American Cut Steakhouse – Celebrating 5 Years of Bliss

I can hardly believe it, but Dan and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary last week. My how the time has flown in a good way, both us reminiscing on the fun adventures we’ve had these past couple of years, appreciating the good times and having a laugh about the challenges too.

We wanted to celebrate this little milestone by getting out of town for a bit, so we headed to classy Atlantic City, where we spent our anniversary weekend. Knowing what we were getting into, we did as the natives did – walked on the boardwalk, tried our luck at casino games, and explored some restaurants.

One in particular I want to tell you about here is Marc Forgione’s, American Cut, which is located in the Revel Resort & Casino– the newest high-rise construction in the area and also our home for the weekend.

Atmosphere:
While you can find most restaurants at the Revel on the casino level, American Cut is located one level below and provides a bit of seclusion and privacy from the hubbub. This was a welcome respite, especially since we were looking forward to enjoying a quiet romantic dinner.

Upon walking in and being greeted by our host, we were glad we came. The main dining room was long and spacious, boasting high ceilings and dark, deep hued furniture. I noticed a lot of leather and mahogany embellishments, which gave off a luxurious vibe and indicated to us this was exactly the place to spend a special occasion.

Once we settled into our table, we felt comfortable and close enough (I strongly dislike when I feel so far from my dining companion that I can hardly hear him/her). The acoustics were good, and we felt comfortable having a close conversation without getting the impression that our neighbors were eavesdropping. I also liked the dim lighting and candlelight, which further added to this sexy scene.

Food:
We knew what we came for, which was the steak. While the menu isn’t overly extensive, it features lots of steakhouse classics such as the ribeye, porterhouse, filet mignon, as well as seafood classics.

Crab Cake – Starting off with a lump crab cake, we were happy to see it was large enough to share. Consisting of chunky pieces of crab that were bound by a spicy aioli, we enjoyed every bite. I especially appreciated the crunchy cabbage and mango slaw that served as the bed for this dish, and that also helped cut the richness of the mayo.

Steak – Dan’s favorite cut of steak is the ribeye, and that’s exactly what he got at American Cut – a 20 oz to be exact. While most of this was the bone, so it seems larger than it is, Dan devoured it to the last bite, proving that they really did justice to an already good quality cut of meat. I tried it as well and enjoyed the juiciness and the caramelization of the outside. The steak was nicely marbled, which added extra flavor and juiciness.

I chose to go a little less traditional for my dinner and went with the beef short ribs instead. Immediately, loving its presentation, it came in a pretty red Le Creuset pot, which was dramatically uncovered by our waiter for an added effect. Loving all of this, I stared at the chocolate brown short ribs, which were topped with a satchel of fresh herbs. Once I dug in, I was in heaven, loving the thick, slightly sweet reduction that coated the tender short ribs, which surrendered immediately upon contact with my fork. Dan was impressed as well and I shared my treasure with him, both of us agreeing it was very special.

Side – Although we ordered just one side, and therefore saved room for dessert, we didn’t skimp out on richness with the potatoes au gratin. It’s rare that we have this dish at home, as it’s quite heavy and creamy, and this one also came with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Describing it in one would be perfect, as it boasted beautifully roasted potatoes, a creamy, luxurious binder and some nice crunch from the herby breadcrumbs.

Dessert – Yes, we did save room for dessert, and couldn’t resist the AC Carbomb, which was American Cut’s version of a boozy bread pudding. Appreciating its intricate presentation, it was a layered chocolate bread pudding dish, topped with Guinness ice cream and a rustic, dark chocolate slab sticking out of it. The whole thing was then slathered in a Jameson butterscotch sauce and looked after by a perfectly bruleed banana. While Dan could’ve gone for more Guinness in his ice cream, it was perfectly balanced for me, and I especially devoured the dark chocolate bread pudding that had a tender and moist middle.

Service and Cost:
Just like the food, the overall service at American Cut was on-point. Our waiter was super professional and knowledgeable about the food and seemed to understand we were celebrating something special. Pacing out our courses in a way that we felt relaxed, we indulged in an evening of culinary and romantic bliss.

Costs are expensive, but not surprising for a high-end restaurant in a newly built Atlantic City resort:

Appetizers - $13-$42
Steak - $33-$110 Sides - $10-$11
Dessert - $10-$22

3 Blissful Mmmms

American Cut (at Revel Resort & Casino, Atlantic City) – 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 855.348.0500
www.revelresorts.com/dining/american-cut

Splurging at S. Prime Steakhouse

Image by Meg Cotner

Image by Meg Cotner

Since Dan and I have been pretty diligent about eating healthy and cooking at home, we decided to splurge the other night and had dinner at S. Prime Steakhouse.  I've been there once before with Meg and loved it - and now wanted Dan to have a taste too.  Having the foresight to buy a Groupon, we had even more of an incentive to go, as it provided a nice savings.

Here are the tasty highlights of our experience:

Spicy Tuna Tartare - Wanting to start out light, we ordered the tuna tartare, which was deliciously fresh and had a nice bite from the spicy aioli that was used to bind all its ingredients.  The piece-de-resistance were the crispy wonton chips, which we used as a vehicle to transport all that tuna and avocado goodness.

Porterhouse Steak for two - S. Prime prides itself in dry aged steaks, and this is what we came for.  Since the steaks are quite large and pretty pricey too, we thought we'd get the best value by getting the Porterhouse for two, which included both the New York Strip and Filet Mignon cuts.  Packed with 48 ounces of juicy goodness, we both loved the steak, which was cooked perfectly to a medium rare.  Although it didn't need much sauce, I enjoyed dipping the filet into their signature tangy steak sauce.  The NY Strip, the more marbled of the two didn't need much embellishment.

