My two dear friends and I left our decision as to where to dine on New Year’s Eve right to the last minute—and then lucked out! Without begging, bribing, groveling or playing the “Do you know who I am?” card, we managed to secure a 9:00 reservation at popular Blackstones Steakhouse in Norwalk.
Because both of my friends were huge fans of Blackstones, I had already been regaled by tales of its excellence. As with movies which can fail to live up to one’s high expectations, there was a keen risk of disappointment. But not to worry—Blackstones would live up to its billing.
Despite the pressure of a tremendous crowd, Blackstones proved to be one of the best-run operations I have observed in some time. It was amusing watch chairs pushed ahead single file to add needed seats, or big round tables being wheeled on edge through the dining room without disturbing patrons.
Indeed, the atmosphere of revelry never let up in the restaurant,
except that the bar area in the rear grew quiet late on an evening known for togetherness.
The teamwork among the staff was exemplary. No server seemed stressed, although the restaurant was exceptionally busy. Each staff member had a ready smile, and seemed ready to leave whatever he was doing at the drop of a (New Year’s Eve party) hat to attend to any of one’s needs.
We started with wine, white for the lady and a nice bottle of Chianti for the gentlemen.
Breads
and butter followed,
but it was the flatbread crackers that were especially addictive.
Our appetizers proved first rate. The lady ordered a nice Caesar salad with anchovies,
the gentleman Maryland lump crabmeat cocktail,
and I a gorgeous tuna tartare (remember, you can click on photos to enlarge them) cleverly paired with many of the same accompaniments as a steak tartare.
Entrées and their accompaniments tended to be wheeled out on carts,
and it was fun checking out what other people ordered,
like this roasted Chilean sea bass with a pistachio crumb topping served in a citrus beurre blanc.
The gentleman ordered beef tenderloin medallions in a mushroom bordelaise sauce.
The lady ordered Blackstones’ incredible rib-eye steak,
which despite its exterior char was done just to her liking.
I would normally order something different to have a greater number of dishes to show readers, but I wasn’t passing up what was rumored to be one of Connecticut’s best rib-eyes—and soon justified such rarefied praise.
Sides of creamed spinach
and mashed potatoes also hit the mark.
We finished our incredible meal with chocolate cake
and crème brûlée.
Yes, as the evening wore on, it bore a greater resemblance to a party than a meal. Great music was provided,
and the high spirits were infectious, leading to dancing and who knows what else.
Blackstones Steakhouse, 181 Main Street, Norwalk, 203-840-9020, www.steakhousect.com