Le Relais de Venise
There was nothing like arriving in Paris and finding Le Relais de Venise. Our email recommendation from a friend of a friend said, “you can have anything you want at Le Relais de Venise as long as it is steak.”
I write this review after realizing that I could relive my France steak experience in NYC and several other locations around the world including London and Barcelona. The ONLY difference between NYC and France (the two restaurants I had the pleasure of trying thus far) was a larger, more modern and spacious NYC location. The food tasted the same, it was presented the same way by waitresses who dress the same and act the same, same wine and dessert… exactly the same!
Here’s the menu….
Within minutes of sitting, we were served our Green salad with walnuts. Crispy lettuce, tangy dressing – the perfect start to our meal.
After we finished the salad, like clockwork, steak and frites were presented on a small plate. The steak was prepared as ordered, it was butter soft but unlike like fillet mignon, it had more flavor and personality. In addition to the natural steak flavors, it is covered in a rich, but not too rich, “secret” green sauce. I wasn’t sure what the sauce was in France and I didn’t venture to ask because I didn’t understand the language. In NYC I asked the waitress what was in the secret sauce….she said, ” If I knew I would tell you.” She said lots of people ask, but they don’t tell her, so she couldn’t tell us. Trust me, it is good!! The frites are thin and crispy.
After we finished what would certainly be enough for a meal, then came serving two of steak frites. That’s the way they do it, so who am I to question why?
We washed it all down with 2005 Relais de Venise – Côtes de Bordeaux – $21.95 (full)/ $11.50 (half). Where can you get a bottle for this price?! Normally house wine isn’t so smooth and easy to drink.
For dessert, they have a full menu, but they steer you to the best items with bold red underlines. In Paris and in NYC, we had Le Vacherin du Relais, which included.
- row 1 – vanilla ice cream
- row 2- crunchy, yet chewy meringue crisp
- row 3 – hazelnut ice cream
- row 4 – another meringue crisp
- row 5 – whipped cread
- covered in rich and smooth chocolate syrup (I am not talking Hershey’s here).
Almost tall enough to fall, but not quite. It only fell when it was attacked by two forks.
After dessert. No check until you ask. Just sit back, enjoy your remaining wine, and talk. No pressure here.
Rating:
Food – 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Service – 9/10
Category:
Food Type – French
Style – Casual
Price – Reasonable
No reservations (but we were able to sit without a wait prime time on Saturday night)
Address/ phone: 590 Lexington Ave (Corner of 52nd street), 1 212-758-3989