Food and Wine Blog

Although the lighting was a bit dark until your shocked pupils are able to adjust, I knew I was in the right place when the bartender blended one of the better chocolate martinis I ever had. The drink filled 1 1/2 martini glasses which is quite rare as you native New Yorkers know. Having arrived a bit early to meet my guest, I sat at the bar and sipped on the Martini. Great selection of high-end vodkas complemented a well stocked bar which would also satisfy the sophisticated scotch drinkers I know.

There was some trendy, hip music playing on the sound system which was quite faint in the dining area but easily heard in the bar area. The staff was young and hip and it seemed to me that the place was targeting a younger crowd. But the walls filled with pictures, many circa 1930,s, 40’s and 50’s clearly told me that smart business planned the place. Ahhhh, the food!

I started the evening with a complementary watermelon drink from the chef which I politely declined. I was there to eat. You know, a man at a man’s steak house. Rah ta touey to watermelon drinks.

My first course was the clams casino which were plump (as far as clams casino go) and they were cooked to perfection. The presentation was simple and yet elegant which is rare for a steakhouse. The one thing that I noticed is that the bacon seemed like it was extra salt bacon. As the night went on, I concluded the chef loves salt but salt can’t really hurt you, especially when your bigger worry is a big old slab of steak. Overall, the clams casino was excellent.

My guest had the Lobster Bisque and the portion was healthy and as he said, the bisque was excellent.

Next, I had the filet mignon and it was cooked to perfection. I later found out that they do a quick olive oil rub with a sprinkle of pepper and salt. Even though I’ve had better cuts of meat at some of the plentiful rivals in NYC, the meat was grilled to perfection.

My guest also had a filet and he agreed although he remarked that the meat was a bit salty. See, what did I tell you.

I was a little disappointed with the wine list. I would say that the selection was limited and was geared to bigger wallets. The least expensive merlot was $50.

Now the dessert. I ordered dessert for one and got dessert for nine. This topped off a great evening. I would recommend this place to everyone. Even though I’ve had better cuts of meat, the meal was cooked really well and the service was great.

High marks for the Strip House in New York