Peachy Picks Del Frisco's Grille in Rockefeller Center, Manhattan Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
General Manager Nick D'Ambrosio and Executive Chef Greg Lombardi
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The Del Frisco's hit parade continues on Whom You Know! As you remember to borrow a phrase from Eloise, we love love love Del Frisco's Steakhouse and featured it this past spring in conjunction with the New York Rangers's Quest for Lord Stanley's Cup (a religious experience for the usually Catholic Peachy), and although they made it all the way to the finals (applause), we know that sadly the result was not happy for New York, but your dinner will be happy! Did you know Del Frisco's also has a second brand, called Del Frisco's Grille, which is a more casual concept. In New York, it's located conveniently in Rockefeller Center, where Peachy shops at one of our favorites, Crabtree & Evelyn (they moved to the downstairs level). Del Frisco's Grille is also in Washington, D.C. so we will have to check it out next time we are there! At Del Frisco's Steakhouse, we said it had the best service we've seen recently anywhere (especially Sommeliers Faith and Jessica) and that holds true to today, and Del Frisco's Grille was also very good in this area. If we don't comment on service, that means it was good and what it should be. If we mention it, it was extraordinary which is what we're looking for.
The minute we walked in, the extremely gracious General Manager Nick D'Ambrosio greeted us with professional enthusiasm and shortly after we were seated at a gorgeous, spacious booth which gave us all the space we'd ever dreamed of (space can be at quite a premium in Manhattan!), both Nick and Executive Chef Greg Lombardi were extraordinarily interested in letting us know all that Del Frisco's Grille has to offer. It's clear that each takes a lot of genuine pride in this brand which is not surprising considering how much regional manager Scott Gould has impressed us over the years. For a franchise, Del Frisco's is in a class by itself. Most people that read us know that it is rare for us to feature a franchise, especially in restaurants.
On a hot summer day, we suggest beginning your Del Frisco's Grille experience with a glass of aromatic, dry Sauvignon Blanc-Domaine Jean-Paul Balland 2012 Sancerre, France. We adore wine from the Eastern part of the Loire Valley and its clean, crisp finish was a lovely welcome, especially when you taste the notes of peach. Del Frisco's Grille has an extensive wine list and it has more than enough to choose from.
Our favorite appetizer by far at Del Frisco's Grille was their truly outstanding Jumbo Lump Crabcake. Every bite of decadent crab awaits your tastebuds which will welcome it with pleasure! What could be better on a hot summer day especially?!?! The crab is Blue Swimming Crab from Indonesia, and Cajun Lobster sauce added a contemporary twist. Befriend the Jumbo Lump Crabcake.
Please meet the Cheesesteak Eggrolls. Served with Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce and Honey Mustard, this highly creative combination is part of the Del Frisco's Grille American innovative menu under appetizers. Greg explained to us that there is a national menu for Del Frisco's Grille and the Manhattan location is not addressed differently for menu selections.
Another original selection from the appetizer section, which by the way is titled "Food to Fight Over" are the Ahi Tacos: Tuna Tartare, Avocado, and Spicy Citrus Mayo. All three of these above items are highlighted as signature items.
The Flatbread section of the menu has four convincing choices. Though Peachy's not Italian, according to this column somehow her tastebuds could be! The Prosciutto di Parma (18 month direct from Italy) teamed up with arugula, fresh mozzarella and absolutely exquisite truffle extra virgin olive oil. This winning combination will wow you.
When in Rome, we like to do as the Romans do and when at Del Frisco's, we love the Del Frisco's Private Reserve (and not only because it has an Eagle on it which naturally reminds us of Boston College where we equal Eagle with Ever to Excel, the premise of this whole website. Note that Del Frisco's Grille is also in the amazing town of Chestnut Hill, which was home to Peachy for four years.) The depth and body of this knockout Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful complement to their steaks, and of course you cannot go to any version of Del Frisco's and not have one of their enticing steaks. The Del Frisco's Reserve is produced at Robert Foley.
The moment has arrived...
The consistency of quality of the steak at Del Frisco's Grille is commensurate with the top quality offered at Del Frisco's Steakhouse. Peachy Deegan ordered the eight ounce Filet Mignon medium, and the hot red center was painted to the edges perfectly. They are so into detail here that your steak arrives with a flashlight which they shine on it when you make the first cut to see if it is to your liking. At first cut, it was totally to our liking and all of a sudden, Peachy was quiet and happily indulging in this highly laudable carnivorous endeavor. Note that all steaks ever featured on this website have not been described like that. You should know if at your first cut it is not to your liking, you can send it back until you are happy. We love meat and we love steak, especially at Del Frisco's. (This is not Peachy Vegan calling your restaurant!)
The sides at Del Frisco's Grille are fantastic. We loved the healthy grilled asparagus which arrived in the same high quality fashion complete with proper circumference that you are accustomed to if you frequent Del Frisco's Steakhouse. They were crisp, nutritious, our favorite color GREEN (get excited for the new book from Princeton University) and our favorite side.
We also tried the Truffled Mac and Cheese which we liked, and the Shaved Brussel Sprouts were spectacular.
In the world according to Peachy Deegan, the best dessert is usually chocolate which holds true at Del Frisco's Grille. The warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce smartly drizzled aside with a cappuccino is the perfect finish to a great dinner.
Our esteemed panelist adds:
The VIP cocktail was truly awesome.
This pineapple-infused Svedka clementine vodka martini was a refreshing start, especially after coming in off the warm summer sidewalk.
It was light and sweet with a bit of tang from the pineapple – easy to go down and outright delicious!
Alberti 154 2012 Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon helped make an easy transition to wine for my steak dinner. The wine list was extensive and the sommelier helped narrow me down to cabernet from Argentina – I was not disappointed, it was flavorful with a smooth, earthy taste and a hint of fruit.
16 Prime New York Strip Steak melted in my mouth and was beyond tasty. The meat was seasoned perfectly, cooked flawlessly, and in my opinion needed no additional topping. I really enjoyed tasting the beef in all its undressed glory - simply amazing. The Brussels Sprouts were my favorite side; shaved down and sautéed with bacon, it was rich and flavorful, almost like a warm side salad for my steak.
Crème Brulee Cheesecake - two amazing deserts that went better together! The cheesecake sat on a graham cookie bottom and was smooth and rich like a cheesecake should be, but got even better with an additional layer of crème brulee finished with a signature crispy carmelized sugar top. Decadent, divine and worth every calorie!
Peachy Picks Del Frisco's Grille in Rockefeller Center, Manhattan!
Del Frisco's Grille is Recommended by Whom You Know.
