Chop chops has become a favorite spot for EAF. not just because Chef George rolls out the red carpet for food bloggers like us, but because it’s a downright, honestly good spot. George is a skillful flavor boss with a real love for food. and it shows in the delicious dishes he creates.
and then there is this. the pizza oven. not just for baking the tasty pizza pies for which they’re known, but also to put that unique oven-baked spin on many a chop chops item.
so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample some new sandwiches on the menu with a cool crew of fellow bloggers like trinichow, trinifoodie, foodie nation and trinidad lookbook. the offerings… fantastic. the prices… even better. the pic gives you an idea. one thing to remember at chop chops, the price you see is the price you get… service charge (or lack thereof) and vat included. some of the prices shown here MIGHT be adjusted a bit, but not too far off. in other words, #affordable.
so basically, the chef brought out two of each sandwich fully plated, then after or snap fest, the were cut up into sample portions for all to try. yes sample portions, because bloggers are not just greedy people trying to eat plenty free food. or at least, they’re not supposed to be. it’s about giving good feedback and spreading the word.
chop chops usually has some sort of interesting tea or drink. this time there was a nice honeydew, lime and mint cooler. light and refreshing.
first out the kitchen was the ‘weggie & cheese’. wedges of roasted vegetables and poached pear with pepper jack cheese. we had it on ciabatta, but there’s a flat bread option too. even some of the meat mouths on the table hailed it as a sandwich they would order. chef managed to keep the veggies flavorful with just the right texture. and the sweetness of the pear contrasting with the tangy pepper jack was really something.
from the name on the menu, the ‘ham sandwich’ seemed regular. maybe it’s an under promise and over perform scenario, but that sandwich is anything but regular. it’s a play on a reuben sandwich, with thin sliced ham instead of corned beef. stacked thick on sliced pan bread and served with pickled dill, coleslaw and house fries. the sweet ham is super tender, just melting away. a tasty sandwich dat!
sometimes you forget Chef George is from the family that brings us kam wah. but creations like these will remind you. the ‘asian chicken’ sandwich is pan seared, five spiced chicken breast with cilantro, tossed sesame seeds and chop chops’ special asian aioli on a ciabatta loaf or flat bread. that comes with a salad or the house fries. it’s like the chinese style chicken and hops you get at yuh local chinese joint with a serious flavor boost. clean, fresh flavors. real enjoyable. add some sriracha to up it even more.
now this right here is my overall winner. you really can’t go wrong with anything on this sandwich menu, but as a real OMG experience, this is it for me. the ‘smokey swine’ sandwich. a generous helping of smokey loin bacon and slices of spicy pork shoulder made in house, with an arugula tomato chipotle aioli. waaaaaaay!!! dat ting lash!! the meat is succulent and full of smoky flavor while the zesty arugula plays all the right chords. sure to return to deal with this again.
when you see something like this around the same time you hear a word like burger, you have no choice but to get excited. a good burger begins with quality ingredients. here is a patty made from three cuts of beef and some carefully balanced seasoning to create the right texture, fat content and ultimately incredible flavor.
behold the overall crowd fravorite. the ‘cheese burger royale’. wow! a 10oz patty topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions under some creamy brie. and it’s all housed in a fluffy house made burger bun that’s clearly another Chef George experiment.
Chef George told us some time before that he wanted to create a burger for the menu, and if he did it will be one of the best local burgers. well, Chef George is not a liar. this thing was juicy beyond juicy. and flavorful enough to override the usual trini inclination to ask for pepper or ketchup. the mushrooms and onions brought an earthy flavor that complimented the all beef patty and contrasted nicely with the creamy melted brie. real real nice. full 10 points.
but don’t take our word for it. eat ah food by chop chops and see for yuhself.
