“Meat n Greet” photo by Jessica Plante-Campbell. All Rights Reserved.

If you find yourself in Elizabeth looking for something to eat, check out the
Urban Griddle! I stopped in last week for a late breakfast (they are only open until 330) and hot damn, did I get all that I wanted. It must have been our lucky day because as we walked in a couple was walking out so we got a table right away (which in that place, never happens). For the last few weeks I had been eyeballing their menu because I have heard nothing but amazing things so I felt the need to be prepared. We started with the pork candy…. Oh my sweet bacon! It was thick sliced bacon on a skewer covered in fresh maple syrup and a large crystal brown sugar, cooked until it was crunchy and chewy, if that’s even possible. The salty and sweet melted in my mouth and I kid you not when I tell you I’ve been trying to figure out how to make it at home because I can’t live without it. My Aunt ordered the pork belly over grit cakes (top left) and I got the fig, goat cheese, and caramelized onion omelet (top right). The omelet was intimidating because I wasn’t sure how all the ingredients would fit together but loving figs and goat cheese I had to give it a go. It was a lovely combination that I’ve decided I need take their great idea and give it a twist by turning it into a quiche and if all goes well I’ll share my findings. Now to my Aunt’s breakfast- that pork belly was probably some of the best I have ever had. The outside was crunchy and delicious and the inside was like butter. I’ve heard it’s their signature dish and I can tell why, they have it perfected. If I could give you any tips, go during the week on “off” hours, like 10am or 2pm. This place always has a wait and trying to get a table, as it’s a small restaurant, would be lunacy for sure. They offer takeout so you can always call ahead of time, act like you’re having a picnic, and stuff your face in your car, I won’t judge. The menu  states they offer Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-free options and they also have a liquor license so they make specialty drinks, which at 10am on a Thursday I wasn’t ready for but I noticed a special of a watermelon drink that sounded pretty great. Hope you get a chance to stop in! Let me know what you get, I promise you won’t be disappointed.