The River Café, Brooklyn, NY (New American)
Chef: Brad Steelman
The River Café has been responsible for launching many famous chefs into the NYC culinary scene from Larry Forgione and Charlie Palmer to David Burke and now Brad Steelman. Steelman moved to NYC early in his culinary career for a Sous Chef position at Montrachet and enjoyed stints as Sous Chef at various other famous New York restaurants including The River Café. Now Steelman has returned to The River Café as Executive Chef, carrying on the long legacy of amazing Chefs and delectable dishes. Many have called Steelman’s cooking as straight forward, containing honest flavors, “the best ever”, and “celestial”.
Opened in 1977, The River Café has one of the most unique locations you can find. Located on a barge directly under the Brooklyn Bridge, on the river, many felt it was a crazy decision to open a restaurant in this location when it was dreamed up in the mid-’70s. Four decades later, The River Café has proved to be one of the greatest culinary establishments and has been serving delectable cuisine with amazing views since it opened. When you arrive, you will walk through a quaint garden before arriving at the river and walking into the restaurant. While they are hard to come by, try to request a window seat as the view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Skyline is breathtaking and cannot be missed. No matter where you sit, you can expect to enjoy the dimly lit dining room, with the added excitement of the live piano playing throughout. Thoroughly renovated after it was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, The River Café did not miss a beat. Guests of The River Café will enjoy a fixed price menu with many choices to please all palates. Be sure to start with the Wagyu Steak Tartare with its simple, circular presentation and raw quail egg which blends together perfectly and tastes amazing. The Sea Scallops and Pork Belly as an appetizer will melt in your mouth, and the Crescent Farms Duck perfectly seasoned, crispy, and rested, will leave you wanting more. For dessert, be sure to request the Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café’s signature dessert, which features chocolate in the shape of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. No matter what you choose to indulge in, you can expect to experience classic flavors, expertly done, and an atmosphere that cannot be easily forgotten.
- Gayot , Top Restaurants with a View (2018)
- One Michelin Star (2010 – 2013) and (2015 – 2019)
Website: www.rivercafe.com
Phone: (718)522 – 5200
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Tony Lagana
Chef Tony is a 42-year veteran of the food industry and is often known by his peers as “The New Product Guru.” Throughout his illustrious culinary career, he’s earned several notable titles and positions including Acquisition International’s “Most Influential Product Development Expert, U.S.” in 2019.
In 1997, Tony also founded Culinary Systems Inc., a group of culinary consultants that assist with culinary training, restaurant start-ups, concept development, and more. Since then, Tony and his team have generated over two billion dollars in sales for their clients in restaurants, retail, and manufacturing.
The strategic, technical, and culinary skills of Tony and his team can be seen on the menus of national chains, in the portfolio of national food manufacturers, and on the grocery shelves of products produced by major retail companies.