I heard about Bobwhite Lunch and Supper Counter through one of my favorite food blogs, Eating in Translation. The description of a pork chop sandwich with chow chow piqued my interest, first because I like pork chops, second because I wasn't sure if I'd had chow chow before.
A few Facebook posts later, and I was meeting up at Bobwhite for lunch with my friend Thom, who was going to be on the Lower East Side anyway. I "see" Thom mostly on FB when he posts pictures of food that he's cooked or at places where he dines; some of my favorite pictures are those of his dad dining when they go out to eat in Chinatown. Thom comes from a family that clearly knows and enjoys food, but he doesn't have a snotty attitude towards food (or "foodietude"), so dining with him is a treat.
We ordered a pork chop sandwich and a fried chicken sandwich. For sides, we settled on tomato pudding and creamed kale. I got a sweet tea, as that just seemed like the right thing to do.
Getting ready to tuck in
We split the sandwiches to allow both of us to get a crack at the pork and the chicken. Both sandwiches were very good - the fried chicken was crisp, juicy, and flavorful, as was the pork. I really enjoyed the chow chow, which added piquancy and pep to the pork. The sandwiches were also just the right size to satisy without overstuffing. Thom said the tomato pudding - baked with bread cubes, tomatoes, and onions - reminded him of a dish called "train wreck," which I'd like to try. (I just realized that the tomato pudding probably served for me as a substitute for ketchup, which I usually like to dip fried chicken in.) The creamed kale was the only disappointment: somewhat chalky, mostly bland, and just filling.
Notice the guy behind Thom, staring at our dishes.
Overall, Bobwhite gave us a good meal at a good price in a pleasant space. You can dine at the counter or at the bar-height tables. Order up front, have a seat, and they'll serve you. Look out the big windows facing Avenue A (while we were eating, Thom spotted his dad driving past; it was my version of a celebrity sighting) and eat your meal slowly.
I forgot to mention that a three piece fried chicken meal with biscuits and a salad is only available for supper. Meaning: I'll be back.
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