Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Clinton Street Baking Company and Restaurant


A friend recently celebrated a birthday and I decided to treat her by sharing a breakfast together at the birthplace for our new cookbook obsession: The Clinton Street Baking Company Cookbook. There has been quite a bit of buzz about this small lower East Side restaurant and bakery since husband & wife team, Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman, opened in April 2001. Their mission was to make the best baked goods in the city, hand-mixed in small batches, using quality ingredients such as cage free eggs. Soon large crowds were lining up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their cookbook was named one of the best new cookbooks for 2010 by the New York Times (read article at this link). Both the pancakes and the buttermilk biscuits were on our mind as we've heard so much about them.


The Clinton Street Baking Company and Restaurant is located at 4 Clinton Street (between East Houston and Stanton), New York, NY.  The Lower East Side is a trendy yet rough and tumble neighborhood of old time tenement buildings and stores as you can see from a previous post I did about the neighborhood at this link. It may not be where you'd expect to find what was rated as the "best breakfast/brunch" spot by Time Out Magazine or the "best pancakes' by New York Magazine, among other honors which you can read about on this link.


The menu offered many tempting breakfasts, as you can see if you double click on the photo above to enlarge it. I really couldn't get a photo of the inside, as we were seated almost elbow to elbow in the small 32 seat restaurant, and I didn't want to annoy the diners at that table.


None of that mattered when our breakfast was served!  I chose the "Country Breakfast" of three eggs, grilled "cure 81" ham steak hash browns and a buttermilk biscuit. I had especially wanted to try the buttermilk biscuit as they were modeled after the ones that were served in the once legendary seafood restaurant from my youth called Lundy's. That restaurant has been sadly closed for many years so it was nice to taste their wonderful biscuit again.  Martha Stewart has called Neil "The king of buttermilk biscuits," and she is right!  My biscuit was flaky, tender, "melt in the mouth" good! The entire delicious breakfast was so large that the only thing I ate for the rest of the day was a small bowl of soup for supper.
Martha Stewart was kind enough to include the Buttermilk Biscuit recipe on her website, and there is also video to view of her and Neil making the biscuits on her show, which you can see at this link.


My friend had the pancakes served with warm maple butter.  She could have had wild Maine blueberry, banana walnut or chocolate chunk pancakes for the same price, but we both had decided we wanted to try them plain, so as to really see if we liked the basic pancake recipe in the cookbook.

They were served with a raspberry jam on the side which was wonderful!

Neil whips the egg whites separately from the yolks and then folds them slowly into the batter in increments when he makes his pancakes, which makes them extra light and fluffy.
.
Again, he demonstrated cooking his pancakes on the Martha Stewart show and you can see the video and get the pancake recipe at this link.  Over 600 pancake stacks are served a week in this little restaurant so you know that they must be good!


Of course, as a bakery, they also have cake and pies, pastries and muffins, cookies and biscuits for sale which you can see listed at this link. All are available for pick-up only, and most must be ordered 48 hours in advance.


We enjoyed our breakfast celebration so much that I think we'll be making a trip back to the Lower East Side and the Clinton Street Bakery and Restaurant very soon!

I'm linking this post to Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday for this week's letter "Y" and I took the liberty of linking this post for Yummy, Yolks and Yes, those were wonderful biscuits and pancakes!

I'm also linking to Michael Lee's "Foodie Friday" on her blog Designs By Gollum and Sandi's Friday's Favorites on her blog Whistlestop Cafe Cooking.

Thanks to all the hostesses!



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71 comments:

Barbara F. said...

The breakfast looked great. I love buttermilk biscuits when they are made right. xo,

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Oh how wonderful! Mouth is watering! What a grand friend you are! Wishing you well! Cathy

pam said...

YUM....I'm going to check out the biscuit recipe. My family says they have never found one better than my mom's recipe....I make them TALL and fluffy. So I must go try this and see what they're like. Thanks for always sharing the links~~~you're the best Pat!

Claudia said...

Now you did it! You went and tempted me with yet another place that I must go to when I finally do make it to NYC (and I will.) Love breakfasts!

Vee said...

I'm going to go watch the video of his making the bicuit. I see that he makes pancakes "the German way" as I call it...folding in the egg whites. It does make them extra special. Your breakfasts looked amazing. That doesn't sound right, but you know what I mean. :D

Flavia Galasso said...

OMG...this is a King's breakfast!!!

