All About Americana
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com

Shleby Poole and her husband, chef Harry Poole, will celebrate seven years at Jackson’s in February, sticking to a mantra of straightforward American cooking all the while.

“We don’t try to fancy it up – it’s good cooking,” Shelby explains.

Complete with a vintage gas pump and images of Americana, the cozy surroundings carry forth that all-American vibe and create a comfortable atmosphere, even on a packed Saturday night.

We started with fresh chips served with zesty, thick black bean dip before diving into some appetizers. Asian-style Crispy Fried Calamari ($11) was a big hit with our table, including an ardent calamari skeptic. Milk-soaked, tender squid is paired with crunchy, flash-fried covering and dressed with a zingy Asian Kung Pao sauce.

The soup of the day – a butternut squash seafood soup – pairs tender morsels of the sea’s best with a warm, homey base. And prepared with top-quality beef, the Roadside Sliders ($9), topped with sweet sautéed onions and cheese, offer an enticing glimpse into Jackson’s deep burger selection.

Entrees are impressive. Bourbon Street Jambalaya ($20) is a Jackson’s staple, boasting savory chicken, shrimp, Andouille sausage, fried banana and Creole rice in a tempting medley that brings New Orleans to your plate. Seafaring souls will enjoy sesame-crusted Ahi Tuna ($23), pairing sushi-grade tuna that’s delightfully pan-seared with a sweet soy glaze juxtaposed with nutty sesame and poppy. Check out the wasabi whipped potatoes, too, which bring the ever-so-slight tingle to your taste buds at the finish. The traditional potatoes boast a balanced, enticing garlic note.

Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will enjoy the house-made Veggie Burger ($12), a hearty, flavorful creation bursting with pepper and legumes. From the grill, the marinated Skirt Steak ($23) is tender, paired with sautéed onions and pan-seared spinach. And the ever-changing ravioli brought us a delightful lobster and crab selection, paired with spicy morsels and fresh shrimp dressed in a rich Cajun cream sauce.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with artful martinis like the sprinkle-adorned Rainbow Cookie and the sophisticated Pear Tree martini. Non-drinkers have throwbacks like milkshakes and classic chocolate egg creams to delight it. And for dessert, the French Toast, a crispy, toasty delight of thick challah bread, whipped cream, sprinkles and Bananas Foster is a knockout – just another reminder that like any other American classic, eating well never goes out of fashion.