There's a lot of history that goes into The Palm. It's tradition goes all the way back to 1926. Two Italian immigrants decided to open up a restaurant in New York City. Natives of Parma, Italy, John Ganzi and Pio Bozzi went to register the name "Parma" as the business name, the clerk didn't understand what they were saying and issued a license for "The Palm." That's how the restaurant got its name.
Their steakhouse (which did not start off selling steaks) has grown in popularity over the last 87 years with locations all across the United States from the East Coast to the West Coast.
I first heard of The Palm back in Washington, DC. It was a favorite amongst the politicos of DC. I had walked by the place many times, but never went in.
Getting a taste of The Palm in NYC, the same city where it all happened, now that is a treat for the history books...as in a 'Been There, Done That' moment. You can see the history all along their walls which showcase caricatures of the many famous guests that once sat in their booths and the many news article reviews that once upon a time graced print journalism. The caricatures are a time honored tradition. Artists that couldn't afford their meal would draw or paint on the walls of the restaurant as payment.
This is what The Palm prides itself in...its history.
The waitstaff is one of the most outstanding I have ever seen. Your glass is always filled with water. You never have to ask. They make sure that the service is impeccable...like the professional service you would expect if you were to dine at "Downton Abbey."
The food...
You'll find there was a mixed review during my visit.
The menu for New York Restaurant Week at The Palm West location (250 West 50th Street, NYC) is as follows:
FIRST COURSE:
- Classic Caesar Salad (garlic focaccia croutons and parmigiano reggiano)- Mixed Green Salad (romaine, iceberg, baby greens, cucumber, carrots, radish, scallions and cherry tomatoes, tossed in garlic vinaigrette)
- Watermelon and Arugula Salad (watermelon, arugula and feta cheese, tossed in balsamic vinaigrette)- Chef's Soup of the Day
SECOND COURSE:
- Ahi Tuna Steak (wasabi seared ahi tuna with Asian avocado salsa)
- Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos (flour tortillas, shredded cabbage, fresh tomatoes, chiptole lime dressing, red beans and rice)- Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwich (thinly sliced chicken, grilled onions, provolone cheese and homemade Buffalo sauce served on an Amoroso roll with hand cut french fries)
- Filet Mignon Medallions (two 4 ounce) (Danish blue cheese and wild mushroom demi-glace)
THIRD COURSE:
- Berries and Cream Parfait (fresh berries, crunchy granola, mascarpone whipped cream)
- Banana Crème Brulée
- Key Lime Pie (key lime custard, graham cracker crust, blueberry compote and whipped cream)
I ordered the Watermelon & Arugula Salad, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos and the Key Lime Pie.
My thoughts? First, we'll start with the worst part of this lunch...the salad. While the whole idea of watermelon, arugula and feta sounds appealing, what troubled me was the balsamic vinaigrette. The only thing I could think as I tried to 'like' this salad was, "Did the person that developed this combination even try this? It's horrible!"
Balsamic vinaigrette is not the right dressing for this salad. Even a sesame dressing would have suited this salad or a very, and I do mean "VERY" light dressing so that the person eating the salad would enjoy the flavors of the watermelon, arugula and feta together. The balsamic is not the dressing they should have used.
My advice if you head to The Palm, avoid this salad like the plague. It's more balsamic vinaigrette than it is salad.
What redeemed The Palm was the second course: Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos. I've attempted fish tacos in NYC several times. I've either walked away thinking it was horrible or I got sick. 80% of the time, I walked away sick as a dog.
The Palm, on the other hand, has created the best fish tacos I have ever had. The mahi mahi fish was an excellent choice to fill the flour tortillas. The spices used with the fish were just the right spices to let the fish stand alone, but mixed with the chiptole lime dressing...it was superb. The use of cabbage instead of lettuce was spot on.
As for their side dish of red beans and rice...pass. It was boring and like something I would make if I was a beginner cook and wanted to attempt making red beans and rice for the first time (i.e. dumping a can of red beans on top of some rice and calling it red beans and rice...tasted just like it too).
As for the key lime pie...it was delicious. It was so rich, I couldn't eat it all, but it was good.
What I've learned about The Palm...just get the main entree and maybe the dessert. Do not fuss with the sides or starters. Go straight for the main course.
Like I said, the fish tacos were the best I've ever had. That makes The Palm worthwhile, especially if you want to be surrounded in history and political talk from the tables next to you. Would I go often? No. Maybe once every 5-10 years.
In other words, why eat sub-par food when there are other restaurants out there that can create a fantastic meal from start to finish?
xxoo,
Michelle
