#TerrificTakeout #InauguralReview #MellersSportsHubandGrill by #ExecutiveChef #AnnaMeller & #RobertMeller @mellers_sportshub
It's not who you know and it never has been.
It's Whom You Know.
And now we know Anna Meller, Executive Chef of Meller's Sports Hub and Grill, brand new to the Upper East Side! It opened on May 5, 2022 and is located at 1702 Second Avenue at 88th, and we know her husband Robert.
Owners and Husband and Wife Team Robert and Anna Meller!
If you think all sports bar cuisine is the same, think again. This one is notable and this is our first visit there.
The chandelier was not lost on us:
Nor was the fact that they understand what a lemon wedge is! One of Peachy's pet peeves is the wimpy circle cut of lemon where it is impossible to squeeze. Peachy likes lemon wedges.
If you are new to us, you should know we never edit pictures.
Ever.
We publish the truth and in some cases do not publish at all.
The Arugula Salad was a harbinger of excellence to come for all courses: the produce is fresh and the tomatoes were perfectly chopped as they danced in the arugula. Caramelized walnuts, gorgeous mushrooms and bell pepper come to the party. Goat cheese is normally included but they were happy to leave it out for our resident unenthused by goat cheese editor. A fresh dressing is made on premises of lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper and they put it on the side per request of Ms. Pretty Picky.
Flatbread has been hot and trendy for years, however in many cases we find it good but not great. We found the Truffle Mushroom Flatbread outstanding.
Truffle is the magic word around here, and in perfect proportion Arugula, Mushrooms, and Shredded Mozzarella (another magic word) and super Truffle Oil combine on quite fresh fluffy Flatbread! That is how we like it. Sometimes flatbread can taste like communion but we prefer it to taste like the best pizza. Also you should know goat cheese is normally included but as mentioned, Peachy is not a fan of goat cheese and they left it out for her.
We love fish as you know, and there is one fish item on the menu: Fish Po'Boy. Lightly fried Atlantic Cod is the star of the show and we adored the unique flavor of the pickled onions also joined by lettuce, tomato and absolutely amazing spicy garlic dressing. The Italian bread was nicely toasted just right-lightly. This was the first item to disappear in its entirety from the review. Actions speak louder than words.
Any place that is going to make it as a sports bar anywhere, particularly here, particularly on the Upper East side, has got to have a successful burger and Meller's has one. It was grilled medium rare as requested and the Angus Beef mix is 75/25. It's topped with American cheese, a fried onion ring, lettuce, tomato, Chipotle Mayo and a pickle. Outstanding. Just what we wanted.
Everyone remembers the "Where's the Beef?" commercials. Take that concept and apply it to inferior chicken quesadillas...and that is what we see from people we do not publish on. In sharp contrast, please see the visual evidence of chicken and cheese victoriously oozing out of Anna's creation. You can also get this with pulled pork instead of chicken. It's served with sour cream, avocado sauce and salsa: all lined up at attention and ready for the dip.
Yes. There's the chicken!
We are intent on being pretty healthy in the course of these reviews and love salads. The House Salad was just what we sought out and the lettuce, tomato, red onion and croutons will accompany anything else you order successfully. Again they proved their listening capability and attention to detail, putting the bespoke dressing on the side.
No that is not dessert.
It is HUMMUS with CHILI OIL.
In general, we are not huge fans of Hummus, however, we ARE enthused about Anna Meller's Hummus, which is superior and different. She suggested we try it and she was right. Freshly whipped homemade hummus is uniquely chopped with Chili Oil and Served with Carrots, Celery and Warm Pita Bread. You have to try it for yourself. It is really something to have us try something new 14.5 years into doing this. Don't be fooled by the sports bar concept: Anna is serious about food.
The angel on Peachy's shoulder may say salad but the devil on the other shoulder says MAC AND CHEESE. And this has the magic word TRUFFLE included when you order it that way! The perfect balance of creamy and crusty, this Mac and Cheese epitomizes the word delicious and absolutely hits the spot. The meatballs are homemade and five of them are like a hockey team going for the goal of your stomach as they skate on marinara with mozzarella cheese assisting on the goal and garlic toast lighting the buzzer red.
Even their bathroom is clean, pristine and entertaining.
Up with John Travolta!
We hope they keep up the great work and look forward to their website some day!
