Lunch with Chef Michael Lomonaco

OK, I didn’t exactly dine WITH Executive Chef Michael Lomonaco but he was nearby, ensuring every dish was Allergic Girl friendly. Really. This is the kind of place that keeps a file on you and not in the Stasi way but in the “this customer can’t eat such and such” kind of way. They knew all about my dietary restrictions and allergic girl needs before I said a word based on my past few visits: the file, honey, the file. Gotta love that!

Now why lunch you ask? Lunch is an insider secret of this foodie town. Bruni did a story on lunches recently so did Ed Levine. The upshot: you can go to a great restaurant, helmed by a superstar chef, eat delicious food and can get a rezzie, all with ease at lunchtime. Porter House is no exception to this secret and even more, they have a special that's a great deal: three courses for $24. On offer is a terrific hanger steak, usually not my favorite cut of meat but I had a taste of this one and it was tender as could be.

See the October menu below [courtesy of PHNY]:


Also, have a peek at my steak tartare appetizer picture (excusing the amateur quality, pls). This was my first raw meat foray and it was outstanding: clean, fresh, well-seasoned and minus the anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, and egg for yours truly.


PHNY is an elegant, comfortable room that’s not too uptight. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. The steaks are all natural beef from Brandt. And if that weren’t enough, they make handcut potato chips in a dedicated fryer.

Simply stated: Porter House New York is meticulous about special dietary or allergic needs: they fully disclose ingredients, they explain their cooking methods, and the staff is well-trained on food issues. It makes me wonder why other restos and food establishments can't be as easy an experience for an allergic girl.

Porter House New York
10 Columbus Cir
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9500