Like something out of Mumma’s kitchen, if Mumma was a freaking amazing American genius cook that is. The one to go to for genuine American fare and cocktails that are full of surprises.
Formerly known as Navajo Joe’s, this Covent Garden delight has just re-opened as the homely and very tasty Joe’s Southern Kitchen.
Jack and I were invited along to celebrate the re-launch on none other than 4th July, an offer we couldn’t refuse and I night I won’t forget in a hurry.
We began with a cocktail reception, provided by their amazing mixologists – there will be a part two of this blogs based solely on the amazing cocktails!
We were seated on large tables alongside other journalists and bloggers for a family-style Southern feast, which of course meant we got to try absolutely EVERYTHING on the menu! We also had the run of the cocktail menu, which we worked through a lot of, so have decided to separate that into a separate post.
Starters
Popcorn shrimp with chilli lime salsa – the popcorn shrimp was simple but tasty. Juicy shrimp in a simple batter with a sweet but kicking dip. This dish was really nice but not the winner of the menu.
Crispy fried picked okra with buttermilk dipping sauce – okra is something that a lot of people are unsure of, having only started appearing often on British menus recently, but cooked in the right way is delicious. I am please to say this absolutely delivered. The pickling provided a little kick of flavour without being overbearing and the texture was an absolute joy. Perfect choice for when you’re looking to try something new.
Joe’s southern fried chicken wings with Tabasco honey – forget KFC, this chicken was absolute heaven on the taste buds. Perfectly crunchy and moist and then sweet but kicking flavour from the sauce. On our table this dish most certainly went the quickest and I’d be absolutely happy to work my way through a big bowl of these for my dinner!
Corn and Monterey Jack rice balls with Cajun mustard, red pepper and onion salsa – these were another firm favourite on our table. A little like Italian arrancini rice balls, there were ultra gooey cheese and rice, with a crunchy outside. Delicious but I couldn’t eat too many without getting full (unlike some of the other guys on our table, who ate several batches).
Slow braised beef brisket chilli cup with tortilla chips and sour cream – I have to be totally honest, this was my least favourite of the starters, it was the least exciting in regards to flavour sensations. That being said, the little chunks of beef were tenderly cooked and gave a nice dynamic to a tortilla topping. If your in the mood for good chips and dips then go for it, or for something a bit different got for one of the previous options instead.
Mains
Joe’s southern fried chicken – as with the wings on the starter, this chicken kicked ass!! Even though it’s just southern fried chicken, it still amazed me as it was the tastiest I have ever had. Joe’s marinate their chicken in buttermilk for 24 hours, making it succulent even after cooking. It’s then fried in a pressure fryer, meaning minimal amounts of oil for maximum amounts of crunch. The result being a beautiful crispy, moist piece of chicken, but far healthier than your usual fried chicken dish.
Deep south BBQ beef short rib – this was Jack’s favourite dish by a mile, as a lover of red meats. A huge 18oz slab of beef rib, coated in Joe’ s BBQ rub which is then slow roasted. The beef was really quite delicious, even in my opinion as someone who isn’t much of a fan of beef. Definitely a good option for something hearty and meaty to fill your belly.
Beer can chicken – an amazing tradition, a whole chicken is cooked with a beer can inside it and brought to the table still mounted on a can. The staff the proceeded to take it away again and carve up for eating. The chicken was beautiful moist with a real soaked in smokey flavour from the BBQ rub. Goes really well with the mash and gravy side.
Sides
New Orleans vegetable gumbo – this is another dish that disappointed me slightly. I’ve had some amazing gumbos from a variety of places and ones I’ve cooked myself and it’s something that usually has such a rich flavour and exciting textures, which I didn’t really feel this one had. However, I can understand not wanting to overdo the flavour combo as it was a side dish and not the main focus. The veg was a little sloppy and a bit too predominantly tomato based though – would be perfect on a dish of pasta.
Southern style mac’n’cheese – this was tasty and simple and very good for the less adventurous of folk.Very inoffensive cheese blend, so don’t be scared if you aren’t a strong cheese lover.
Whipped potatoes with chicken gravy – yum! This was really tasty yet so simple and the chicken gravy was pretty delicious (and served in little china chickens which was awesome). Team this up with the beercan chicken and you are on to a complete winner!
BBQ pulled pork beans – BBQ beans are a staple favourite of mine and these were pretty tasty. The beans had tiny chunks of pulled pork in the sauce which was smokey and spicy. A good choice for lovers of BBQ sauce.
Southern fried potatoes – these are like the mini cube roast potatoes that you get but even crunchier as they’ve been southern fried. They are great for soaking up the sauces from the other dishes, so good to have as a sharing side.
BBQ sauce
Ok so this isn’t a side or a course in itself, but it needs a mention! These guys make their own BBQ sauce and oh wow is it good. Any of my friends could tell you just how much of a BBQ sauce fiend I am and I know what makes a good or a bad one and this one was lush! The amazing guys serving us that night gave me a little take away momentum in the form of a bottle and I get excited every time I grill meat at home now as I get to use it. This is a great addition to any of the meats and the southern fried potatoes.
Desserts
Key lime crumble with shortbread biscuit – the key lime pie was an absolute delight. Something that often lacks flavour, Joe’s pie was yummy, zingy and creamy, all in perfect balance. I do have to say though, I wasn’t very impressed with the shortbreads and they actually took away from the stunning-ness of the pie.
Dunkin chocolate brownie & espresso sauce – I dodged the coffee element as I’m not much of a fan, but the brownie were extremely good. Thick, gooey, textured, what more can you ask for?
Southern pecan pie with Jim Bean honey cream – this for me was the absolute winner. Pecan pie is something that isn’t celebrated enough in this country anyway, but is something that my family had often growing up as it was a favourite of my Mum’s. The pie was so rich in flavour but the pastry wasn’t to dense, making it ridiculously moorish and making me want to eat more than I possible could after consuming this entire menu.
Strawberry fool sundae with white chocolate custard – this is the dream dessert for someone with a sweet tooth. It is a giant glass filled with gooey sweet stuff that combine perfectly well. Slightly sickly, but in such a good way!
So … overall, Joe’s is a really great venue. The staff are friendly and the food is homely and tasty and perfect for a big feast with family or friends. Get down there and check it out for a real southern American treat.
Joe’s Southern Kitchen, 34 King Street, Covent Garden, London.
02072404008
http://joessouthernkitchen.co.uk/