The breakfast menu is served lat into the afternoon (4 pm) on Saturday and Sunday.
Celebrity Chef Michael Schlow (Executive Chef of Radius, Alta Strada, Tico, and Via Matta) opened up his 5th restaurant back in May of 2012.
As a new neighborhood spot for me, I was more than excited to check it out.
It was a warm, sunny day and I was left hungry and disappointed by a mishap with a food tour mix-up so I headed back towards home and thought decided on brunch at Happy's.
When dining alone, I prefer to sit at the bar and chat up the bartender. Matt (who has recently departed from Happy's for Local 149) was friendly and seemed to love his job. He was passionate about the Beverage Program and enthusiastic about showing me a couple of his creations,namely:
The 15th State
Bulleit Bourbon, Aperol, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Bar spoon of Maraschino, 3 drops orange flower water
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| Matt Whitney & The 15th State |
I love a bubble cocktail and this one with it's sweet, floral, and mildy sharp notes.
Decor:
The space was more open more since its days as Burton's and the vibe was more welcoming, bright and warm. The whimsical decor was entertaining.
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| Fun Ceiling Candy! |
A Few Bites:
Did I see Taylor Ham on the menu...had I not known, this would have been my first indication that Chef Mark Schlow was a Tri-State Guy. The Jersey's Favorite breakfast sandwich made with Taylor ham, egg, and cheese.sounds like a slice of home! The second indication would have been the hot pastrami sandwich with deli mustard on toasted rye.
All my Jerseyans out there get it!
Petra's Super Mac n' cheese had good flavor but was a too soupy for my taste. I did, however, like combo of jalapenos, peas and bacon.
Creamy deviled eggs topped with real bits of crisp bacon and served with Gherkin pickles were perfect.
Hash! Gotta love it and honestly if you place either duck, pork belly, or foie gras on ANYTHING, I will try it. The Spicy duck confit and green chili hash was lovely, topped with a perfect poached egg and smokey chipotle hollandaise sauce, and perfectly cooked, tender duck which paired nicely with the apple marmalade. I also enjoyed the whipped butter flecked with orange provided to spread onto lightly toasted English muffins!
With bossa nova and other classy tunes floating through the air in surround sound, good food and even better prices, mature yet modern bar selections and great service, you're sure to have a good time at Happy's Bar+Kitchen!
Eaten at Happy's lately? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
