Dining at Delmonico's: The Story of America's Oldest Restaurant

The name Delmonicos is synonymous with fine dining. Ever since the establishmentthe countrys first real restaurantopened its doors in Manhattans Financial District in 1837, Delmonicos has been showing Americans just what it means to eat well. Delmonicos was where American diners were introduced to some of our most beloved dishes: Lobster la Newburg, Eggs Benedict, Manhattan Clam Chowder, Baked Alaska. Many were created in Delmonicos kitchen by New Yorks first star chef, Charles Ranhofer; others were popularized here. And always heading the bill of fare was the Delmonicos Steakan unbelievably succulent 20-ounce prime rib-eye, grilled to perfection and topped with herbed butterwhich remains the gold standard that other steakhouses try to emulate. Delmonicos history is one of firsts: the first American restaurant to use tablecloths, to offer private dining rooms, to furnish a separate wine list, to admit women diners, and to re-envision haute cuisine for the American palate. That tradition of exquisite food served in a luxurious setting continues to flourish today. Now, Dining at Delmonicos invites the home cook into the restaurants legendary kitchen, providing more than 80 recipes that let you re-create the gastronomic glories of Delmonicos dining room for your own table.