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Rare Treats Await at Little Falls Steakhouse
By Janet Curran Perlman Published: 02/01/2010
Gone are the days when a steakhouse could survive by offering only succulent cuts of beef and a gargantuan potato, with a “surf and turf” lobster dish tossed in. And although prime steaks and meats reign supreme at Rare Steakhouse, its menu now includes nightly ocean-fresh seafood as well as Italian classics. By tweaking the menu, legendary restaurateur Gregorio Polimeno, and his son, Greg, Jr., moved this popular restaurant into the stratosphere of fine dining, offering items from the menu of Il Tulipano, the family's famous Cedar Grove venue.No stranger to the excellence of the food at Rare, I was nonetheless immediately impressed by my first appetizer, the “Sashimi” Ahi Tuna Rolled with Crab Meat, $16, an outstanding preview of what was to come. A house-cured and apple-smoked thick and meaty bacon strip, grilled and brushed with maple syrup, $2.50 per piece, was an unusual and hearty offering, while the Belgian Endive and Watercress, with a piquant house dressing, provided a lighter counterpoint.
Having previously enjoyed Il Tulipano’s homemade potato gnocchi, I was pleased to see the dish on Rare’s menu. When Gregorio, Sr., walked by, I told him how much I was looking forward to enjoying his famous gnocchi. He smiled modestly and said he “hoped not to let us down.” Not to worry. “Little pillows of happiness” is how my guest described these airy delights—priced at $8 for an appetizer and $15 for a main course, as were all the pasta offerings.
At tableside, our server deftly filleted one of the evening’s specials, Whole Mediterranean Branzino, $30. Served over sautéed spinach, this popular fish was meltingly moist, as was the Wild Salmon over Smothered Leeks, $24, prepared with a light soy reduction.
But this is a steakhouse, after all, and since we had previously savored both the prime sirloin and prime rib chop “cowboy steak,” we opted this time for the 10-ounce Filet Mignon, $29, topped with Portobello mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese and a port wine reduction, perfect complements to the flavor of this tender cut.
The Colorado Double Lamb Chops with a Goat Cheese Medallion, $34, called to us from the day’s specials, and these mile-high chops didn’t disappoint. Although accompanied by a smoky barbecue sauce, the chops stand on their own.
Not-to-be-missed sides are the elegant $6 Whipped Potatoes with Crème Fraiche, Sautéed Spinach, $7, and Rare Fries Tossed with Truffle Oil and Parmesan Dust, $6.
From the dessert trolley, the $9 homemade desserts include a creamy ricotta cheesecake, light pumpkin pie and pecan pie.
On the menu’s back you’ll find a selection of very nice, moderately priced wines. But if you desire to dabble in the world of serious oeniphiles, ask for the leather-bound book of exceptional wines, all stored in an attractive wine room perfect for private parties.
The culmination of a long-held wish by Gregorio and Greg, Jr., to own and operate a first-rate steak house together, Rare offers exceptional food and first-rate service wrapped in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.Rare, The Steak House440 Main Street, Little Falls973-256-6699 • rarestk.com