The Sides - Divided by "good" and "bad" sides, we got one of each.  Our good (if you can call it that) was the creamed corn you see above and the "bad" was the Monster Baked Potato, which came with a whole tray of fixins.  Both were excellent, and I loved the interactive element of the potato, which came with a healthy dose of chives, bacon lardons, sour cream, butter, and parmesan cheese.  The bacon was a superior topping, which we devoured with the tender flesh of the potato.  

Enjoying the corn as well, you can tell it was cooked fresh off the cob and then mixed with fresh herbs and spices.  It was even delicious when put on top of that colossal potato.  

Service and Cost:
Even though the food was a total home run, the service was not.  I'm sad to report that it took quite a while for our waiter to appear and take our order.  We were checked on pretty rarely and waited about 35 minutes for our steak to appear.  Unfortunately, no one apologized or even addressed the issue, so we had to flag down our waitress and pester her about it.  It wasn't a smooth experience to say the least.

Costs are expensive and definitely wallet breaking.  The Groupon helped a lot (you can still get one), and after we cashed that in, we still owed an additional $85 including tax and tip.

2 Mmmms

S Prime Steakhouse - 35-15 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.707.0660
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue or R/M Train to Steinway Street
www.sprimenyc.com

Chez Panisse – Organic Magic in the Making

Dan and I are currently on the West Coast, and I must say, there’s no shortage of delicious food. Every corner of San Francisco, where we’re currently staying boasts an interesting array of food options, including gourmet food trucks and stands, bakeries, organic salad & sandwich shops, farmers markets, and the like. However, even though there’s plenty of greatness to choose from right in San Fran, we couldn’t resist taking a short train ride over to Berkeley to visit Chez Panisse.

For those of you not familiar with this Bay Area staple, Chez Panisse is the mastermind of food visionary, Alice Waters, who practically invented the farm-to-table movement. Every foodie who’s worth her salt has been, and I just had to see what it’s all about.

Atmosphere:
Located on the pretty Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley, Chez Panisse is situated in an area the locals call the “gourmet ghetto.” Seeing its quaint exterior, I knew I’d love this place, as it was decked with a raw heads of garlic—a nice foreshadowing of what was to come during our meal.

As soon as we stepped inside, I was even more glad we came. The interior was beautiful and inviting, with cherrywood paneling on the walls, warm lighting and the most amazing smell that emanated throughout the dining room. Since we ate in the café area, we headed upstairs and were welcomed by a friendly maitre-d who sat us at a temporary table while we waited. This turned out to be a big highlight of our experience, as the table next to us hosted some major talent such as Sir Ian McKellen (yes…that would be Gandolfe the Grey), Patrick Stewart and Billy Crudup.

Food:
Since we chose the café as our first Chez Panisse experience, we were able to order a la carte, instead of from the elaborate tasting menu that’s offered downstairs in the more formal setting. I loved this approach, as it allowed us to be flexible and share an appetizer and dessert, which was the perfect amount of food.

Endive Salad – We couldn’t dine at Chez Panisse without getting a taste of their famous salads – simple, yet expertly composed veggie plates that Alice Waters is known for. Choosing the endive salad with chopped scallions, smoky bacon and crumbled farm fresh eggs was a perfect way to start, as each ingredient had delicate flavor and was thoughtfully composed into an earthy medley.

Steak with Shoestring Potatoes – Spotting this Monday night special on the menu, we both decided to go for it and weren’t sorry. The portion was modest, but ended up being just enough, as the grass-fed steak produced a melt-in-your-mouth bite and the herb butter on top melted into each delicious crevice. Devouring the shoestrings, they were super crunchy, almost reminding me of gourmet potato stix that were nice to pair with the peppery leafy greens.

Plum Galette – Dessert was an absolute must, and once again we went with an earthy, rustic option, which was this beautiful plum galette. I loved that it wasn’t overly sweet and the crust was the perfect amount of crumbly and buttery. The pretty pink scoop of ice cream you see was raspberry in flavor, which added a nice touch of tartness to this otherwise mild dessert.

Service and Cost:
Besides the food, the service is a big highlight here, as all the waiters are experienced and bring a touch of old world charm to the entire experience. I love that they have an opinion about what’s good, and it was refreshing to see that some of the waiters are closely acquainted with the patrons.

Costs are very fair and quite surprising for the quality of the overall experience you get. I really appreciate that Chez Panisse takes exceptional care of its customers and that they don’t exploit their popularity, as some restaurants of their caliber do. The entire meal set us back about $95, which included drinks, tax and tip.

3 locally grown Mmmms

Chez Panisse - 1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley CA 94709
510.548.5525
BART to Downtown Berkeley
www.chezpanisse.com

Bistro 33 Ups their Whiskey Offering

For all of you whiskey lovers, you'll be happy to hear that Bistro 33 has upped the ante on their whiskey offering.  Their new whiskey menu includes twelve different whiskeys including domestic and international:

Peach Street
Town Branch
Blanton's
Widow Jane
Bulleit
Templeton
Hudson
Old Overholt
Hibiki
Yamazaki (Dan's favorite)
Hakushu
Old Pulteney

Pair these with Bistro's hearty fare including their lamb pops with crispy leaks, a horseradish pork shoulder, steak frites or their classic burger with tomato aioli and bacon.  Sounds fabulous!

