[review] In the ever changing landscape of New York City’s culinary scene, it’s easy to fall hard and move on quick. It’s almost impossible to enjoy a good (even great!) meal without a tiny voice in the back of your head wondering if the new tapas bar down the street is even better or whether you should be having cocktails at that new Nolita something or other. But every now and then you find yourself sipping a bourbon cocktail that feels manly and refreshingly fruity at the same time, immensely enjoying the company around you, sitting back in a supple suede booth and thinking ‘it doesn’t get better than this.’ That’s BLT Prime.
Then the $280 steak you ordered arrives, and it does indeed get better. Dishes here reflect the signature plates from BLT Steak, BLT Fish, BLT Burger, just the few names of the BLT ESquared Hospitality empire that is swiftly taking over Manhattan (and the rest of the world). The service is impeccable, friendly without being overwhelming and not in the least bit pretentious. Waiters are super knowledgeable and down to earth, helping diners where help is wanted and stepping back when it’s clear none is needed.
With a palette of dark wood balanced with airy touches, BLT Prime’s design integrates select traditional elements of the French “Bistro” with an American “Steak House.” You dine with rich Macassar ebony tables, walnut floors, supple suedes in deep warm colors and golden ambient lighting that radiates from Chef de Cuisine Jonathan Mailo’s open kitchen…it’s not uncommon to find at least one table of whisky infused men muttering of rich mahogany and leather bound books.
At the end of the day, it comes back to the beef. The typical ‘steakhouse’ staples shine with decadently fresh oysters and the usual pricey caviar. It’s traditional and creative at the same time—an infusion of fresh lemon mayonnaise and radish salad with the pan seared crab cakes taste like a reinvented dish and the lobster salad ‘cobb style’ feels indulgent and light all at once.
But let’s face it…no one’s really here for the salad. Sure, if you bring a real meat lover here on a date she will be a happy lady—even if she’s too full to fool around at the end of the night. Really, this is just the ultimate guy’s night out… ‘man’ portions overwhelm and every piece of meat on everyone’s plate is pretty much to die for.
NY Strip 28-day dry aged, Kansas City 28-day dry aged Prime bone-in strip, Cowboy bone-in rib eye, Porterhouse 28-day dry aged Prime (for two), Filet Mignon, Hanger Prime. Every variation you’d want and expect at such an establishment, including the Kobe Wagyu and the A to Z of sauces from Peppercorn and Béarnaise to Red Wine and Chimichurri.
BLT Prime is not for the faint of heart (or light on the wallet, either). It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind before a night on the town with your boys, to enjoy some truly exceptional beef and impeccable service.
