Location: 401 East 76th Street, New York, NY, USA
Cuisine: British Pub
Best Dish: The salmon burger was absolutely superb. The close runner-up was the succulent Lamb Shank.
Cost: $$$
Overall: A quaint stylish pub filled with classic British flavors and a constantly evolving menu of seasonal delights.
We visited Jones Wood Foundry over five years ago. Since then the gastropub has undergone a few changes including the introduction of a new chef (Arjuna Bull) and an updated menu. The new menu is a combination of familiar pub fare and a frequently updated seasonal menu comprised of the seasons best ingredients. British pub fare is very different from typical bar food. The menu is heartier and more well rounded than your typical wings and burgers. It is not uncommon to visit a pub and dine on Indian dishes, shepherd’s pie, and assorted meat pies.
Yorkshire Pudding Popover
A popover is a light hollow roll made from an egg batter. It is a common British delicacy. The outside of the popover was light and flaky while the inside was soft and tasty with an egg-like texture. The popover is served with a creamy blue cheese spread.
Sardines Escabeche
The Sardines Escabeche is part of the seasonal menu. It is a serving of marinated sardines on top of seasonal greens with Fennel, Carrot and extra virgin olive oil. These aren’t your typical canned sardines. These little fish have been marinated and have a much a softer texture. The first bite was confusing but tasty. These sardines tasted like nothing we’ve ever had before. They were briny and seasoned but not salty. The greens added a little texture and some bitterness to the dish. As a whole, this was a complex mix of texture and flavor that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Grilled Swordfish Skewer
Swordfish is a surprisingly meaty fish with firm white flesh. The skewers were served with a sweet soy glaze, lemon confit, and miso eggplant. The fish was superb. The outside was well charred and the inside tender and juicy.
Salmon Burger
We love a good burger and could not resist the temptation of a salmon burger. This dish was highly recommended and it did not disappoint. The decadent salmon patty is topped with a delightful red pepper and mustard seed relish, fresh avocado, and cilantro. The burger is served with a side of fresh waffle crisps. The crisps are like potato chips except not quite as crunchy and the texture is an intricate waffle-like pattern.
Lamb Shank Vindaloo
Thanks to colonization and an influx of Indian immigrants, Indian food is a popular staple at many British pubs. The Lamb Shank Vindaloo is portioned for sharing and can be served with naan. Be careful with this dish, the sauce is spicy and packed with real chilies. Biting into a chili can be a huge mistake if you aren’t prepared for the onslaught of peppery flavor. The shank was incredibly tender and falling off the bone. It also pairs nicely with a glass of red wine.
Apple Cider Donut
Our meal ended with a fresh house made Apple Cider donut. The confection is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This is an absolute must-have. The donut is so soft and just sweet enough to compliment the creamy ice cream melting into it.
Jones Wood Foundry is doing what most restaurants should do, mix it up a little. In addition to their classic menu, JWF has a seasonal menu, this is where we spotted the Sardines Escabeche. It is always a fun idea to mix up your dining experience and play with seasonal flavors.
Jones Wood Foundry opened back in 2011. In the past seven years, they have built a reputation for authentic British food and exemplary service. In the hands of new executive Chef Arjuna Bull, their new menu honors their original concept while introducing a new series of monthly offerings. Their latest fosters an atmosphere of creativity in the kitchen that will appeal to newcomers and regulars alike.
Jones Wood Foundry Hours
Dining Room:
Monday-Thursday: 5pm-10pm
Friday: 5pm-11pm
Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday: 11am-9pm
Bar Hours:
Monday-Thursday 5pm-Close
Friday: 3pm-close
Saturday & Sunday 11am-Close
Friday Happy Hour from 3pm-5pm at the Bar
Visit, joneswoodfoundry.com, for more information.