Koshertopia announced back in October 2009 and January of this year that Prime Grill was opening a new location on the Upper West Side. The location at 217 West 85th Street (off Broadway) is close to completion and our sources inform us a grand opening is around the corner. Prime KO will be a moderately priced Japanese Steakhouse with a full sushi bar. There are 2 party rooms available that can accommodate up to 100 people and restaurant capacity is up to 160 people. Prime KO will also be offering prepaid Shabbat meals every week.
Posts Tagged ‘Steakhouse’
Prime KO Update
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Prime KO Finally Here!
Thursday, January 21st, 2010Koshertopia announced back in October that Prime Grill was opening a new location on the Upper West Side. Since then we’ve had many questions:- where, when etc. We are happy to confirm that the new restaurant, ‘Prime KO’ is under construction set to open towards the end of February beginning of March.
Prime KO will be a moderately priced Japanese Steakhouse with a full sushi bar. There are 2 party rooms available that can accommodate up to 100 people and restaurant capacity is up to 160 people. Prime KO will also be offering prepaid Shabbat meals every week.
The new restaurant is located at 217 West 85th Street (off Broadway).
Crying Wolf
Friday, January 1st, 2010Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse & Delicatessen is located in Midtown. I noticed on the sign outside that the restaurant considered itself a steakhouse and delicatessen. I was definitely curious about this combo, as a restaurant usually excels when it has one focus or specialty. But, I decided to reserve judgment until I could take a look at the menu.
The interior had a warm, casual feeling with dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and ornate mirrors. We were seated promptly by a friendly host who also turned out to be our server. As I perused the menu, I mostly saw items that fit on the menu of a steakhouse. Only a few things would be considered delicatessen items, including a sandwich and appetizers that contained pastrami.
- Picante Chicken Tenders
We started with chicken tenders that were tossed in a picante chili pepper sauce. The flavor of the sauce was fantastic with just the right amount of kick.
For my entrée, I decided on a center-cut rib-eye filet. Each entrée comes with a choice of a side and I chose the rustic French fries. I ordered the steak medium well, but was less than impressed with how it was seasoned (or the lack thereof) and cooked. The outside was overcooked, but the inside was close to medium rare. A steak of this quality should be cooked to the customer’s preference, which was not the case here at all.
- Rib Eye and Fries
My friend wasn’t in the mood for a steak and ordered the fettuccine in cream sauce with grilled chicken and sautéed spinach. I tried a bite and have to say that I was impressed with the cream sauce given that there was no dairy in it. The portion was immense and did not skimp on the chicken. Usually this would be a good thing, but this was possibly the worst grilled chicken I’ve ever eaten at an upscale restaurant. It was processed and chewy, like the kind found at the grocery store pre-packaged in strips.
- Fetuccine
To round out a pretty disappointing meal, the seemingly friendly host/server who greeted us was no where to be found throughout the meal and shrugged us off twice when we tried to get his attention, before reluctantly coming over to our table.
Wolf & Lamb seems to be a popular restaurant, as most tables were filled on a cold Tuesday night. The restaurant has a convenient location and a large menu, but I can’t imagine that the food is what keeps bringing people back. With many other great kosher steakhouses and delicatessens in the area, perhaps Wolf & Lamb should focus on trying to be a great steakhouse or a great delicatessen, rather than being mediocre at both.
Mike’s Bistro
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009Mike’s Bistro is one of the nicest kosher restaurants that New York City has to offer. Before I head over, I made a reservation, preferably for the top floor. More on that to come. 
I walk in and am immediately greeted enthusiastically by a warm staff. I’m offered to sit at the bar, which I notice has a brick wraparound and four leather barstools. Towards the front of the restaurant wooden steps lead you up to a raised street level. Tables are set up and a view to the street can be requested. The restaurant boasts three different seating areas. There is this raised street level, a ground level, and an upstairs level. The tables in this restaurant are spread out with plenty of movable space for the wait staff and patrons. You’re able to sit and easily have a conversation with your dining companion. The ground level has a warm orange glow from the stained glass lamps that are affixed to the surrounding walls. There are unique details from the debossed wooden ceilings to the linen tablecloths covering each table. I notice jazz music being played in the background, softly, and it becomes part of the atmosphere. Wooden steps lead you upstairs to the second floor. This floor is a bit quieter and unique, with a high ceiling and wooden floors. To me it has a townhouse feel, and this is why I always request it. A brick fireplace greets you as you walk up the stairs. Branches are wound a bit around the banister; these details gives the place character without being cheesy. The exposed brick wall adds a wonderful feel to this level. Eleven smaller tables are included and some small ‘nooks’ with archways hold smaller tables, which makes that seating a bit more private. The service is so wonderful at Mike’s Bistro that it becomes part of the design and ambiance. With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, this is where I’ll be making my reservation.
Click here for the Mike’s Bistro listing
Le Marais
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Exterior of Le Marais
Le Marais is the quintessential French bistro in every sense. The restaurant is boisterous and dimly-lit, serving fantastic food and wine with often spotty service. Taking its name and inspiration from the historical Jewish quarter of Paris, Le Marais successfully recreates this atmosphere right here in New York.
Upon entering, you’ll pass through an authentic butcher shop featuring a variety of kosher meats, which I take to mean that the meat served is very fresh and of good quality. The dining room walls are covered in dark wood paneling with Parisian advertisements, maps, and antique lampposts scattered throughout.Butcher Showcase at Le Marais
I decided to start with a light “amuse-gueule,” or appetizer, of pan seared tuna. This tuna loin was crusted with sesame seeds, lightly seared, and served on a bed of sliced cucumbers with a sweet glaze on the side. The tuna was fresh and the sesame crust gave each bite a great texture.
Butcher Showcase at Le Marais
While other menu items like coq au vin, roasted salmon, and merguez with couscous were tempting, I knew having a steak in a steakhouse was a must! There are a dozen different cuts to choose from, and I ordered the steak au poivre et frites. This black pepper-crusted tournedo was very lean, cooked well, and was so flavorful…what I (and many others) consider one of the best kosher filets in Manhattan. Also, like any true French bistro, serving fantastic French fries is a necessity – and Le Marais’s light and crispy frites did not disappoint. A small green salad also accompanied the steak, rounding out an all-together great entrée.
Steak Au Poivre et Frites
Le Marais features an extensive kosher wine list with many wines from France, as well as Israel, California, Australia, and others. Although I didn’t have any room left for dessert, the menu looked delicious. Many true French staples are available like crème caramel, tarte aux pommes, and profiteroles.
In fine dining establishments like Le Marais, I always feel that the service should be on par with the food. My only complaint about my experience here was the service -impersonal and extremely rushed.
And finally, a few additional Miss Menu pointers…
- The tables are very cramped and the restaurant becomes extremely noisy during peak dining hours. While this is part of its appeal to some, it may not be ideal for those seeking an intimate, quiet meal.
- The steaks are always cooked one notch higher than you request (i.e. if you prefer your steak medium, order it medium rare; well done, order it medium well).
- Make a reservation in advance when possible. In addition to the usual kosher clientele, Le Marais’s location near Times Square often attracts a number of walk-in tourists, and tables can fill up very quickly.
Click herer for the Le Marais Listing