The Theater District has changed plenty over the past few decades. A seedy neighborhood has become a tourist Mecca, adding more lights to the bright shining Broadway every month. Restaurant Row has gained a few new restaurant neighbors everywhere, and if you can stand the crowds, it’s worth a trip, even for a hardened New Yorker
Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is sort of a chain restaurant with affiliates all over the country, serving quality steaks and chops to meat lovers everywhere. If you follow my blog, you already know that every couple of months I get the urge for a steak, so I heeded the calling.
Capital Grille on 51st Street is classic and traditional, dimly lit and luxurious. You are treated like royalty as you sink into the cushions of the bench in the booth. Yes, time for appetizers and a glass of red wine. We started with the gigantic oysters, fresh as can be, and shared a couple of Lobster and Crab cakes that came with a delicious dip and a side of corn salsa, a perfect beginning. My friend ordered the 10 oz Filet Mignon, while I ventured into unchartered territory with a Gorgonzola and Truffle crusted dry aged bone-in NY Strip Steak. Lord have mercy, what a flavor celebration! It was an incredible steak. I don’t have to tell you that the steak was cooked to perfection, it’s what they do…..
Havana Central
Fun, I need fun. I’m definitely over the club scene, been there, done that. The crowds don’t appeal to me, but I do love me some good music. Couple that with some good food, and you have Havana Central !
Located in the heart of the Theater District, this Cuban eatery serves up Latin food with a side of live Salsa music. And I’m talking old fashioned, traditional, old school salsa. I went with my long time friends Yvonne, Elvira and Sandra (who all happen to be Latin) to discuss wedding plans for Elvira, yesss I can’t wait. It seemed like the perfect spot. The conversation flowed freely over an unmentionable amount of frozen cocktails that we consumed. Our appetizers were Empanadas, Tostones Rellenos, and Chicharrones de Cerdo.We shared all these, and they were flavor explosions, rich in latin spices and centuries of tradition. My favorites were the Chicharrones, which are deep fried pork cracklings. All three of my friends ordered the Mofongo, a traditional dish made of mashed plantains, all with different additions like garlic shrimp or pork. I went with the Arroz con Pollo, and it was light and fluffy, and I couldn’t get enough of it. We had great night!
City Sandwich
city Sandwich in the Theater District serves up sandwiches off the beaten path. Whether you work or live in the area, or if you’re a tourist looking for a meal on the go, this place has come up with a few creative options to the ordinary sandwich. The place is small and clean, the staff helpful and friendly. On the wall are plaques with sandwich choices, take a minute to to really read them. All are new ideas or spins on old ideas. I chose the “MmmEatBalls” made with meatballs made of chicken and pork with Portuguese Alheira, Tomato Cream and Mozzarella. Hello? Amazing. The second sandwich (yes, I tried two of them) was “LGBT” which stands for Linguica Spread, Goat Cheese, Bacon and Tomato with lettuce, olive oil, and sautéed onions. Holy smokes. Do you see the trend? I doubt you can get this anywhere else. Bravo for creativity!
I’m grateful for another successful week under the belt. As always I’m so grateful for my friends, we will always be the fearsome foursome…. And of course congratulations to my friend for over 2 decades, Elvira, and her new finance and longtime boyfriend Marc!
Until next time!
