Misconceptions can be everything with food. And I, of all people, should know better. Normally I’d tout that you can’t get southern food like you can in the South. I’d also be bold enough to say I’m not a huge breakfast fan—savory is my thing and I usually find too many sweets on morning menus.
But Chef Judith Roll, of Judy’s Bar + Kitchen in Stamford, may have convinced me otherwise on both accounts.
Greeting you on the table are some tradition Southern breads to start you salivating—small portions of corn bread and bite-sized cheesy biscuits in small, stainless steel colanders left me wanting more (but I was glad I didn’t indulge and saved room for the calories to come.) #soworthit
We’ll start where I started—sinking my teeth into Judy’s chicken wings ($9), served naked (how I like ’em) with a side of tangy BBQ sauce, Buffalo sauce, and blue cheese. The wings were crispy on the outside, but juicy on the inside, with a slight smoky flavor.
A foodie friend at the table ordered a Bloody Mary from the customizable bar—yes, you get to decorate your own poison—and I was immediately jealous. With blue cheese-stuffed olives, bacon, horseradish and vegetables, Judith shows her bar game is on point.
If I’m headed out to brunch, my go-to order is the chicken and waffles, and Judy’s does not disappoint. Powdered sugar-dusted buttermilk chicken tenders (no bones!) made it easy to cut into so savory chicken, waffle, and pure maple syrup could party together in mouth ($16).
And while we’re talking about waffles, let’s just recognize this tribute to the King.
The “Elvis” Waffle ($14) doesn’t roll to the table with tunes, but it does carry a lot of flavor. Bananas (not pictured) and crumbled bacon sit atop a chocolate chip waffle, which comes with peanut butter and maple syrup. Not something I would put together in my fantasy world, but definitely something to try nonetheless.
If you’re wondering about eggs, Judy’s has them, but we’re not looking at an over-easy pair served with bacon and toast. With all thing’s at this Stamford joint, eggs are served with a twist.
For example, this bad boy is know as the Kentucky Hot Brown ($14). Under that bacon—cured in house—and roasted tomato slice is cheesy goodness. Béchamel smothers house smoked chicken breast and grilled sour dough, almost giving that open-faced sandwich effect.
But let’s get real and talk house cured bacon and creamy grits for a bit. Judith will be the first one to admit she’s not from the South, but she knows what works when it comes to whipping up comfort food. With a commitment to house curing her own bacon and ham, ordered fresh-milled grits straight from the south, and some kicking bourbon maple syrup, it’s clear she’s seriously committed (and having a ton of fun doing it).
With the Rhett Butler ($15), you can request your eggs fried or scrambled, but expect some seriously cheesy, seriously creamy grits. #Seriously. Accompanying this dish is ham or bacon, and a flakey buttermilk biscuit.
Don’t expect a bacon, egg, and cheese here either. (I’m sure he plantains made you take pause…) The Good Morning Cubano Burrito ($14) will definitely kickstart your day, with fried eggs, Gruyere cheese, pulled pork and a spicy kick from jalapeños all housed in a grilled flour tortilla.
When it comes to dessert, Judith is no joke. This chocolate peanut butter ($8) is a decadent option—if you have the room for it!).
The Nilla Wafer banana pudding ($8) was my favorite, with a taste of nostalgia from my favorite childhood cookie complimenting creamy (REAL) banana flavor.
Chef and owner Judith Roll talks about her Southern comfort brunch offerings.
{Judy’s Bar + Kitchen: 927 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT, 203-890-9999, judysbarandkitchen.com}
