Melba’s
Classic elegance is the best way to describe the dining experience I had at Melba’s restaurant, located on the corner of Frederick Douglas and 114th Street in Harlem. You will find yourself disappointed if you are expecting a huge dining room or a second level of seating, but Melba’s can’t be described as being cramped and they certainly make the best of the limited legroom. The lighting, provided by over-sized black trimmed chandeliers, is set low for ambiance. The tables for two are arranged in different configurations depending on the size of the dining party. The music, set at the right tempo and level to complement the upbeat conversation of the patrons. Melba’s is that neighborhood place where you go to relax, converse and enjoy a good meal.
I found myself at Melba’s upon the recommendation of a friend who lives in the neighborhood. She couldn’t stop raving about the Tres Macaroni and Cheese that seems to be the chef’s specialty. Melba describes her food as “American Comfort Food.” After experiencing the most perfect meal I have had in a Harlem establishment in a long time, I would have to agree.
We started with the spinach and cheese empanadas under the “comfortizers” section of the menu. The crust was light and flaky and the empanadas were not oily. We then moved on to the entrees. Taking the advice of the police officer at the next table, I ordered the wine braised short ribs, with seasoned collard greens and tres mac and cheese on the side. The portions were just enough to fill me up quite comfortably. I even had a small amount leftover for the next day.
Let me start in alphabetical order, the braised short ribs couldn’t have been more perfect. They were tender and tasty. The chef had obviously slow cooked them for hours and seasoned them generously. The collard greens were surprisingly spicy. One of my biggest complaints about soul food restaurants in Harlem is the lack of kick in their cooking. I had no complaints about the tender, tangy greens that I received at Melba’s. The thought of the tres mac and cheese still leaves my mouth-watering. The artistry of this dish is the stuff of culinary legends. The blend of cheeses, the consistency, the seasoning was incomparable to anything else I have tasted outside of someone’s home kitchen.
Because of the space constraints, you will want to make reservations for large parties and get there early on the weekends if you don’t want to wind up seated in the row of tables in the middle of the room. For those who like to imbibe, the bartender certainly knows what she is doing over there. Choose your drinks wisely.
All in all, Melba’s has quickly moved up to the top of my list when thinking of restaurants with simply good food. They may not have the same ambiance as some of the surrounding restaurants cropping up in Harlem but they are tops when it comes to the quality, freshness, and taste of their food. If I were to assign stars with 5 being the best, I would give them 5 stars for the food, 3 for presentation, 3 for décor, 2 and a half for service, and 4 for value.
If you go, be sure to say hello to Melba who is sure to greet you and tell her that UPTOWN flavor sent you to try the tres mac and cheese. Be sure to thank the chef too before you leave. The compliment will bring a smile to his face.
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Melba’s
300 West 114th Street (Cross Street: Frederick Douglass Boulevard)
(212) 864-7777
Directions: B or C to 116th St; 1 to 116th St-Columbia University stop
Photo credit: Tonya C.
Related: Sharon Q.
Hugo
January 5, 2007
I’ve been living in Harlem all my life and always felt disappointed that I had to trek downtown to have a good time at quality establishment. However, I’ve been so impressed by the new restaurants and lounges that take the chic soho-like formula and add a sexxxyy Harlem twist to it making it hip to the core while not looking tacky or forced. Anyway…Melba’s. I was actually trying to get into Society Coffeehouse(i’ll review it next) across the street but it was packed! My date and I waited a coupple minutes to see if anyone left the tables but no luck. So we went across the street to Melba’s.This is a chic, cozy restaurant. The decor is perfect. You even got your own DJ there from 7PM spinning the good stuff. We got in at 6:30 and by 7PM the place was packed. The bar area was full as well. They’ve got Mojitos…awesome mojitos! Chuck full of mint leaves (best I’ve had in a long time). The signature drinks are a bit on the expensive side, but with the Happy Hour deal and all they came out to $6 a pop. I had a second mojito free! I had a Po’ Boy Catfish sandwich with spicy fries. Amazing…every morsel with the accompanying spread sauce! The fries had seasoning and were spicy. My date had the fried calamari. She loved it. Everything was enjoyable including our waiter. He couldn’t have been more courteous, professional, and above all knowledgable of the menu. I never felt we had to wait long. I didn’t get his name but he was tall, lanky with short cut hair and square framed glasses. Really cool guy! Definitely come to Melba’s! Perfect for friends, dates (and first dates), or just having a good meal!The pricing is just right too.
abrown
October 6, 2006
Wow. They must have made improvements. I went with my two cousins and my sister back in January and we were all disappointed with the food and service and none of us have been back yet. Maybe I’ll give them another try.