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
718.721.1933

N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.bistro33nyc.com

The Inkan Peruvian & Latin Cuisine Looks Awesome

Image by Diliana R

I found myself in LIC last Saturday, enjoying the funny and provocative antics of Honey Badger Burlesque.  It was quite a show, but more on that soon!  During my evening, I ran into a yummy looking Peruvian restaurant called The Inkan, which really intrigued me.  I noticed it, as I was on my way to the Chain Theater, and then lo and behold, there was a flyer for it at the theater as well.  I perused the menu and really liked what I saw.  Here's a sampling, in case you get an inkling for reasonable Latin food.  I'd love to try it soon, and if I was in the nabe during lunch time, I'd totally hit them up.  It looks so reasonable!

Appetizers:
Salchipapas - French fries with frankfurters...$5.99
Papa rellena - Stuffed potato...$6.99
Empanadas Ecuatorianas de Viento - empanadas stuffed with cheese...$1.50

Rotisserie Chicken & Ribs:
Whole chicken...$10.99
Spare ribs...$4.99

Seafood:
Camaron al Ajillo - Sauteed shrimp with garlic sauce served with white rice...$14.99
Ceviche Mixto - Mixed seafood including mussels, clams, shrimp, squid & fresh fish marinated in lemon juice; served with sweet potato and corn...$15.99
Parihuela - Rich mixed seafood soup with mussels, clams, shrimp, squid, fish and Spanish spices...$13.99
Jalea - Fried mixed seafood with onions, tomatoes, cilantro & lemon sauce...$14.99 (personal), $28.99 (family)

Meat:
Bistek Encebollado - Sirloin steak sauteed with onions & tomatoes, served with white rice & French fries...$13.99
Chuletas de Cerdo con Arroz y Habichuelas - Pork chop with rice and beans...$12.99
Mini Bandeja - Sirloin steak with white rice, beans, fried egg, sweet plantains & pork rind...$9.99
Entrana a la Parilla con Arroz Amarillo y Maduros - Grilled skirt steak with yellow rice and sweet plantains...$17.99

Sides:
Sweet plantains...$3.99
Fried yucca...$3.99
Red beans...$3.99
Green plantains...$3.99

The Inkan - 45-02 23rd Street, LIC NY 11101
718.433.4171
7 Train to Court Square
www.theinkancuisine.com

Healthy Stir-Fry Hits the Spot

Even though I have a wok (and have had it forever), I haven’t been too forthcoming about using it, and experimenting with stir-fry dishes. This past weekend changed all that, as I spotted a fun little recipe in Bon Appetit’s March issue for Brussels sprouts and steak stir-fry. It looked gorgeous – all colorful and vibrant – so I thought, “why not?!”

I liked that the prep was minimal, just some slicing of veggies such as carrots, fresh ginger, scallions, Brussels Sprouts and the like, but the rest of the magic happened in the wok. Amazed by how quickly it all went down and was literally prepared in no more than 7-10 minutes, we had dinner on the table real quick and plenty of food to go back for seconds and thirds. 

Since you’re making your own sauce coating for the stir-fry, make sure to use low sodium soy sauce to control the salt content and use a good quality rice vinegar such as Kikkoman. I hope you enjoy this dish, and please let me know about any fun variations you come up with!

Brussels sprouts and steak stir fry recipe, courtesy of Bon Appetit

Prime 112 – Miami’s Prime-Time Steakhouse Leaves Us Only Half Full

A major part of our trip to Florida this week was to celebrate our anniversary, and we spent the actual day in Miami in the South Beach area. Although it’s a big scene, I really enjoy visiting, staying at a fun hotel and trying a new restaurant each time.

Since we wanted to make things really special, we chose Prime 112, the sceney Miami steakhouse as our top choice. Hearing nothing but the best, I was excited to try it and wanted to see if it’d live up to the hype. Although I can’t complain about the food, the obnoxious (and too cool for school) atmosphere left a bad taste in our mouths.

Atmosphere:
Even though we knew this place to be very high profile and known for big dinner crowds, we didn’t expect it to be as hectic as it was. Even the process of checking in was a big cluster (you know what), and it was an accurate indication of how the rest of the evening would go.

After checking in to find out we’d have to wait another 30-40 minutes for our table, we headed over to the bar to enjoy a leisurely drink and some bacon that they put into wine glasses for patrons to munch on. I gotta admit this was a really nice touch, and the bacon was amazingly salty-sweet and nicely crisped. The group of ladies next to us took the whole glass for themselves, and were eating it with gusto, which was funny and awesome to see.

The wait and the crowds continued for another half hour, until it was after 10 p.m. and we still hadn’t been seated (we had a 9 p.m. reservation). Finally we had it, Dan gave someone a piece of his mind and voila…we had our table. I wonder if that’s their strategy – make your patrons wait until they lose their patience and they’re almost ready to walk out. I don’t know where you’re going with that, Prime 112…

Food:
The menu includes all your staple steakhouse items, only turned up a bit. I like that there’s unique little twists to everything such as the use of truffle oil on sides, lots of fancy cheeses, an entire potatoes section, including 12 different varieties, and tons of unique sauces (they call them chapeaux) and butters for the steak.

Appetizer – Since the apps were really really expensive (as was everything else on the menu), we went with one and shared it, which turned out to be a great choice. Although a non-traditional dish to share, we got the French Onion Soup, with aged gruyere cheese and brandy.  Presented beautifully in a red earthenware bowl, Dan and I enjoyed it to the last bite, taking big spoonfuls of the flavorful broth, intermingled with tons of onions, soft croutons and of course all that salty, well-done cheese on top. If you’re not a cheese lover, I wouldn’t recommend it, but for all you guys that appreciate a good queso, this one’s for you.

