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Monday, July 13, 2015

Terrific Takeout: EJ's Luncheonette Our Coverage Sponsored by Maine Woolens

The phenomenal Chocolate Egg Cream of EJ's Luncheonette, recommended by the late Mayor Ed Koch

Maine Woolens is a weaver of blanket and throws located in Brunswick, Maine. We work primarily with natural fibers, like cottons and worsted wools and are committed to using renewable natural fibers from American growers whenever possible. We do piece dyeing and package dyeing in house and the combined experience of our excellent employees exceeds 300 years. Our wool and cotton blankets and throws are 100 percent machine washable, soft and luxurious to the touch, cozy warm and comfortably light. We have many styles to choose from. Our clients are very positive about our products and happy to support a Made in Maine, USA company. Jo Miller is a Mover and Shaker:

Visit our website at www.mainewoolens.com


We have been highly recommended by Whom You Know: 

Maine Woolens, affordable luxury and tradition. 
Nevermind what we think.  Mover and Shaker Ed Koch told owner Rob Eby that the Chocolate Egg Cream at EJ's was the best in New York, so we suggest you get one today and then take a walk over his bridge and enjoy the view.  (Mayor Koch we hope you are reading up there we loved meeting you.)
It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we know EJ's because we met owner Rob Eby's fantastic wife years before Whom You Know even started.  EJ's was at the top of our list for our initial features back when we began doing this, because we love Classic American food done well.  And also because Rob's wife is awesome and has great taste.  We wish we saw her this trip but this is her husband's business, not hers we understand.  Maybe next time!
EJ's was first featured in 2010 in Terrific Takeout:
and we returned in 2011 when it earned a spot in Peachy's Picks:
Our four-year hiatus in editorial coverage of EJ's is not a reflection of how much we like them!  We will try to return more often.
Historically, workers in America went to luncheonettes for comfort food, and EJ's has modernized this for 2015, open seven days a week with solid healthy culinary options.  Open since 1992, EJ's has been a destination for many over the last 23 years and is owned by Robert Eby, Eric Levine and Jay Silver (we have not met the last two owners.)  We absolutely adore the 1940's reproduced decor which adds a fun ambiance to the scene.
Though their menu changes about once a year, their specials change every day.  They have become much more committed to gluten-free and organic options, and we understand they are involved in a lot of catering, especially for the entertainment industry.
We began with the Chicken Quesadilla appetizer, which just hit the spot.  A whole wheat tortilla boasts perfectly grilled diced chicken inside, highlighted by our very good friend, cheddar cheese.  Guacamole and salsa arrive splendidly on the side, as do lettuce and tomato.  A winner!
We've always felt a kinship with shrimp, possibly because of Peachy's towering height.  Because we sometimes are into specials when it's not our first time somewhere, we ordered our entree off the specials menu (we visited on a Tuesday): Baked Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Over Whole Wheat Linguini.  
The shrimp were exactly as described: Jumbo and we commend the scampi sauce which was ideal and not too heavy.  It's topped with panko crumbs and then baked, and served with a side of garlic bread.  Again, another diner classic executed to perfection.
For our green salad option, we chose the Salad Burger which is something that really sets EJ's apart.  We haven't seen this anywhere else and it really is a good idea.  Please meet the half-pound Angus beef burger over mixed greens with avocado, tomato, cucumber and read onion.  They listened and put the house vinaigrette on the side, and this is a great way to combine vegetables and protein.  We also are happy that EJ's offers eleven ways to enjoy a salad.  We like salad options!!
Rob Eby's favorite menu items are the grass-fed beef hamburger and roasted free range half chicken.
Every vegetable component was perfectly bite-sized and this is how you want a salad to be.
And yes, we loved the chocolate Egg Cream which is a must on your trip to New York, tourists!  Also, you should know that there is a strong possibility of a full liquor license at EJ's which is always a big plus for people that have cocktails named after them especially....

EJ's is Terrific Takeout, of course!

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