Remembering Maverick

Last night, I insisted we try the pork belly at The Alembic, because the last time I had it, it was outstanding—crisper-than-crisp on top and oozingly delicious beneath. But this time 'round, the kitchen hadn't quite pulled it off—if they'd just cooked it off a tiny tad more, it woulda been perfect. Then I remembered another pork belly I'd had that was absolutely divine. Maverick's especially handsome, melt-in-your-mouth morsel of piggy goodness, crowned with sweet slivers of nectarines.



In fact, most of what Maverick had to offer made for a really good meal, like the Baltimore crab puffs with a spicy remoulade; the super saucy and creamy mac n' cheese; fall-off-the-bone braised short ribs; spicy grilled duck breast; and my fave, the buttermilk-soaked Rocky Jr. free-range Southern fried chicken (the best fried poulet I've had in years). I think (OK, I know) I got a bunch of brownie points from Mr. & Mrs. H for having made the rezzies at this "American Eatery & Wine Bar." Note to self: Semi-fancified American comfort food is exactly what Mrs. H wants when it comes to celebrating her birthday.








Hello, lover ...