Fancy time at the Astor Room with Coca-Cola Pork Chops

It’s time to start thinking about food again, and if you are in Astoria this weekend, you might want to check out the Astor Room at 34-12 36th St. The ambiance is nice, though it is below ground it manages to have the feeling of secrecy rather than subterranean dining. There is often live music and with an outdoor studio set to come to Astoria, this place may soon be the exclusive celebrity hangout it once was. Please excuse the pre-roll commercial.

If going to the restaurant is not in your plans, Eyewitness News provides the receipe for Coca-Cola Pork Chops:

Recipe:Astor Room Double Cut Coca Cola Pork Chop

Ingredients

6 each 10-12 oz Double Cut Pork Chops

For the Brine (marinade):

2 qt Coca Cola
1 qt Ice Water
2 sprigs Rosemary
6 sprigs Thyme
2 each Bay Leaf
6 each Black Peppercorns

For the Sauce:

1 ½ cups Chicken Broth
½ cup Coca Cola
1 inch sprig of Rosemary
1 clove of Garlic, crushed
1 Tbs. Whole Butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Marinate the pork chops in the brine for at least 24 hours, turning the chops once at 12 hours.

2. Once marinated, pull the chops out of the brine, pat dry and discard the liquid. Once the pork chops are completely dry, rub on a small amount of oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the pork chops on an open flame grill for best flavor. If a grill is not available, broil the chops in the oven with high heat. Depending on the heat source, cook meat on each side until a nice caramelized glaze forms and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees .

4. If additional time is needed, finish cooking the chops in a 350 degree oven until done.

5. Rest the meat for 5-6 minutes to retain moisture before serving.

6. While the pork is cooking put Coca cola, Chicken Broth, Rosemary and Garlic in a sauce pan to reduce over a high flame until ¾ cup is left.

7. Add the butter and whisk, season with salt and pepper and strain.

8. Enjoy!