Happy New Year/Anniversary...

Happy New Year everyone! Hope the start of everyone's New Year was just as nice and relaxing as mine. I didn't go out New Year's Eve because my wedding anniversary is Jan 2nd so I was saving my cheat meal for that night. I know I originally said I was going to Ruth Chris but a friend of mine HIGHLY suggested Benjamin's Steakhouse in the city. USUALLY I don't blink twice when someone raves about good food b/c I am a TOTAL food snob. Now that I'm trying to watch my weight, I won't eat it unless it's DAM GOOD. So I know my friend is a real food connoisseur and has wined and dined at all the nices restaurants in NY - so when she told me that this restaurant was one of the BEST, I was SOLD.

Made reservations for 8PM and we trekked out to the city in freezing, windy weather for some good meat. We were greeted by the hostess - thinking we were probably going to have to wait to be seated. She told us that our table was ready almost immediately and proceeded to seat us at the infamous "fireplace seat" which is almost impossible to get unless you tip them. (Table #65 guys...)


We thought WOW - lucky us... and started getting comfy. Then the maitre'd greeted us - aid "Happy Anniversary" and as my hubby and I looked at each other VERY confused (b/c we never mentioned that it was our anniversary), the waiter brought us over a bottle of champagne and a note from my cousin Bernie that read, "Happy Anniversary - now go make some babies." I was FLOORED to say the least. That was SO thoughtful and extremely sweet - I couldn't wait to go home and call him (I didn't have a phone b/c I dropped it in the toilet minutes before we left.)
We had a couple of glasses of champagne while looking over the menu, then ordered a bottle of Napa Valley Merlot, crabcakes for appetizer ($19.95), the Porterhouse for 2($82.95)and a side of asparugus($9.95).
The crabcakes were mouthwatering - although they were very small - I could've ate 6 of them.

And I could've done without the side, considering that they only gave a total of 7 pieces, which seems to be the norm at all steakhouses.
But the steak... Ohhhhh my goodness the steak was off the hook.


It came out sizzling in melted butter, cooked to a PERFECT medium rare. Every bite was orgasmic... so tender... so flavorful... didn't even need any sauce. Hubby said WOW after every bite - and believe me.. the man is PICKY.
We dunked the bread in the melted butter to accompany our steak. I think I ate with my eyes closed the whole time.

So all in all, the decor was lovely, waitstaff was completely on top of everything and extremely accommodating to say the least and the food was INCREDIBLE. I want to give this place a perfect 5 stars but the appetizer/side portions were SO small and overpriced, and the bread was a little disappointing - so I'm going to have to give this place a 4.8

We talked about Benjamin Steakhouse for the next 2 days - how we were going back for every holiday, birthday and anniversary b/c it was THAT good. I was sitting on my couch thinking that there HAD TO be others that were just as good... so...
I made a list.
I know I know - Sounds silly, right? And my husband looked at me like I was completely out of my mind but I don't care. When I want a good piece of meat, I WANT a good piece of meat.
Strangely, I don't feel this way about ALL foods. I'm more picky when it comes to Steak and Burgers - and sometimes seafood. I'm not AS picky when it comes to - - French... or American, or Italian. Actually, let me re-phrase, I'm picky, just not as SNOBBY.

As for steakhouses that I've never been to but read good write-ups from bloggers and critics:
1) Old Homestead
2) Del Frisco
3) Strip House
4) Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

I've been to Smith & Wollensky (didn't like it), Ruth Chris (was ok), Morton's (eh..), Peter Luger's (loved it), Burton & Doyle (was ok), Bryant and Cooper (Sucked.), Gallaghers (don't remember it - that's how good it was)

And my burger list? Are you ready???
1) Del Frisco
2) Peter Luger's
3) Aureole's
4) Smith & Wollensky’s
5) Old Homestead
6) DB Bistro
7) Rare Bar & Grill
8) All American Drive-In (Massapequa)
9) Bourbon Streeet
12) The Spotted Pig
13) Minetta Tavern
14) Bar Six
15) Burger Joint
16) Royale
17) JG Melon
12) The Spotted Pig
13) Minetta Tavern
14) Bar Six
15) Burger Joint
16) Royale
17) JG Melon
I'm sure I'm missing a couple.
So far, my favorite places to eat a good cheeseburger is @ Donovan's in Bayside and Tavern 18 in New Hyde Park.

2 Deli's I would like to try are:
Kat’s Deli and
Kensington Kosher Deli

And I'd definitely like to try Aqua Grill and Smokin' Al's...
Can't believe that one little meal @ Benjamin's got me this way!!