Foodie Friday: Mishkin’s, WC2

I had what could only be described as my first ever burgasm last week at Mishkin’s, the hot new restaurant in Covent Garden.

Their Supersize Steamed Beef Pattie dripping with onions, Swiss cheese and tenderness was probably the most intimate experience I’ve had with a meat sandwich.

I was mmming and aaahing so much that it might have been suspect if my spouse of 6 years wasn’t sitting right opposite me, giving the same ecstatic feedback.

We’d been invited by the owners of Mishkin’s (the dapper combo behind top eateries including Polpo and Spuntinos) to check out their new venue and to celebrate their link-up with Big Apple Hot Dogs.

There’s a BAHD sausage front and centre on Mishkin’s menu (and it’s a beauty), but we weren’t there for the dogs.

Mishkin’s is all about hearty, Jewish deli-style comfort food served with no airs or graces.

The words Salt Beef – Gin – Meatloaf emblazoned on the storefront window tell you everything you need to know about the joint’s taste and ethos.

On the night before its official opening, the restaurant was already giving off a lived-in, loved-up vibe – all retro styling, brick walls, soulful soundtrack and relaxed clientele draped around the steel-top bar.

Nestled in a red leather booth, we kicked things off with cocktails (the list is all gin-based) and while Mr BAHD wasn’t sweet on his Campari-laced drink, my Diamond Fizz went down almost too easily.

We snacked on Half Sours – amazing cucumbers pickled just long enough to make the flavours pop.

Our waiter (who pretty much pushed the burgers on us and thank you for that!) helped guide us through a head-spinning, mouthwatering choice of dishes like Chicken Matzo Ball soup, Mac and Cheese, and Oxtail and Cholent stew.

I had to try the Fried Green Tomatoes and we also picked Mash, Meatloaf – for some reason OH is obsessed with this dish – and Lamb with Pistachio Meatballs to share.

While our mains weren’t so much an uphill waltz as a sideways salsa from our starter experience, everything was delicious.

The mash was melt-in-your-mouth goodness and hubby and I were knocking forks over the semi-tart tomatoes in crispy breadcrumb coating.

I actually saved a tomato for my last mouthful which, as any meat-loving African would agree, speaks volumes.

Somehow we found room for rich, gooey chocolate chip cookie with ice cream for dessert and another round of Diamond Fizz to seal the deal.

Mazeltov!

Mishkin’s is on 25 Catherine St, WC2 (Covent Garden tube) Tel: (020) 7240 2078