How is your little baby Leo??? Hugs, Flavia

Anonymous said...

Certainly looks yummy! Love the photo looking at the buildings across the bow of a Mack truck! Gotta luv NYC! Makes me miss Don so much, we had a lot of fun going over to "the city"!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

OH MY! And I am SO hungry right now! I would rather eat pancakes than dessert! I'll go look at the cookbook link AND the recipe link! Hugs! ♥

Arlene Delloro said...

What a wonderful treat, Pat. I'm not a big fan of pancakes, but must admit these look wonderful, especially with the jam on the side. I would love the biscuits, especially with some honey.

Donnie said...

I wish we could do a road trip there.It looks yummy and will be perfect for the letter Y.

Yvette said...

I think I may have mentioned along the way just how much I LOVE pancakes, Pat. Ha! Your post had me drooling! I love these posts because I get to feel as I'm traveling into NYC without ever leaving the comfort of my chair. Thank you for that. :)

I'm going to check out the recipes for sure! Lately I've been craving blueberry pancakes...!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I think you hit this perfectly, Pat, as that does look OH-SO-YUMMY! I would love to have a buttermilk biscuit and a good one. My grandmother used to make delicious biscuits like that. Our cook made little teeny tiny ones that would melt in your mouth, and my BFF from childhood tried to make them from her recipe and couldn't get them to work. Not sure what Jessie did, but I can still see her rolling out the dough on a piece of chocolate-colored marble and cutting the biscuits with what I recall as being the top of a soda can. She liked them to be a certain size, and hers were petite as biscuits go. LOL!

Sorry for that trip down Memory Lane, but I wish we had a breakfast place with truly exceptional biscuits. There is a wonderful restaurant where I often eat that has what has got to be the world's most delicious grits. The waiter told me the chef uses lots of butter and cream and then uses more. But oh, Pat, they are divine!

Thanks for sharing this. I've missed you and am hoping my life will be back to normal in the not too distant future because I have missed reading blogs SO much. During my hiatus with workmen, I thought of you and your brother a lot as I watched the footage on the earthquake in Japan. I can remember that feeling of horror, sitting there looking at the rubble of the Towers. As with that sad time, my heart just aches for the Japanese.

Anyhow, have been thinking of you from afar.

XOXOXO,

Sheila :-)

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh, these look so yummy!!!! I'm too lazy to beat my egg whites before adding them to pancakes, but it always looks so much better!! I WILL have to try that! Wish I could go to Clinton Street!!

Old Kitty said...

I just finished watching Neil on Martha Stewart show doing his pancakes!!That's my first ever Marth Stewart clip!!!! Yay! She's bossy isn't she?!?!?! LOL! Blimey!

For the pancakes, I like the idea of whipping the egg yolks and whites separately!! I also like the idea of adding the blueberries as the pancake cooks - what great tips!!!

And that biscuit is HUGE!!!! Thank you!!!

It's a great breakfast place - a fabulous way to start your day!!!! Thanks for another brilliant intro to a most unique and fabulous eatery in NYC!!

Take care
x

dianasfaria.com said...

Oh my gosh ! this all looks so good!
I can't wait to go there. I was just saying today that I could eat breakfast for any meal of the day.
: )
Thanks Pat.
I am having a giveaway that ends today on my blog that I think you might be interested in. It's a photography book by the Australian photographer Peter Lik.
Just click on the beach picture on the upper left sidebar on my blog & leave a comment on last Saturday's post if you care to enter!

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Breakfast believe it or not is my favorite meal to eat out. When we make the trip to NYC we will have to get up early and go here for our breakfast.

Michelle said...

Great food can be found in the most unlikely places. I have to say those pancakes look FAB!

Elaine said...

ohwow.... that looked delicious!

Carol said...

So funny, I just got that cookbook from Amazon, love it. And I read in there that Neil Kleinberg was at Lundy's, I think the second go round? That was some place, took up the whole block! Was there when I was a kid. Love the cookbook, can't wait to make something from there, but too cool you had breakfast there! You go to such fun places!

Unknown said...

The meals look great! I love breakfast!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

You are the best tour guide for NYC that I know! If I even get to visit, I'll be sure to visit your blog for tips :)

Anonymous said...

Everything looks divine, including that raspberry jam!

I beat the egg whites first for French toast before adding the yolks, etc. One of the first things my grandsons ask when they visit is, "Will you fix French toast for breakfast?" Guess you'll be getting the same question from yours about pancakes before long.