Steak – Looking forward to the main event, which is of course their steak, Dan went with the laaarge 22 oz ribeye (bone in), while I chose the 14 oz NY Strip (sans bone). In addition to just the meat, we each ordered a topping of choice, mine being the gorgonzola chapeaux and Dan’s the garlic herb butter.

I’m happy to report that the steaks were absolutely perfect, done to our exact specifications and the meat being incredibly flavorful and nicely charred on the outside. The gorgonzola chapeaux added a nice tang and more richness, which the steak didn’t need and although I enjoyed it, I probably wouldn’t over indulge like that again. Dan had the same sentiment about his garlic herb butter, which went unused for the most part.

Side – The helpful waitstaff advised us that the sides were really large and good for splitting, so we ordered just one, the 4 cheese truffled mac and cheese. I liked it very much, but thought that it was too cheesy, especially since I got that gorgonzola chapeaux, so I think it was total cheese overload. In retrospect, we should’ve gone with a potato dish or maybe even the colossal fried onion rings that looked fabulous.

Service and Cost:
After we sat down, the service was just lovely. All the waiters were professional, cordial and totally synonymous with a quality steakhouse atmosphere. I liked that there were two of them, and even though the restaurant was super busy, I always felt taken care of and not the least bit neglected (unlike before). 

Costs are (there’s no other way to say it) stupid expensive:

Appetizers - $13 - $25
Steak - $38 - $88
Sides - $13 - $14
Dessert - $15

2 Mmmms

Prime 112 – 112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach FL 33139
305.532.8112
www.mylesrestaurantgroup.com

S Prime - There's a New Steakhouse in Town

Image by S Prime

The opening of this new "boutique steakhouse" has recently been brought to my attention by Meg, who scoped it out while walking around the nabe.  There's been a lot of chatter about it in the last week or so, and now we can all see what it's about, as it's officially open.  

Run by the folks that also own Studio Square (notice its close proximity to the beer garden) as well Cavo, S Prime looks to be a lush, high-class, high-priced-ticket joint, fit for special occasions.  I personally really enjoy a good steakhouse and am willing and excited to check it out.  In the meantime, here's a peek at a few items on their menu.  Mind you this is definitely a treat for the wallet, but hopefully a worthy one.

Raw Bar:
Shellfish bouquet - lobster, oysters, clams, crabmeat, shrimp...$40/person
Clams - half a dozen....$14
Colossal shrimp cocktail...$20

Apps:
Ugly ripe tomato & onion - with mustard vinaigrette...$14
White water mussels - white wine, garlic, shallots, parsley...$15
Foie gras - caramelized pineapple, with a balsamic reduction...$21

Tartares:
Classic steak tartare - with brioche toast...$18
Spicy tuna tartare - with crispy wonton chips...$17
Salmon and cucumber tartare - with crispy potato chips...$16

Good Sides:
Spinach - steamed, sauteed, or creamed...$10
Corn off the cob...$8
Suateed wild mushrooms...$8
Bad Sides:
Parmesan herb cheese fries...$10
Lap choeng fried rice...$10
Monster baked potato - with chives, bacon lardons, sour cream and butter...$6

Steak:
8 oz filet mignon...$44
28 oz Cajun ribeye...$55
16 oz 35 day sirloin...$48
48 oz 28 day porterhouse for 2...$93

Seafood:
Organic Scottish salmon - with summer vegetable cous-cous...$32
Day boat diver scallops - sun choke puree, mayer lemon caper butter sauce...$36
Yellowtail tuna - ratatouille pesto...$36

S Prime Steakhouse - 35-15 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.707.0660
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue or R/M Train to Steinway Street
www.sprimenyc.com

Christos Steakhouse - Beef with Attitude...and then some!

While far from being my first time at Christos, there has been quite a respite between my last meal here.  So when the opportunity presented itself, Meg and I took the bait of checking it out and digging into some new menu items as well as a few oldies but goodies.  Bringing the guys along with us, there were absolutely no complaints from the peanut gallery, as we walked out with happy moods, full bellies and an eagerness to come back.  

Here are some of the standouts of the night, which I highly encourage trying:

Apps - The evening started off with many gorgeous apps, including an elegant steak tartare with schezuan peppers and a delicate quail egg on top.  While at first it was something I had to get used to, it ended up being my favorite app--rich, decadent and really beautifully flavored.  Meg knew the secret to its greatness, as she gingerly added the dijon mustard and onions on top of the beef, which cut its richness, giving it that pop and burst of freshness.

I also really enjoyed the grilled calamari, with a nicely charred crust, simply dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.  It was far from heavy and reminded me of something I'd eat on vacation.  The oozing saganaki cheese with a well done crust was also something to write home about, and was just lovely when paired with the crusty peasant bread.

Salad - We enjoyed two salads, including the baby arugula with figs, shallots, and smoked feta as well as a classic Greek salad with juicy, thick-cut tomatoes, cucumbers, feta and oregano.  Both were an excellent prelude to the main event, and even though they contained a lot of interesting ingredients, they also served as nice palate cleansers.

Steak - The piece-de-resistance of the meal was of course the steak, and we got to taste "The Wedge" a gargantuan piece of USDA prime aged steak, which included a variety of cuts, including filet, culotte and tri tip.  I thought it was a nice way to go, especially for a group, since we got to sample the different cuts and choose which one we liked best.  All the meat was cooked nicely, with a medium rare inside and a beautifully charred crust on the outside.  We used Christos' signature steak sauce to make this already delicious hunk of meat even more flavorful.

