandwich was a little lacking in sauce. The baguette was hard to the point of not being able to bite it off or cut it with knife. I eventually took the sandwich apart and eat the fish and baguette separately.

I was disappointed that no one ordered codfish po'boy sandwich, which happens to be one of my favorite dishes at Westville. But everyone seemed satisfied with their food and continued their fascination over the brussels sprouts. All their dishes are between $10-$18, and the portions are large. Their beer selection is also quite impressive. Westville East continues to bring comforting new American meals with casual and cool atmosphere.

But sorry Westville, we can't have dessert at your place. We of course had to finish the night at some soft serve and cookies at Milk Bar.