They say that the cure to a hangover is to eat a greasy breakfast. This sounds like good advice, so I try to heed it whenever possible even when I’m not hung over. One of my favorite places for a tasty (what about the word greasty? Tasty and greasy?) breakfast is three blocks away because it’s best to stay in the ‘hood when you can barely walk. Whenever I pass the East Village Meat Market’s nifty sign, I worry that the market will turn into another bar. The new owner will keep the sign and the name, but the wonderful cuts of meat and the puffy jelly donuts in the window will be gone. Until then, I trudge over to the market for some greasty snack whenever I can. Does that word work for you?
The store is full of meats, but there are also ready to eat treats. The potato pancake is tasty indeed, just the right combo of tender potato to flour and crispiness on the outside. When I first saw the sausages, I had to get some. I’ve never met a sausage I didn’t like! My mom calls Polish sausage kabosh, instead of kielbasa so that’s what I call it, but the market calls it breakfast sausage. It is deliciously savory with a pleasant snap to the casing. My mom also used to make what she called cabbage roll using Campbell’s tomato soup for the sauce. The market calls it stuffed cabbage. It has an almost kaboshy taste that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cabbage wrapping. Don’t forget to ask for the accompanying tomato sauce. Last time I was at the store I asked, but the cute old counter man with the funny bangs was flirting with me and forgot the sauce.
I’ve also had the mushroom and onion croquette which is like a blintz without the cheese filling. Instead, mushroom and onion meld with a bit of sauerkraut in a big noodle. Everything I’ve described is incredibly filling and under two bucks. Just remember the meat market it closed on Sundays, so keep that drinking to Friday nights only!
PS. sorry about the crummy color photos. I can't remember how to use Photoshop.
