Del
Frisco Grille NYC Tenders Twists on Comfort Food Classics
When
I travel to New York City, I seek out those venues
where I can be "one with the natives" and immerse
myself in the local culture to get a true sense of an area.
More often than not I find these opportunities off the beaten
path, in mom and pop eateries or neighborhood watering holes
where authentic atmosphere and provincial fare reigns supreme
but nary a tourist can be found. However, sometimes such gastronomic
gems are hiding in plain sight, as is the case with Del Frisco
Grille New York. With an enviable location at the very heart
of Rockefeller Center just blocks away from Times Square and
Radio City Music Hall, this restaurant emanates the energy,
dynamism and culinary creativity that makes NYC such a draw
for locals and visitors, alike.
I
visited Del Frisco Grille New York during the happy hour timeframe
on a Friday night, and from the moment I walked in the door
the energy radiating from both the dining room and adjacent
bar area was palpable and infectious. The very spirit of the
restaurant set a fun mood and high anticipation for the experience
ahead. Although surely there were any number of out-of-towners
like myself present, it quickly became clear that many of the
patrons were local residents, including those who worked at
the famed NBC "30 Rock" location and other media,
entertainment and financial industry professionals from offices
nearby.
Once seated, I took my time to decompress from a busy day in
the city amid the eatery's inviting décor, which featured
original artwork paired with warm woods, earth tones and dim
lighting reminiscent of a steak house. While the dining room
where I was seated had a more relaxed vibe, the bar that shared
the open floor plan space was boisterous. The space pulsated
with the after-work crowd intermingled with sojourners seeking
a spin on classic spirits and sumptuous sustenance, including
fresh flatbreads from the open brick-fire oven uniquely built
right into the bar area.
Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit: Del Frisco Grille
In
my exclusive interview with Nick D'Ambrosio, General Manager
of Del Frisco, he points out that this bar is a place to see
and be seen. "Our lively bar scene is always buzzing with
the industry's broadcast, sports and business elite," he
explains. "The restaurant is a favorite for TODAY Show
staff, including Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb."
Another
particularly remarkable aspect of the restaurant is its patio
area. In fact, Del Frisco Grille New York is one of the only
restaurants in the area with a patio actually facing Rockefeller
Center, offering extraordinary views of the Rock Center Christmas
tree in the winter and prime people watching in the summer.
Ambiance
aside, I was at the restaurant to eat dinner so I turned my
attentions to the menu of what has become a lauded American
grill. While refined comfort food might sound like an oxymoron,
at Del Frisco Grille NYC these two concepts make ambrosial bedfellows.
D'Ambrosio went on to underscore why the foodstuffs make this
restaurant so distinctive, noting, "Del Frisco's Grille
prides itself on offering elevated classics-for example, the
infamous Cheesesteak Eggrolls, said to be a favorite of NFL
players and often requested to locker rooms; fresh Ahi Tuna
Tacos; or the 'Burger & Brew' combo-an ideal fall pairing
of the Grille's signature prime cheeseburger and draft beer.
The menu is filled with fun, inventive dishes that are reminiscent
of favorite comfort foods with unique twists and quality ingredients."
D'Ambrosio
also points out that, although there are other Del Frisco Grille's
around the United States, the New York location rests on its
own laurels. "While the Grille concept is expanding, each
menu is unique to the location and no two are identical,"
he said. "That gives our chefs flexibility to get creative
and cater to a local palate - plus, it furthers the enticement
to try out different Grilles in different markets."
One
look around the bustling venue and it's clear the approach has
paid off, although accolades garnered by Del Frisco Grille's
New York location-including Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence
(2012-2013) and the Best Casual Restaurant NYC's Concierge Choice
Award (2012)-make it rather official.
When discussing his goals for the Big Apple-based Grille, D'Ambrosio
emphasizes the importance of sustaining a top-quality and memorable
experience. "Short term, we aim to continue to make every
guest experience personal, enjoyable and delicious. Quality
food and service are first and foremost, so keeping those at
the top of our priority list for each experience will always
be a goal. Long term we want to continue being the restaurant
of choice for a fun environment with the highest quality food
offering twists on American classics."
While
lunch at Del Frisco Grille New York is an inspired food fest
unto itself, my own dinner experience delivered. Some of the
"sophisticated comfort food" creations I delighted
in included the Deviled Eggs ($12) with truffle-chive vinaigrette;
Iceberg Lettuce Wedge ($12) with bacon, tomato, and blue cheese
dressing; Prime Beef Short Rib Stroganoff ($35) with pappardelle
noodles; and Steamed Brown Bag Fish ($33.50) with farmer's market
vegetables, steamed fingerlings, white wine and basil pesto.
A side of Roasted Brussels Sprouts ($10) rounded out the entrées
nicely.
Other
notables on this American grill's menu includes appetizers like
Ahi Tacos ($19) with tuna tartare, avocado and spicy citrus
mayo; "Surf" options like Bay of Fundy Salmon ($33)
with arugula-citrus salad; and, for steak-lovers, "Turf"
selections like a 16 Prime Ribeye ($43) and Prime New York Strip
($48)with the preparation choices of Oscar-style ($10), port-foie
gras butter ($6) or blue cheese ($4).
Of
course, a fine dining dinner is not complete without dessert
and Del Frisco Grille New York's dessert menu is an endearing
ending. There's good old fashioned Warm Chocolate Cake ($11.5)
with vanilla bean ice cream and raspberry sauce but, for a true
New York experience, go for my personal favorite: the six-layer
Lemon Dodger Cake ($12.50) with lemon buttercream icing and
lemon glaze.
Even
amid an outwardly impressive food and beverage program, the
mark of a truly successful restaurant business-one that will
endure and flourish-is how well it retains its staff. Frequent
turnover is the telltale mark of back of the house bedlam. With
this in mind, D'Ambrosio is eager to explain that, as the Del
Frisco's Grille brand's flagship location, "We've retained
70 percent of our opening staff-an impressive rate especially
here in New York. That's a testament to our value of our employees."
A
testament indeed. That value shines through every aspect of
the Del Frisco Grille New York and makes the restaurant a can't-miss
destination for an exceptional dining experience that's duly
representative of its vibrant locale.
Del
Frisco Grille
Rockefeller Center
50 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
(212) 767-0371
http://delfriscosgrille.com/new-york
By Merilee Kern, 'The Luxe List' Executive Editor
"The
Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury
marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary
events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted
at www.LuxeListReviews.com.
Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor
and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.
***Some
or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or
service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate
this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of
Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
