Mind-boggling Experience

Mind-boggling food, service, ambiance and prices. That sums up our experience at Delmonico’s Restaurant at 56 Beaver Street in the Financial District of Manhattan, NYC. As previously mentioned it was Katherine’s 60^th birthday (I’d swear she doesn’t look a day over forty). She picked Delmonico’s for her special birthday dinner. We had walked by the restaurant many times and thought we would save it for a special occasion. I had actually thought of having lunch there once but Rachael Ray was on-site filming her cooking show and I didn’t want that kind of exposure. We have enjoyed Delmonico’s Spiced Apple Marinade and Chipolte Steak Sauce which is sold in a few local grocery stores. You can also purchase these and other items including their special steak knives on line.

Katherine, Adam and I all ordered steaks. They offer other fare such as Chicken Al La Keene ($28) or Seared Atlantic Halibut ($33) but since Delmonico’s, we had heard, is renowned for their steaks we opted to go that route.  Adam ordered the Delmonico’s signature rib-eye steak ($44), Katherine chose the Filet Mignon ($44) and I went for one of my favorites, the New York Steak, medium rare ($43). These steaks come with nothing on the plate except the piece of meat. We ordered sides of grilled asparagus ($14 per plate.)

Next, the wine list.  It provided pages and pages of wines. It was most impressive. I think the wines ranged in price from about $50 to $1500 a bottle. I like wine but the list was overwhelming.   We settled for the only Washington State Wine listed. It was a wonderful Cabernet at $54.

Many places we have eaten in New York City are so noisy it is impossible to have a reasonable table conversation. Delmonico’s was like an oasis in the city. The dark wood, the elegant paintings and the fact everyone isn’t crammed into small spaces together creates an ambiance that is quiet, staid and subdued. The effect on us was very relaxing. The service was excellent but not overbearing or intrusive like some restaurants I have experienced.

The steaks were perfect I would say. Succulent, cooked to perfection as ordered and with wonderful flavor. The price, for our budget, was astronomical but for another celebration I would go back just for another one of those steaks. Maybe the Double Porterhouse ($90) next time.

Unless you are one of the millionaires on Wall Street you probably would not be eating at Delmonico’s on a regular basis. But I would recommend it for a special occasion dinner every 10 years or so. Maybe to celebrate Katherine’s 70^th.

There is a lot of interesting information on the History of Delmonico’s and stuff to buy on their website. Check it out @ delmonicosny.com

Stan the Man