New York offers a variety of places for a meal. It covers all bases and all cultures when you go for something different. It is all out there if you take a look. You might go to the place you always go. Or you might want to try something different. It is all here when you find anything you might want and expect.
But sometimes it is different if you find something you did not expect. Naturally, there are good restaurants that can offer you steaks, chops, and fresh fish. They do exist. And sometimes they try something unique for you to have. That is what happened when we walked into BLT PRIME on Lexington for dinner. They had a twist to the menu by offering a special Italian Menu for the month. It was a smaller menu than usual with a good variety of things to have.
When we stepped inside BLT PRIME we knew it would be a nice place to visit. We did not expect we would actually be stepping inside Rome. This was an experience we did not imagine here in New York.
Having spent several weeks in Rome this year we knew what having Italian meals was all about. Fresh. Different. Items not offered in the typical Italian restaurant in the US. It was Italian. So, when we looked at the Italian menu we did not find items that were normal for the US. These were items you only find in Italy.
BLT PRIME: WELCOME TO AN EXPERIENCE OF DELIGHT
When we were able to sit we were able to start something new. Both menus were brought to us. The usual menu and the Italian one for the time period. We decided to be different and go for the Italian. We wanted to give it a try.
David, the gentleman who helped us this evening, mentioned what was available and some recommendations. He brought us some water to start and asked if we wanted something else to drink. Again, using the special menu there were special beverages related to the meal. Once that was placed we just had to wait. There was no rush, especially at this time.
Cocktails and Chicken Liver Pate
First, they brought a way to start your cocktail with slices of freshly made bread and a spread of Chicken Liver Pate. Now, for those who always try pate, we knew what to expect. Even having chicken liver during the holidays we knew what to expect. But to have this version of Chicken Liver Pate was new. It was fresh and tasty. Just enough to place on the crust and take a bite. This was new and different. And something we wanted to have more of. A new experience with a traditional item.
It was perfect with an Aperol Spritz, a combination of Aperol, Prosecco and Club Soda. Fresh and refreshing. Perfect to start. We also had a glass of Vermentino, an Italian white wine from Tuscany. Vintage 2016. It also was refreshing and a complement to the pate.
The Popovers
From there we were brought to a starter that BLT Prime is known for. The Popovers. These are made by Chef Crooks in-house. There were two. One for each of us. There was even a small card with the cooking recipe attached. Ideal to have and understand if you make it at home. This was freshly made and warm.
It is a standard item we might have had from home, but this time there was the addition of gruyere cheese mixed in. This was wonderful. You would want it for breakfast. It was different. And each popover was large enough to share by two individuals. But they bring one popover for each person there. Enjoying a glass of wine was a way to have it.
Prosciutto and Melon
This was the beginning before the appetizers arrived. The first item up was the Prosciutto and Melon. But it was different. This is not as you normally get in New York. This was the way we had it when being in Rome for several weeks. It was purely Roman. It was made of prosciutto from Parma, and thinly sliced melon all draped over homemade aged burrata, which is a version of mozzarella but softer and gentler. The prosciutto was seasoned and aged with a gentle taste and flavor. The melon was easy to eat and could have been a dessert itself. As for the burrata, being Italian I could have made this a meal with bread and wine alone.
We also had a Carpaccio “Harry’s Bar”, a famous location that is based in Venice. Having eaten at Harry’s in Venice we knew what to expect. But here at BLT Prime, they took it a step further. It is thinly sliced Filet Mignon that is topped with lemon aioli, parmesan, and some black pepper grissini. It even had some watercress that was freshly placed on top. Now, you can get this at a good Italian restaurant, but to have it this way was different. The meat was fresh and thinly sliced. It was the right texture and flavor. It is the right temperature and seasoning. It is the way to start the meal as you share this in a typical Italian style when enjoying a meal together.
A MEAL TO SHARE AND ENJOY
As we finished the appetizers, the entrees arrived. With starters and appetizers, there was more to try and discover.