This was delightful... and I enjoyed the trip through the neighborhood, too.

Sheila said...

Everything looks so delicious. It would be interesting to try the recipe. I love breakfast any time of the day!

Lisa@GrandmasBriefs said...

Oh my, those pancakes made my stomach growl. Literally. And buttermilk biscuits? Love them ... especially with sausage gravy ... or lots of butter ... and jam ... .

Dana @ Bungalow'56 said...

This will have to be one of our stops when we finally visit family in NJ. Thanks for the tip!
Dana

Pondside said...

I looooove breakfast and would choose to eat it at any time of the day - especially pancakes. I enjoyed studying that menu - there was lots there that said 'choose me!'.

Kris said...

Oh wow. Wish I had known about this place when I was there!

Sarah said...

Yet another great spot to add to my list for my next visit to NY. Obviously pancakes are a favorite here. I posted about pancakes today as well. LOL
~ Sarah

Jo said...

oh this looks so yummy ... i love pancakes ... i will have to check out the recipe for biscuits!!! yummy yummy!!!

Lovella ♥ said...

I happen to have a liter of buttermilk in the refrigerator and now I think I will be making buttermilk pancakes so soon. Your post made me just want to book a flight. . .but since that can't happen. .I'll have to make my own yummy breakfast tomorrow morning.

Trotter said...

Hi Pat! Interesting address! Thanks...

I’ll be out next week, but Blogtrotter Two has something new for you... Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend and week ahead!!

Ola said...

This is interesting how certain places become popular but in this case it seems that they really serve good food

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Holy cow and YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those pancakes look delectable!! I wish I'd been with you guys!

Debbiedoos said...

Now that looked fantastic. Worth the trip. My husband would love to go there. OUr NY trip is getting filled ny the second. Can't wait.

diane b said...

Pat! I'm trying to lose weight! My mouth is watering. You have some amazing places to eat in NY. I can't wait to try some.

Just a little something from Judy said...

Can you imagine me sitting here at my computer at 6:30am, with my hot cup of coffee and visiting your blog? Do you know how difficult it is for me to see and read about the Clinton Street Bakery with all those yummy looking pancake photos? If I lived any closer, the temptation would be greater. You did a good job in advertising for them. I think they should give you a few free breakfasts for that. Great post!

AM said...

the breakfast does look tempting :)
yum..

Picket said...

Morning girl...Oh my word my mouth is watering...I haven't even had breakfast yet and I think my stomach just 'growled'! lol I would have had to get the eggs and ham with that biscuit..oh my word that looks so good...what a great birthday treat for your friend..if I lived close by...I'd leave you a dozen hints of when my birthday was...lol lol Have a great day sweetie....Picket

Wanda Metcalf said...

That looks amazin!!! Thanks for the info I love getting reviews so when I go I know just what to eat where. I plan to be back in DC and will be making a stop at the CLinton Bakery for sure!!

YUMMY YUM YUM ~

Anonymous said...

Hey Pat, My most favorite meal when I get to travel is breakfast, I really don't eat breakfast at home but when I get to travel somewhere I have to and must eat breakfast, and BOY-O-BOY!,I have got to eat here, this looks fantastic.In one word begining with "Y", you know it...YUM!
~JO
LazY on LoblollY

Houseelf said...

What a great way to start a day. That ham looked so tasty. Daughter is the Pancake Queen in our house.

Sue said...

Although I'm not a big breakfast eater, I think I could handle trying their huevos rancheros. Being from New Mexico, I know that I they would be much different from the authentic ones I'm used to, but I'm always open for trying new takes on things! Oh, and I would love the cheese grits- oh yum! You sure make the rounds, girl. What a fun companion you would be! :-) Sue

Judy said...

If I lived nearby, I'd be heading out for breakfast right about now...to try Neil's fluffy pancakes and biscuits. I might just have to copy his recipe...and see what happens!

nanny said...

I love good buttermilk biscuits.... But I think I would have joined your friend and ordered the pancakes! Pancakes are always better when cooked by someone else/ha and those look wonderful. Thanks for the links !!!!

storybeader said...

everything does look yummy! I'm surprised he gave his recipe away. Love the look of the old buildings! thanks for the pics. {:-Deb

Mary said...

This does indeed look yummy~ you had me at buttermilk biscuit! You're better than Frommer's/Fodor's on NYC! If I have the opportunity to visit I know who to ask :-)

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

what a brilliant choice for y.
love the delicious looking meal.
smiles.

