DISH OF THE WEEK: Byggybeef at BYGGYZ

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

SADLY, BYGGYZ IS NOW CLOSED.

Wylie Dufresne is a big name in the food world, especially for those from New York or those who pay attention to celebrity judges on food competition shows. He has been known for his molecular gastronomy skills and more recently for unique doughnut flavors.

But most people do not know the name of his father, Dewey. Yet he is the brains behind the sandwich shop on Clinton Street that looks like it has been there for alot longer than it actually has.

Byggyz opened last year, but is designed like an iconic old-school fast food sandwich shop. And Dewey has been working on the beef sandwich and testing it out for a long long time.

I had been wanting to check it out and then a few articles were posted that Byggyz would be closing this summer. Then something that only happens to popular sitcoms happened: the restaurant got a reprieve. It’s unclear to me now how long they will be open but they are here and you can still get their braised meat sandwiches for now. And that’s just what I did.

Some of the other sandwiches sounded a bit much to me (a Turducken should only be allowed on Thanksgiving and even then I’m not so sure), but I felt I had to see what the fuss was all about with Dewey’s original beef sandwich.

So I get it now. It’s mighty delicious and gives you that nostalgic fast food flavor with a bit more complexity and high quality ingredients. The squishy seeded bread soaks up all the juices from the slow-braised beef. The meat is incredibly tender and full of sweet, tangy flavors. Melted American cheese puts it in the world of a chopped cheese, along with fancy pickled onions and a sweet and spicy pepper mix.

I can’t believe I waited so long to learn about Dewey Dufresne. Now I see where his son gets it from. Price: $12.50