First was the Pappardelle Bolognese. This was fresh and made that day. It was hand-cut as pappardelle is a broader pasta noodle. It was definitely al dente. It was topped with a ragu of beef and rosemary. This is the way it is made in Rome. It is not covered with red sauce. That is typical at other locations. This version is made as you find it in Rome. It is simply flavored with the ragu which is a good portion of the dish. It is easy to share between two, just as you find it overseas. You can make it a meal to yourself, but once more it is what you share prior to the meat course.
The Breaded Veal Chop
For that, we had a Breaded Veal Chop. This is a large, fresh piece of veal. It is cooked medium rare. It is moist and tasty. Not over seasoned. Just enough to make you enjoy the veal itself. It is placed upon a lemon-caper relish and a Tonnato Sauce, which combines tuna and anchovies with mayonnaise and garlic to produce a versatile touch to enhance the chop. Once more, this chop was large enough to share. It complimented the dish of pasta you had together. You take your time with each bite. There is no rush. You enjoy and experience each bite you take. You do not need anything else to enhance the taste. It is what you expect.
A WARM DESSERT
Even after the meal, there is time for a dessert. And a dessert you can share. We asked David, who helped us, for his recommendation. It is always good to ask what they might have if they ordered. It gives you some insight as to what might be special even when it is not on a menu.
David recommended the Creme Brulee. We agreed to try and so we waited. In BLT Prime items are not mass-produced. You order and wait to have something that is freshly made upon your request. It allows you to have something that is made then and has the taste you might not expect. When the Creme Brulle was brought out it was warm. Fresh and tasty. You could taste the sugar flavor expected with it. It was, again, enough for two. The pastry chef knew how to create this. It was worth the wait.
An espresso topped this off. And this was a good espresso that was freshly made. It was not from a machine or elsewhere. It was the right type and warm as you expect. A good way to end the meal.
STEP INTO A PLACE TO ENJOY
BLT Prime is a place to have a good meal. It is known for its steaks and chops and fish. Their menu has it listed. And their reputation is known for it. They have items to order, and the team is available to assist if you have special requests. You know you can mention what you would consider, or how you can handle specific items, by asking for their assistance. That is what they do for you.
BLT Prime is also considering new options and culinary directions. The Italian Menu was special for this month. They were trying something new and different. It was a different path from the regular menu they offered. You could take a little from both. Or, as we did, we tried something completely new from them. Other new options are in the works for what they will offer next.
The Chef is excellent. They have learned something new and tried what you would not find here but overseas. That was different. Talking with Nathaniel Mason, the General Manager, BLT Prime is considering new cultures and culinary dishes that could be a difference or compliment to the regular items we might expect. The chef and the cooks are looking for alternatives to enjoy as they present those items to us.
The team is excellent. Our thanks to David for spending time with us. He was there to assist and it was enjoyable to speak with him on a variety of topics as we had the meals. He provided insight, as did Nathaniel. In fact, the entire team was wonderful. Even the bartenders made a great Spritz.
BLT Prime is a place to visit and enjoy. Prices are reasonable for where you are and what you will be offered. There is no rush when inside. You can take your time to enjoy your meals and conversations. Reservations are recommended. We arrived at 5 pm and it was fine. By the time we left at 7:30 pm, it was packed. Tables were taken. People were sitting at the bar enjoying their meals. The team is helping everyone.
For a special meal, or just going out to have a special meal, BLT Prime is a place to go. They are known for their steaks and select items. That you expect. But what they create is something different. Trying their Italian special was a new experience. It brought us back to being in Italy for several weeks when we were there. This is what we would have had there. And now it was here with BLT Prime.
Compliments to the Chef, the team and the enjoyment.
BLT Prime is a prime place to visit.
LOCATION:
BLT PRIME
1032 Lexington Avenue
(near 74th Street)
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 212-995-8500, Website: bltrestaurants.com
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“The Jaded Traveler”. Ron Rossi was born and raised in New York. A globalist at heart, Ron is a marketing director by trade, and has lived and worked around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Food is one of the best ways to learn about a country, a people and a culture. So, Ron is always looking for the best in mid-range to budget and street food. He is always on the hunt for a good meal anyone can afford. It is the food of the average citizen that excites him. And with having visited close to 100 countries on 6 continents so far, there have been some pretty good meals.
