Remembrance of things Pabst

So we went out of our comfort zone to visit a brand new steakhouse that is now one of my favorites. I had mentioned to ricpic that there are ten places that are better than Peter Lugers. The Old Homestead, Keens, Sparks and even Churrascaria Plataforma fit the bill but my new favorite is in Williamsburg too. It's called DeStefano's and it is great.

It is at the corner of Conselyea St and Leonard and you have to enter on the side street. You are walking into the 1950's. There is a miniscule wood paneled bar area where the owners mother greets you and gets you to your seat. It is very small, maybe twenty seats. She is kind of shy so on first acquaintance she doesn't say much. But you can talk to her and her son later when they are grabbing a smoke outside after the dining rush is over. This is old school. Red meat. Red wine. Tobacco. I'm home.

You check out the decor. One wall features old family photos of communions and family events. The other side has a portrait of grandpa and grandma and a saint (you can see the portrait and the saint on the mantle in the photo). I'm home!

There are a few innovations. They have an ipod but it plays Sinatra and dowoop and Bobby Darin and nothing before 1975. The decor is old school guinea and so is the eats. I'm home.

We had some great appetizers. The wife had Mozzarella De Crustino which was fresh mozzarella breaded and sauteed until tender served on top of a blend of wild mushrooms. I ordered Short Rib Rolls which were tender succulent beef, julienne carrots and chive mashed potatoes in a crisp, paper thin wrapper for the table. I also ordered the soup of the day which was potato bacon soup. Yes that's right. Potato soup. With Bacon. I'm home.

Then we ordered filet mignon which were butter soft and cooked to perfection. Where they beat the hell out of the very overrated Pete Lugers is the side dishes. Crispy cottage fries. A big family style platter of garlic mashed potatoes. And creamed corn. That's right fuckin creamed corn. Cooked in butter with a little hint of a sharp cheddar. Heaven on earth.

The deserts were ok as the chocolate mousse cake was rich and filling and the wine list had a lot of very affordable Tuscan and Sicilian wines.

We were with our good friends who are always so much fun and so easy to hang out with. It was a perfect way to start the week. Great food. Great Wine. Great friends. Great Conversation.

You enjoy that a lot more than hanging out with people who don't have anything good to say about anybody. Life is to short.

If you are ever in Williamsburg don't waste your time with Peter Lugers go to Destafano's.

You will be glad you did. It will feel just like home.