Sides - Even though I love steak, I usually get more excited about the sides, and just loved everything Christos brought out.  Two items shined for me the most, including the lobster mashed potatoes and the smoked feta mashed potatoes.  I know, I know...both sound similar but their flavors were totally different--the former interspersed with chunky pieces of fresh lobster meat that automatically gave you that surf and turf splurge, while the latter velvety and smooth as butter tasted sort of like bryndza.

Dessert - The desserts were just incredible, and between the red velvet cheesecake to the baklava tart, the Baked Astoria and the fresh banana pudding, it was hard to choose a winner.  If I'd have to, it'd be the Baked Astoria, closely followed by the baklava tart.  The former is Christos' take on the Baked Alaska, with a golden brown meringue shell and a soft, cakey inside, and some ice cream too.  It felt incredibly special and like a true treat that you can't get anywhere else.  The baklava tart was unique as well, as they transformed this traditional Greek pastry into an open faced tart, with the walnut, pistachio and almond filling and some ridiculously good almond ice cream on top.  This was heaven...just heaven!

Service and Cost:
We loved the experienced service at Christos, as everyone is courteous, professional and seems to have an interest in what they do.  We were lucky to speak with Chef Mina Newman as well, who humored us and our questions about her favorite cuts of steak, the sourcing of her ingredients and her inspiration for the menu.  I really enjoyed the insider view from a strong, female steakhouse chef, which I think is pretty rare.  Go Mina!

Costs are moderate for steakhouse standards and include:

Appetizers - $10-$19
Salads - $10-$14
Steak - $35-$130
Sides - $8-$10

3 Mmmms

Christos Steakhouse - 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.777.8400
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.christossteakhouse.com

Lucas Steakhouse Delivers on Taste and Class

I can't even tell you how many times I've prepared myself to visit Lucas Steakhouse, but to no avail.  There was always something preventing me from trying it, whether the high costs or a lack of a special occasion, until this past weekend when Dan and I finally went there for his annual birthday dinner. While our expectations were on the low side, I can't properly express how surpassed they ended up being - from the impeccable service to the flawless food.

Atmosphere:
Surprised by how small the space actually was, I can safely say that I've never dined at a steakhouse this intimate.  For the occasion we were celebrating, it was absolutely perfect and appropriate, but just note if you'd like to come with a bigger group, I'd place my reservation way ahead of time.

Something I found particularly wonderful is the decor - it's sleek and modern and a little funky too, which some of the most popular steakhouses in the city sometimes lack.  The leather chairs with a high back and gorgeous details such as metal grommets made me feel the most comfortable I ever recall being at a fancy steakhouse.  And to further create a sexy vibe, the dim lighting and soft music did just that, presenting a perfect atmosphere for couples.  Collectively, I found the ambiance a little bit of a disconnect with respect to its location on the residential 35th Avenue and 32nd Street, but nonetheless welcome.

Food:
With classic steakhouse items gracing the menu, Dan and I had no trouble choosing our dinner.  We were also happy to learn about the high quality of meats - all 100% USDA prime cuts, and even grass fed options.  Meat heaven was upon us...

Appetizer - It was easy to choose our app, as we both had our eye on the crab cake.  I was excited to see how innovative its composition was - a giant lump crab cake, resting on a bed of spicy corn salsa and a chipotle aioli that woke our senses.  The crab itself was flavorful and meaty, and tasted as fresh and crisp as the sea.

Steak - Hands-down the best part of the meal (as it should be), we ordered two cuts of meat, Dan going for the 28-day dry aged T-bone and I for the grass-fed boneless sirloin strip.  Both looked absolutely gorgeous, dressed simply with delicate grains of sea salt and fresh crushed herbs.

Dan loved his steak, getting two cuts in one piece of meat including the leaner fillet as well as a more marbled New York strip.  I had the pleasure of tasting both pieces and had a strong preference for the New York strip - it had a lot more flavor. 

My steak however, stole the show (in my opinion), as it was the juiciest cut of meat I've had to date, boasting a lot of explosive flavor in one bite.  I adored the simple flavorings that were the same as on Dan's piece and thoroughly enjoyed dipping the steak into the side of two housemade BBQ sauces, the coffee BBQ and the classic with coriander flavoring.

Sides - Choosing to pair our steak with two sides, including the Brussel sprouts and the onion rings, the former was our favorite.  It was lovely to see a pretty golden coloring on its exterior, which offered up a delicious charred taste.  Paired with bits of smoky bacon and roasted garlic, the overall effect was expertly balanced and super sophisticated. 

The onion rings too, were very good, coated in a smooth tempura batter.  They kept their crisp nicely and were also great to dip into the coffee BBQ sauce.  I enjoyed them but could eat only about 2 of them, since they were kind of heavy. 

Dessert - Another show-stopper, we actually ordered the dessert before we put our steak order in.  Our waiter explained that the apple pot pie was made to order and took about 25 minutes to cook.  Not long after he explained the contents of this dessert (chunky apples, caramel, organic vanilla bean ice-cream), we without hesitation said "yes."

Once this beauty arrived, it reaffirmed our decision.  It looked magnificent, with a honey golden crust, lovingly hugging the deep porcelain dish.  The dough was flaky and buttery, pairing well with the hot, caramel filling.  I just loved how large and chunky the apples were on the inside, making each bite substantially more and more delicious.

Service and Cost:
We both liked our server who was really comfortable with the menu and his love for steakhouse cuisine was very evident.  He was able to definitively tell us his favorites (i.e. crabcake, cut of steak), which we took seriously.

