On an impromptu trip to Atlantic City last weekend, redneckhunter and I noticed the Knife and Fork Inn because of its old world exterior. It's location on Atlantic Avenue is far off the main casino strip, almost to the neighboring town of Ventnor. It was only when we were walking up to the restaurant and we noticed the valets parking luxury cars that we thought, oh maybe this place is kinda schpanky...
Little did we know the Knife and Fork has quite a history. Originally established in 1912, the place has been a private men's club, a speakeasy, and a Rat Pack hangout. The latest proprietor is Frank Dougherty of Dock's Oyster House.
We didn't have reservations, so we sat at the bar and ordered a bunch of appetizers. The main menu looked pretty good with mostly steak and seafood, worth coming back for a real sit-down dinner. Appetizer #1 was mini kobe burgers, topped three ways - caramelized onions, blue cheese, and peppercorn remoulade. While I do agree with what Tony Bourdain says about kobe burgers being a waste of the great marbled beef, I must admit these were pretty tasty. Cooked perfectly medium rare and served on great toasted buns.
Appetizer #2 was an heirloom tomato caprese salad. The tomatoes were sweet and juicy and the vinegar and oil were both rich and thick. I always wish for more basil on these though.
Our third appetizer was disappointing. The lobster spring rolls delivered a mouthful of sesame oil, so much it overpowered any lobster flavor at all. Redneckhunter loves spring rolls, but I told him we should stick to ordering them only in Asian restaurants.
All in all, though, a nice surprise discovery - definitely worth going back to and trying from the full menu.
Knife and Fork Inn
Atlantic and Pacific Avenues
Atlantic City, NJ
(609) 344-1133
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