Restaurant Update: Jack & Nellie's

 I've been meaning to return to Jack & Nellie's on Ascan for quite some time. I paid them a visit more than a year ago when they first opened and enjoyed the place, but had hoped at that time that they would expand the menu from just small plates to meal-size portions. After all, Lord knows we here in Forest Hills can still use some great new restaurant choices to have a full meal at, not just a few small plates. Maybe other NYC neighborhoods can afford the luxury of small plates, but let's deal here in Forest Hills with the lack of a variety of great places to get a full meal before we even go there.

And, thankfully, we are indeed dealing...

Jack & Nellie's must have been listening because they have done just that in the ensuing months.

Jack & Nellie's owner, Cyril, was, smartly, one of the local restaurants to take me up on my offer and contact me to inform the blog's readers about recent changes to his establishment.

Here's a portion of what he told me, in his own words:

"Jack & Nellie's has expanded its menu. While we still have many of our crowd favorite small plates (i.e: Mac & cheese with chorizo, lamb meatballs, garlic & artichoke dip, sliders...) we have extended it to entrée size platters such as Grilled Hanger Steak (served with chimichurri sauce and potato wedges), Grilled Salmon (over succotash), Jack & Nellie's Burger (served with fries), Kale Cesar Salad (served with or without grilled chicken), Vegetable Risotto, to name a few. Our chef has also been coming up with tasty specials each night (usually 2 or 3) and our brunch (every Sat & Sun from 11am-3pm) not only has a dedicated following, but we also offer live jazz to enhance the experience. Even though we are not taking reservations for brunch, we are thrilled to see returning customers each weekend, and look forward to seeing new ones as well. I am happy to report that the feedback from our customers (from far and away) has been positive and we hope to continue being a pillar of the Forest Hills community."

So, I look forward to visiting Jack & Nellie's again soon and giving their new menu a try! Tucked away on the quieter Ascan Ave,, just around the corner from busy Austin, you could say Jack & Nellie's has a bit of a disadvantage in getting noticed by the thousands of shoppers who visit Forest Hills each day—especially given all the publicity the newer restaurants coming into the neighborhood have recently been getting.

Well, you could say that. Or, you could say J&N has a huge advantage—a charming eatery in a quieter section of the neighborhood, away from all the hustle & bustle of the big city.

So, when you're thinking of another restaurant to try here in Forest Hills, keep Jack & Nellie's in mind.