Brasserie Ruhlmann
45 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown, NY
map & more
With the hordes of tourists and Al Roker groupies, we’re not big fans of Rockefeller Plaza, and unless you’re still holding on to Olympic dreams and hitting the skating rink every morning, you probably aren’t either. However, there are times when you’re looking for an outdoor drink and some eats before a show at Radio City, and Brasserie Ruhlmann benefits from location and a sweet patio. Chef Laurent Tourondel (BLT Prime, etc.) is certainly well known around town, and for the most part his restaurants are good but expensive. Brasserie Ruhlmann definitely fits into the latter category. The former? Not so much. Overall, the food at Brasserie Ruhlmann is disappointing. There are a few gems on the appetizer menu (the truffle fries are awesome), but the majority of the food isn’t worth the hefty price tag. Not only are you going to drop dollars, but the staff sports an over-the-top French attitude like they’re practicing for a role in the Broadway adaptation of Ratatouille. From now on we’re walking the extra few blocks to Bar Americain.
Food Rundown:
Boston Lettuce Salad
A nice concept, but this salad doesn’t really come together in practice. The serving of Boston lettuce is too large, and the other components (julienne pears, gruyere cheese, walnuts) get lost in the mix.
Kobe Burger Sliders
A serving of three Kobe sliders, each is different, but somehow they all taste the same. Not bad, but certainly not great.
French Fries
Greasy fries + truffle oil + parmesan cheese is a formula that can’t fail.
Tuna Tartare
In my opinion, this is far and away the best thing on the menu. Meyer lemon-truffle oil vinaigrette and crispy shallots add to the excellent tuna.
Skate Wing Grenobloise
Skate and hanger steaks always get shout outs on Immaculate Infatuation (see below). With skate wing, it’s all about what else is on the plate, and Ruhlmann’s addition of lemon and haricots verts are a nice touch.
Hanger Steak
This is a standard hanger steak with a bearnaise sauce. As good as it should be.
