SJP's Favorite Comfort Food: A Simple Classic
While her fictional counterpart Carrie Bradshaw was known for her love of Cosmos, Sarah Jessica Parker's real-life food passions are more grounded and satisfying. For her ultimate comfort meal, SJP turns to a dish her family adores: simple, pan-seared pork or lamb chops. As she explained on the Ruthie's Table 4 podcast, the dish is stripped down to its essentials. It involves seasoning the chops with salt and pepper and searing them in a pan with Kerrygold butter and a touch of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning. The result, she says, is "ahh, heaven," praising the rich, savory fat that coats the meat. This simple, elegant recipe speaks to a larger appreciation for straightforward, delicious food that is lovingly prepared at home.
Her Restaurant Love: Barbuto's Legendary Roast Chicken
Beyond her home cooking, Sarah Jessica Parker has also publicly declared her love for a specific restaurant dish. In a 2016 Vogue video, she named the roast chicken from Barbuto as a long-time favorite. Barbuto, a New York City restaurant, was famous for its perfectly juicy and crispy-skinned chicken. Though the restaurant temporarily closed, it has since reopened, allowing SJP and other fans to once again enjoy this celebrated dish. This preference highlights her deep connection to the New York City dining scene and her appreciation for well-executed culinary classics, not just the trendiest new spots.
Beyond Favorites: An Eclectic Menu
An in-depth look into Sarah Jessica Parker's eating habits, revealed in a 2021 Grub Street diary, shows a varied and balanced approach to food.
- Breakfast: For a morning meal, she sometimes grabs a bagel from her neighborhood spot, Bagel Buffet, toasted with Kerrygold butter, Grey Poupon mustard, and salami.
- Lunch: A spicy tuna sandwich and a power shake from Joe & the Juice are also on her regular rotation.
- Dessert: While she enjoys savory foods more, she is a big fan of her sister's brownies and keeps sweets like Tootsie Rolls and York Peppermint Patties on hand at home.
- Family Meals: Dinner is a significant event in the Parker-Broderick household, with her husband, Matthew Broderick, often cooking. His Bolognese sauce is a particular family favorite, with Matthew experimenting with different recipes to find the perfect version. SJP also makes other home-cooked meals, like matzo ball soup and her lemon-thyme potatoes.
Comparison of SJP's Favorite Meals
| Feature | Pan-Seared Chops | Barbuto's Roast Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Dish Type | Comfort Food | Restaurant Classic |
| Primary Ingredients | Pork or lamb chops, Kerrygold butter, salt, pepper | Whole chicken, typically with herbs and lemon |
| Origin | Home-cooked family meal | Signature dish from a specific NYC restaurant |
| Preparation | Simple and fast, with just a few ingredients | Chef-prepared, typically roasted for a long period |
| Flavor Profile | Rich, buttery, savory, with a pronounced fat flavor | Crispy skin, juicy meat, often with bright and aromatic notes |
| Experience | Intimate, home-based, and nostalgic | Out-and-about dining experience in New York City |
How to Make SJP's 3-Ingredient Comfort Chops
- Gather Ingredients: You will need pork or lamb chops (about 3/4-inch thick), Kerrygold salted butter, a touch of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Chops: Pat the chops dry and season both sides liberally with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Add the Kerrygold butter and a touch of olive oil to a hot skillet over medium-high heat. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning.
- Sear the Chops: Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the chops in the pan. Sear for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium temperature, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 140°F.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, flavorful bite.
SJP's Food Philosophy: A Healthy Relationship with Food
Sarah Jessica Parker's varied food preferences are rooted in a thoughtful approach to eating, shaped by her own childhood. On the Ruthie's Table 4 podcast, she revealed that growing up in a house with a lot of food restrictions, where sugar and white bread were forbidden, made her crave those things. This experience informed her decision to approach food differently with her own children. In her household today, sweets, cookies, and cakes are readily available. This philosophy, she believes, helps her children build a healthier, non-antagonistic relationship with food. This shows that for SJP, food isn't just about what tastes good, but also about the emotional and psychological connection to eating.
In conclusion, what is Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite food? The answer is not a single, simple one. It is a collection of dishes that span from a cherished home-cooked meal to a beloved restaurant classic. More importantly, her favorite food is intertwined with family, comfort, and the joy of a good meal. From buttery lamb chops to family-made Bolognese and New York's finest roast chicken, her list of loves is a reflection of a life well-fed and well-lived.
For more insight into SJP's cooking and eating, you can explore her full Grub Street Diet from 2021.
