Volume 77 / Number 51 - May 21 - 27, 2008
West and East Village, Chelsea, Soho, Noho, Little Italy, Chinatown and Lower East Side, Since 1933
Mr. Skewer & Co. is new on W. 14th St.
Don’t ask names, just enjoy the meat at Mr. Skewer
By Joy Wiltermuth
It’s all about the meat, of large variety and portions.
A month ago, the elusive Mr. Skewer & Co. opened an affordable, fast and casual Brazilian grill at 43 W. 14th St.
The concept is self-evident. The steak, pork, chicken and salmon are grilled behind the counter, without oil, after being slathered in the eatery’s “homemade marinades and mixed spices,” according to the manager, who requested not to be named.
“You can eat the sandwiches with a fork and knife,” he said.
Prices run around $7 to $11 for grilled specialties, served with a choice of two sides, including rice, beans, corn or vegetables. The “Baby Pichanha,” advertised as “four extremely tender and juicy miniature sirloin steaks,” was recommended by the chef, who asked to remain anonymous.
The menu features salads, plus Brazilian cheese bread, bean soup and empanadas. For dessert, you can build your own crepe, with Nutella, berries, nuts or crème fraîche, a French twist on traditional Brazilian cuisine.
Mr. Skewer & Co. is wedged between the Painters Union and a Checks Cashed place near Union Square. The owner, whom the manager refused to identify, is said to be a nightclub owner in the city, a partner at Braseiro Churrascaria in Scarsdale, and rarely grants interviews.
Adding to Mr. Skewer’s air of mystery, the manager initially gave his name, but then grabbed a reporter’s notepad and scribbled it out, saying, “No! No! No!”
Don’t bother with the Web site listed on the menu, either; it does not work.