Costs are in-line with other high-end steakhouses to maybe even slightly cheaper.  I had an Opentable Spotlight coupon with me, which gave us $50 off the check (I paid $25 for it), but all in all, the dinner set us back about $75/person, tax and tip included.

3 Meaty Mmmms

Lucas Steakhouse - 34-55 32nd Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.786.5200
Train to 36th Avenue
www.lucassteakhouse.com

Last Minute Astorian Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine's Day is almost upon us - love it or hate it.  Whether you're hanging with your hunny or celebrating love with great friends, here's a quick last minute guide to some fun things to do.

Rest-Au-Rant - For something intimate, low key yet very special, check out Rest-Au-Rant's 4-course V-day menu, paired with a champagne toast and a box of homemade assorted chocolates.  Their cocktails are fabulous and the wine selection will certainly fit the occasion.  The dinner will set you back $45/person and reservations are required.  30-01 35th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.729.9009

Bear - The menu at Bear is looking mighty rich for Tuesday night, with a 3-course prix-fixe, including dishes such as a three vodka shot special, short rib braised in red wine, diver sea scallop barley risotto and the piece-de-resistance, rose macarons and chocolate.  Dinner costs $45/person and $75 with wine pairings.  12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  917.396.4939

Vesta & Pachanga Patterson - Both sister restaurants are featuring impressive menus in honor of cupid, and they always deliver (I speak from experience).  At Vesta, you'll enjoy a 3-course dinner, featuring yummies such as foie gras, a braised pork shank, charred gnocchi with roasted cauliflower and more.  Pachanga brings a Mexican flair with family style dishes such as empanada, quesadilla and taquito platters, $1 fried oysters, $2 shots and drinks specials.  Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550.  Pachanga Patterson - 33-17 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.554.0525

Veslo - Always up for celebrating a festive occasion, Veslo has created a 3-course special menu with decadent options such as pan seared scallops, a crown rack of lamb, gnocchi in veal sauce (they're delish) and a Croatian style dessert of thin crepes or blueberry cheese strudel.  Reservations are highly recommended and the dinner will set you back $50/person.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106.  718.728.0549 

Astor Bake Shop - I just love the special love menu at Astor Bake Shop, with a mix of sweet and savory.  Their custom V-Day offering is affordable at $23.95/person and scrumptious sounding, with items such as saffron arancini, a steelhead trout, pan seared polenta with cauliflower ragout and plenty of desserts such as a red velvet crepe, blood orange mousse and more.  12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102. 718.606.8439

Homemade Goodness - If you're staying in to create that romantic atmosphere at home, there's a couple of of homemade dishes I highly recommend making, including crab cakes, broiled steaks and potato gratin.  And for dessert, I've got tons of delectable ideas such as homemade truffles, chocolate covered bacon or fudgy skillet brownies.  

For some really great last minute shopping ideas, scrumptious food options, shopping and more, check out Mackenzi's awesome Valentine's Day Gift guide on We Heart Astoria. 

Old Homestead Steakhouse Mixes Old with New

This past week, Dan and I took a much needed respite, ironically in a place that never sleeps.  Not Las Vegas, but the closest thing to it, Atlantic City.  We visited the Borgata Hotel & Casino, which was a lot of fun and felt very much like a Vegas-style experience - fancy restaurants included.  And the one we chose to indulge in was The Old Homestead Steakhouse.  Very curious about this 137 year old NY institution, we were even more hungry to know what it'd be like when transported out of its original NYC locale.  

Atmosphere:
Situated on the ground floor of the luxurious Borgata Hotel & Casino, Old Homestead is one among six fine dining establishments in the hotel.  And unlike the other five restaurants, I think it draws the biggest crowds and interest, due to its long-lived reputation of serving "domestically raised, hand massaged Kobe beef."  We experienced this demand first hand, as even after we made a reservation in advance, we had to further wait another 30 minutes just to be seated.

The space itself feels very much like a modern steakhouse, with classic wooden furnishings, masculine colors like dark blues and browns, sleek velvet booths and large artwork dispersed throughout.  As you look around a bit, you'll  notice this place is populated either with couples, enjoying a nice romantic meal, or groups of men.  As I said, masculinity very much permeated the space not only in decor but also in clientele.

Food:
Overall, we found the food to be simple yet of very good quality.  The steak itself was delicious, but unfortunately the sides fell a little flat.  

Appetizers - We chose 2 apps including the clams casino and the fresh mozzarella and roasted red pepper salad.  Both were very good, but we were especially impressed with the salad, which was gorgeous-looking and colorful, with bright red peppers, milky white mozzarella and forest green basil.  The whole thing was very simple but so wonderful, as the ingredients were top notch and the flavors very clean.  I especially loved the balsamic glaze (different than just vinaigrette, as it was thicker and more syrupy) that rested on the bottom of the plate, and was just perfect for dipping the other ingredients into.

The clams were also very tasty and quite fresh.  My favorite aspect were the generous pieces of crispy bacon, which were placed on top of each one - the layering of smoky and fresh-water flavors meshing together really well.

Steaks - The piece-de-resistance were the steaks of course, Dan getting the signature Gotham Rib, while I ordered the Petit Filet Mignon wrapped in bacon.  Dan's was the stand-out of course, a massive 34 ouncer that even he couldn't believe he'd make a dent in.  While the meat had a massive bone going through the middle, as ribeyes do, there was plenty of medium rare meat to get through.  I had a bite and really enjoyed the succulent meat, flavored simply but deliciously, showing that it didn't need much else to hold its own.

