Burger Town Brooklyn

Welcome to What Models Eat! Lauren Joye writes about being a model in NYC, while still trying to indulge in all the culinary marvels of the Big Apple!

This weekend I took my out of shape ass to Brooklyn. I may be a model, but I'm human and when I'm feeling down I usually run to my friend's house; who happens to be a cake designer. I know your probably thinking this is the last place a model needs be when feeling blue but I couldn't resist. After small chit chat and warm embraces we headed over to Johnny Mack's in Park Slope. This place has great bar food and is known for hearty American cuisine and a family friendly environment.......

However the food is mediocre and the waitstaff should be re-trained. I'm not a big bar food person, obviously that doesn't fit with my profession, so I asked the waitress to recommend the best dishes on the menu. The first thing that came out of her mouth was " You have to try the burgers. They are the best." Taking heed, I ordered a standard Angus burger with Swiss cheese and sweet potato fries ( yes, you read right I was eating the unhealthiest thing imaginable). The burger was bland, it had no flavor and should have been doused with seasoning, and the fries were less than spectacular. When the waitress returned to asked how the burger was, I sincerely replied "It's okay." She retorted with "Just okay?" Since she obviously didn't hear me the first time I replied "Yes, just okay." Apparently I was not allowed to dislike the food! I finished a third of the meal and needed to clean my palate immediately. The funniest/most absurd part of the dinner came next.

I decided to wash the meal down with a double shot of espresso with cream on the side, which seemed pretty normal to me, until the waitress brought out my espresso accompanied by a child's lime green thermos filled with cream. I was wondering if I should check to see if there were cookie crumbs floating in the milk. I was shocked and confused to say the least. Instead of making a fuss I tried using the "sippy cup" and the lid fell in my espresso! I was then given a proper stainless steel pitcher with a fresh espresso. Now why would the waitress give me a "sippy cup" when she knew she had something more suitable?

After the bizarre experience we headed back to the labyrinth of sweets where I was given pink velvet cake (minus the frosting) to melt away my blues. In short, I will not be returning to Johnny Mack's unless I want to reconnect with my inner child, too bad considering I eat burgers once every eon. I guess it's back to fresh juices and salads!

xoxo