Keens Steakhouse, Mutton chops and whiskey Options

[Lippy]

I've got to go there one of these days. I adore lamb, but have never had mutton or even what Keen's calls mutton and I'm sure that I'd love that, too.

I had the famed and controversial chop last night. It is indeed a double loin, still attached, more than two inches thick, the equivalent of four chops. I was able to barely finish half. The remainder, which I took home, weighs 1.1 bs. I would say, without re-hashing the terminology, that this is as close to mutton as we can get in this country, much closer, my guess, to mutton than to lamb. This was a hefty piece of meat, with a stronger flavor than the usual lamb chop and a different texture, firmer and tighter. The mutton chop is a great value at $38.50. I had more meat than I usually eat for dinner and the leftover will make Scotch broth and shepherd's pie, so each serving of mutton will come to under $10.

It was delicious and satisfying. The next time I have it though, I will ask for it to be done rare rather than medium-rare, since it continues to cook at the table while you are eating and toward the end, was more well done than I like and a bit tough because of it.

[Miguel Gierbolin...]

I've got to go there one of these days. I adore lamb, but have never had mutton or even what Keen's calls mutton and I'm sure that I'd love that, too.

I had the famed and controversial chop last night. It is indeed a double loin, still attached, more than two inches thick, the equivalent of four chops. I was able to barely finish half. The remainder, which I took home, weighs 1.1 bs. I would say, without re-hashing the terminology, that this is as close to mutton as we can get in this country, much closer, my guess, to mutton than to lamb. This was a hefty piece of meat, with a stronger flavor than the usual lamb chop and a different texture, firmer and tighter. The mutton chop is a great value at $38.50. I had more meat than I usually eat for dinner and the leftover will make Scotch broth and shepherd's pie, so each serving of mutton will come to under $10.

It was delicious and satisfying. The next time I have it though, I will ask for it to be done rare rather than medium-rare, since it continues to cook at the table while you are eating and toward the end, was more well done than I like and a bit tough because of it.

Thanks Lippy. What did Mr. Lippy eat?

[Lippy]

He had the double rib chops and I had a taste. Even taking into account that rib and loin chops are different, it was obvious that my "mutton" chop came from a more mature animal. He liked his meal very much, too, and the "Olde New-York" atmosphere.

[Melonious Thunk]

The "mutton chop" is one of the tastiest, juciest, most enjoyable pieces of meat a carnivore can enjoy in a NY restaurant. In fact, I would have a hard time deciding between a PL porterhouse and a Keen's mutton chop.

[Lippy]

I agree and the other member of the party who also had it said just about the same thing.

[omnivorette]

Eyebrows was the other person who had a mutton chop - he loved it. He was still talking about it this morning. I tried quite a few bites - what a delicious, flavorful piece of meat. I had a t-bone steak, which was very good - I thought somebody at the table should have a beef steak. In retrospect - I should have gotten the mutton, because it is indeed a special thing.

I started with a huge wedge of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese dressing - I love this appetizer. We got creamed spinach and hash browns for the table, which were both fine if not exceptional. I had a beer and so did Ranitidine - it's an IPA that's made for Keen's and I liked it a lot.

Dessert standout was a coconut tapioca with caramlized fruit on top - we all loved this.

They have something like 200 whiskies on their list. I finished with a Bourbon - Michter's 10 year. Nice.

I really like this place, the room, the atmosphere, the service...it's everything an old time steak house should be.

[Melonious Thunk]

Oy, I am getting a yen for a mutton chop. Probabaly a day's worth of calories in one. Oh well, in about seven months...

[johnjohn]

Is there a big difference between the mutton chop served in the pub as opposed to the dinning room?

[Wilfrid1]

I am confused. Keens has a bar in the front. Pub?

Personally I found the mutton chop disappointing, but I must admit that was years ago, and I've only ordered steak (or burger) there since.

[Lippy]

It is very likely that the mutton chop would be disappointing to anyone who has eaten and likes mutton as it served in places where it is availabe. This is the closest we come to it in NY.

[rozrapp]

I am confused. Keens has a bar in the front. Pub?

When you enter Keens, the dining room is directly ahead, the bar room is to the extreme right, and the Pub Room is in-between.

[Lippy]

Oy, I am getting a yen for a mutton chop. Probabaly a day's worth of calories in one. Oh well, in about seven months...

You can do what I did and take half of it home for a later time. Half is still a more than adequate portion.

[johnjohn]

I am confused. Keens has a bar in the front. Pub?

Personally I found the mutton chop disappointing, but I must admit that was years ago, and I've only ordered steak (or burger) there since.

I've never been. The website has a pub menu that lists a "Pub Mutton Chop" for 24 bucks and a dinner menu with a "Our Legendary Mutton Chop" for $38.50.

[Wilfrid1]

That's interesting, I didn't know that. I can't recall the pub room, just the bar and the dining room, but I am sure roz is right.

[omnivorette]

It's just a smaller version. Our waiter told us that next time we could ask for a half portion of the mutton chop - I think that's what is served as the pub version.