My Petit Filet was really good too, being cooked perfectly to medium consistency.  I enjoyed the house steak sauce that came along with it as a condiment, giving the meat a bit more tang and personality.  What disappointed me was the bacon that was supposed to be wrapped around the meat, but which instead rested limply along the side of the steak.  While it was pretty good, I was expecting something thicker, smokier, and more substantial.

Sides - Our two side dishes included onion rings and hash browns that actually rested on the base of my petit filet.  Both were pretty good but didn't live up to our expectations or to the excellence we experienced at other steakhouses such as Ben and Jack's.  While the onion rings were crunchy enough, they were still on the greasy side and the hash browns lacked personality and pizazz.  Besides not being seasoned enough, they fell flat on texture too, as they could've been crispier on the outside.   

Service and Cost:
While the food was a little lackluster, the service was just the opposite.  Despite the modern setting we were in, the service was old-school-attentive and courteous, which I loved.  Our waiter referred to us as "gentleman" and "lady" on almost every encounter, which was charming and transported us to a different time.

I'm happy to report that all dishes were brought out in good time, glasses refilled when needed and the check expedited in a timely fashion.  It was all on-point and I'm sure the original owners would be happy to see that.

Costs are not surprisingly very expensive, given this is a fine dining establishment in a luxury hotel & casino. The dinner set us back about $180 including drinks and all the above-mentioned food.

2.5 Mmmms

Old Homestead Steakhouse - 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City NJ 08401
609.317.1000
www.theborgata.com

A Deal at Lucas Steakhouse? No..really!

Here's a little incentive for you - the newly re-opened Lucas Steakhouse, which is a little unattainable in my eyes in terms of price point is offering a deal.  Now while I wouldn't normally highlight random daily deals because g_d knows we get enough of them, this one really looks promising.

If you're interested in trying this high-end steakhouse that for me looks quite enticing, check out this OpenTable Spotlight deal which is offering a $25 for $50 deal for Lucas. You can buy more than one deal but can only use one per table.  I snatched mine today and will report back about my experience.  But if you beat me to it, do let me know what you think.  I can't wait to sink my teeth into some juicy steak (well...let's hope).

Get the OpenTable Spotlight Deal

Lucas Steakhouse - 34-55 32nd Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.786.5200
Train to 36th Avenue
www.lucassteakhouse.com

Ben & Jack's Steakhouse - New Location Same Great Taste

Ben & Jack's Steakhouse - 255 5th Avenue, New York NY 10016
212.532.7600
R/W Train to 28th Street
www.benandjackssteakhouse.com

I love steakhouses and like most people, I consider them to be special treats.  The exprience is one of indulgence and pampering, so when I got invited to a tasting at Ben & Jack's Steakhouse, I got right on it.  Dan accompanied me of course, as he's even a bigger steak fan than I am.  Our experience was a great one, and due to more reasons than I can name, I'd highly recommend this venue for your next steak dinner.

Atmosphere:
Although Ben & Jack's doesn't necessarily distinguish itself from other steakhouses in appearance, it's very inviting, warm and cozy.  The space is open and slightly on the narrow side, which makes it intimate.  A casual vibe prevails and although you can come here straight from the office in your work clothes, a casual outfit of jeans and a nice shirt won't look out of place.

I liked the bar in front, which feels very masculine with tall, handsome barmen who know how to fix a nice scotch on the rocks.  We were surprised to hear a bit of contemporary music in the background, which is often hard to notice in steakhouses because they're so loud.

Food:
The food surpassed our expectations - but mainly the steak.  Although there was an option to share a steak for two, Dan and I both went for the ribeye and got our own personal portion, which was huge.

Appetizers - We took two different routes - Dan got the French onion soup, while I ordered the baked clams, a personal favorite.  I preferred the clams as they tasted fresh and buttery, topped with a crispy crust, which we spritzed with a generous amount of lemon.  The clam meat was plentiful and tasted just like it should - like the sea.

Dan's soup was tasty too but a bit on the salty side. I'd skip this next time and get something seafoodish like the crabcake or the shrimp cocktail.

Steak and Sides - This was hands-down the best part of the meal.  We both ordered our own ribeye steak, cooked medium-rare just the way we like it.  Dan made a comment about whether it would deliver because in the last two steakhouses we visited, he had to send the steak back.  Not here - it was cooked to perfection and the sizeable piece of meat was sizzling with a generous helping of hot butter on top.  Wow, was it good!  The meat was tender and had great marbling, which created the most amazing taste in your mouth.  I kept cutting off the little chunks by the bone because those were the best, and slightly crunchy.  The entire steak impressed me and I'm going to confidently say that I liked it better than at Peter Luger's.

Our sides were yummy too but compared to the steak, they didn't stand out as much.  The 1/2 cottage fries 1/2 onion rings combo intrigued us and to round things out, we also got a side of creamed spinach.  I had a strong preference for the spinach, which was decadent but also earthy - the cream wasn't overpowering and therefore not heavy.  The fried combo plate was good because it was fried but I probably would get something lighter next time. 

Dessert - Dessert couldn't be skipped and we decided on Ben & Jack's signature hot fudge sundae, aka The Holly Bull.  It was similar to what we got last year at Peter Luger's but I liked this one more.  The whipped cream or schlag was homemade and super light.  Unlike the one at Luger's, it was easier to get through and to evenutally dip your spoon into the dark, rich chocolate fudge and ice cream.  There were walnuts interspersed throughout the cup, which gave the dessert nice texture.