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

well Pat...you KNOW i LOVED this..love the restaurant...love seeing the photographs of the breakfast...charming.....i will have to look for this cookbook....

feels like i was with you there...wish i was

sending love,
kary
xxx

Kathleen said...

I am straining my eyes to see the prices. They look to be "uptown" LOL.
I guess you pay more for a tourist attraction! Hope it was the most fabulous ham and eggs you ever had!

Anonymous said...

I recently bought the cookbook! It's nice to read about the real restaurant--thanks for sharing about it!

Splendid Little Stars said...

Oh! mouth watering! How scrumptious! The biscuit does look amazing!

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Sigh.... I just love your pics of NY. :)

Tracy said...

Ooo...now I am SOOO HUNGRY for breakfast! This place is a little slice of heaven, Pat! We love breakfast, and looks like they do the real deal. Must make note of this place...for when we get ourselves to NYC. ;o) Thanks for taking us along... Hope all is good with your sweet new grandson. :o) Happy Weekend ahead ((BIG HUGS))

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Whatb a great place! I SO want your breakfast!

Beverly said...

Pat ...

I haven't had breakfast, and now you have me licking my lips.

Yum!!! It all looks delicious.

La Petite Gallery said...

WOW I hope I get to go there when in NYC. Looks fabulous. yvonne
Getting a real Blizzard here in Maine.

yvonne

Judie said...

I love a well-made biscuit! My grandmother made THE best ones, and even though she taught me how, her's were still better.

Your breakfast looks divine!!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

OH!!!! That food looks sooooo good.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Pat, The Clinton Street Baking Company will certainly go on my list of things to do when I am in New York next time.
What a fun girl's day! Thanks for all the links~ it is fun to see what you are talking about.
Your breakfast looks great, but... I think I would have gone for those over-the-top pancakes. I'm on the lookout for this cookbood!
Thanks again! What a fun stop!
Yvonne

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

This was such a fun post to read because I just treated myself to this WONDERFUL book. I don't think there is one recipe that I won't try. The pictures, the descriptions, the easy-to-follow recipes with commonplace ingredients all go together to make this one of my favorite cookbooks ever.

steviewren said...

I'm ready for breakfast now! I was thinking about making waffles in the morning, but I might have to do pancakes instead. Yum!

Cheryl D. said...

Yum! That looked incredible! The picture on the cookbook looked amazing too! I would have probably tried the chocolate chunk pancakes.

From the Kitchen said...

Pat: You have perked up my morning with this post! You've also solved what to give my husband for his birthday. We both love breakfast. And he's been enjoying the task of making breakfast fairly often. You chose the exact dish that I would choose--a nice southern shout out to the meal. That last photo is outstanding--the buildings, colors, traffic.

Hope the new baby is doing well. I'm sure you're anxious for a cuddle with both of the little boys!!

Best,
Bonnie

Tara said...

Hey Pat

This is right near Epstein's, the bar my college guy does guest bartending--will stop in!

Tanna said...

Pat, I am soooooo craving breakfast right now! I LOVE biscuits and pancakes with all the other wonderful goodies that go with breakfast! This one will definitely be on my list if I make to your neck of the woods! ;)

Vagabonde said...

I made my special recipe for French toast, with sour dough French bread, this morning. I copied the recipe for the pancakes though as they look so yummy

Amy said...

The breakfast looks wonderful! Especially the pancakes look so fluffy! :)

I'm hosting a tea samplers GIVEAWAY on my blog! Please hop over to enter if you're interested.

Amy
http://utry.it

H said...

Those biscuits sound delicious!

Isn't it good to find somewhere small and independent with quality, rather than always seeing the same big chains everywhere!

Sense of Home Kitchen said...

I share that obsession for cookbooks and here is another one to consider for the collection.

-Brenda

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Pat, All I can say is YUM... I would love Clinton's... Breakfast is my favorite meal--and I'm not sure which I would choose. Yours looks great --but those pancakes look wonderful... YUM..... Thanks for sharing Clinton's and that area of NYC.

Back from vacation --trying to catch up a little!!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Jenny said...

Oh my goodness. I had to restrain myself from licking the screen. That menu just made my mouth water...especially after seeing the pictures of the actual food you got!

What a wonderful birthday celebration for your friend!

Thank you for a totally yummy stop this week.

A+
(and quite a lot of drool...ewww...sorry)