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Monday, June 13, 2011

Peachy Picks City Lobster and Steak


If you don't think Manhattan has a beach, think again!
And if your dinner doesn't look this good, you now know where to go.
Some fabulous lobster, carefully picked from Nova Scotia by Andrew Silverman, has washed ashore on West 49th Street and Whom You Know is impressed.  
General Manager John Terry, above, graciously informed us that lobster from this area is more dependable in terms of meatiness and sweetness, and the shells are harder as well, though he himself is from Maine, obviously a popular spot for more unpredictable lobsters.  This Nova Scotia Lobster makes for quite tender lobster that will absolutely melt in your mouth, and it sat on the top tray of a two-tiered seafood extravaganza that started the night off right.  You can be assured that City Lobster and Steak does not do frozen lobsters.
The crab salad in the middle was a total home run and it was Peachy's favorite component of an appetizer that was hit after hit.  And John's warm demeanor was as commendable as his command of seafood knowledge.


Four different types of oysters joined the party, including West Coast, Nantucket, Hard Neck Bay and Blue Point.  Each had great flavor and were so fresh.  Though we did not meet Andrew, we understand he personally goes to the fish market in the Bronx and selects everything.  We look forward to meeting him someday as we have also recommended his restaurants City Crab and Maison.

Some smashing champagne was opened by Marcos Somic, above, and he was a total peach.  Our next course was a lovely sushi grade tuna tartare, with crisp wontons and tobiko, which was so refreshing on a warm summer night!
A taste of New Englad Clam Chowder next hit the spot:
And then it was time for the crabby crabcake queen to try one of her all-time favorites:
A total winner, from the crabcake itself to the ratio of crab, to the premium crabmeat, to the chipotle mayo sauce, to the fantastic succotash that included potato, corn, cranberry and other delights.  It was so unique and flavorful and one of the best we've had.  The Pan Seared Scallops were phenomenal and seared to perfection!  A sublime combination with granny smith apples, watercress salad and white balsamic vinaigrette, every bite was excellent.  And the Filet Mignon with amazing bernaise was so great it justified the addendum to the name of the restaurant: City Lobster and STEAK.  Another thing you should know: the prices are very reasonable; they do not believe in gauging you in this economy.
And what could be a better compliment to such a meal than Key Lime Pie?  Peachy felt like she was in her second home state of Florida!
It is the best key lime pie we've ever had in a review!!!
But don't listen to only Peachy.  Our esteemed panelist comments:
When I am not on my oceanfront West Coast estate, I like to feel like I am when I frequent the concrete jungle of Manhattan. I was immediately transported to the land of sun and fun upon walking into the entrance of City Lobster on 49th street between sixth and seventh avenues. The lobsters themselves are ready to greet you when you enter in their big bubbling tank. It was evident from our first course that the owner, Andrew Silverman, exudes complete dedication in selecting only the finest fish personally for his clientele as the opening number had an unbelievable array of fresh seafood from multiple oyster varieties on the bottom tier with stunning sauce options to the top tier of shrimp, jonah claws, halved lobster, and crab salad, which in my opinion was the crowning glory of these fruits de la mer! We understand Andrew is also part owner of City Crab, which is equally fabulous and also a Peachy's Pick. (I am excited to try their new All-American Martini made with Star Vodka!) Throughout the night, General Manager John Terry personally introduced each course to us with his upbeat cheer and commendable knowledge of seafood: the tuna tartare, New England Clam Chowder and especially the crabcake were each succulent and summery.  I could appreciate the knockout wine list that City Lobster and Steak is known for (http://www.citylobster.com/winelist.php) and we especially enjoyed the Stag's Leap Cabernet. 
As a main course we sampled the Petite Filet Mignon which was a great steak with beautiful bernaise sauce, and the pan-seared scallops were a refreshing complement. Not only was the cuisine tops, but the atmosphere also was total class without the stuffiness you can find at more corporate restaurants that do not exude the same amount of sincere passion and joy in what they pursue. 
As you know from our reviews, Peachy is not a fan of cheesecake but I certainly am and I can vouch for the outstanding flavor and presentation of the cheesecake highlighted by raspberry sauce which was a total winner. Hopefully someday they will have a West Coast location also with a docking point for my yacht, but until then, City Lobster is the place to be.

Peachy Picks City Lobster and Steak!
City Lobster and Steak is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.



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