Service and Cost:
There was nothing to complain about in the service department.  The minute we walked in, we were greeted warmly by a hostess and then were more than taken care of at our table.  Our waiter was a nice guy who was a straight shooter - what you saw is what you got.  He seemed to know a lot about the food and even joked with us for getting that big sundae.  It was cool because we got to meet "Jack" as in "Ben & Jack."  He was nice and hospitable and ensured that we were comfortable.

Prices are comparable to other city steakhouses - and as I mentioned, going out for steak is usually a splurge.  Consider it for Valentine's Day this Sunday, for a special birthday dinner or for any kind of celebration.

Appetizers: $2.95-$18.95

Steak: $39.95-$122.85
Seafood: $30.95-$33.95

Sides:  $5.65-$12.95

3 Mmmms

Delmonico's Steakhouse - A New York Classic

Delmonico's - 56 Beaver Street, New York NY 10004
212.509.3130
2/3 Train to Wall Street
www.delmonicosny.com

Dan and I had the delicious experience of visiting one of NY's finest steakhouses, Delmonico's. I've read about it in the past and have always wanted to visit--so when the opportunity presented itself, we were eager to take advantage. Unlike some classic steakhouses that have disappointed me in the past, this one overdelivered--and then some.

Atmosphere:
Located in Manhattan's financial district, Delmonico's attracts the Wall Street crowd--but it's surprisingly not pretentious. As soon as I walked in, I was welcomed by a friendly hostess who led me to the bar area to meet Dan. There we had a beer and chatted, not feeling the pressure to act "proper" but to just unwind and relax after a long day.

We were seated in the gorgeous dining room with deep rich wood moldings, grandiose paintings and chandeliers. Yes, this sounds formal but again, it felt entirely comfortable. Small parties of two such as ourselves were seated along the perimeter of the room while bigger parties sat in the middle. Overall, it created a nice atmosphere that was social but not too loud. I'd definitely recommend this place for a romantic dinner if that's what you're looking for.

I'd be doing a disservice if I wouldn't touch upon Delmonico's history. Besides it being the first restaurant in the U.S. to offer tablecloth service, it's also the place where some of the most well-known dishes were invented, including Eggs Benedict, Lobster Newburg, Baked Alaska and of course the Delmonico Steak.

Food:
We liked that in addition to the traditional steakhouse dishes, Delmonico's offered up new alternatives, some of which were a bit ethnic--and the diversity of the menu was appreciated.

Appetizers - Dan and I started with two dishes, a classic Caesar salad and the Blue Crab Cake. Both were fresh and used superb quality ingredients, especially the crab, which was embellished with a saffron aioli. The crab cake was substantial in size, seasoned properly, which didn't go unnoticed. I loved the crunchy, sauteed parsley on the side, which was cooked in the same style as Malagueta's sauteed spinach--divine.

The salad was simple but again, nice and fresh--the lettuce leaves had great crunch and the dressing had a touch of smokiness. I liked that they put an anchovy on top and some shavings of salty parmigiano cheese.

Steak - We ordered two cuts of meat--Dan went for the traditional Delmonico's steak (a boneless rib eye) while I got the more girly option, the filet mignon. Although I loved my steak and thought that it was juicy and flavorful, Dan's rib eye hit it out of the park with its intense taste. Marbling equals excellence and that's why Dan's steak was so finger-lickin' good. I didn't feel guilty eating it, as I only had a few bites of his 18 ouncer--it was huge and in my opinion, large enough to split. My filet was also generous in portion and I took about a quarter of it home--the thought of extending my meal to make leftover steak sandwiches excited me.

Sides - Our sides of choice included two starches, hash browns and the Hoop spaetzle. I loved the presentation of the hash browns--they were formed into a round shape and browned on the outside, making them super crunchy. They were a tad oily but that's expected with anything fried.

The spaetzle simply rocked my world. First and foremost, it reminded me of my beloved Slovak halusky but the flavoring was different--it not only incorporated farmer-style cheese but also garlic and parsley. It felt lighter than the Slovak halusky and the Hoop cheese seemed to melt into the spaetzle, giving it a subtle cheesy flavor. Dan, who's very picky with cheeses devoured and complimented this.

Dessert - To not order Baked Alaska in the place it was invented would be a crime, so of course we did. And to call it anything short of perfect would be a lie, as it was absolutely delectable. The meringue was my favorite part--it was shaped into a medium-sized dome with gorgeous little peaks that were slightly crunchy on the outside. The contents included almond cake, apricots and banana ice cream, which stood out to me. Dan loved the banana too and mentioned how pronounced and delicious its flavor was.

In addition to our dessert of choice, we also received small butter biscuits with dulce de leche cream. They were nice and I liked the filling but the dough tasted a bit raw and I wasn't into it.

Service and Cost:
The best part about our experience was the service. Attentive but unobtrusive, our waiter David knew just what to do and when to do it. Our glasses were refilled when needed, a napkin was replenished or crumbs were cleared off the table as soon as they appeared. I liked that David was friendly and not robotic, as I've experienced in certain upscale restaurants. Like me, his roots lie in Eastern Europe and we shared a few words about our beloved spaezle.

In terms of costs, Delmonico's is on the high side but as far as steakhouses go, it's pretty standard. Appetizers and salads range between $9-$26, steaks are between $43-$90 and sides will set you back between $8-$14. Specials and prix-fixes arise from time to time and they'll be participating in the upcoming Summer Restaurant Week, during which they'll boast a $24.07 lunch and a $35 dinner three-course prix-fixe.

3 Mmmms