The day began at the American Museum of Natural History at the opening of the “Sharks” exhibit that brings life to the diversity of these fascinating creatures that predate the appearance of trees and dinosaurs on our planet. The new exhibition features dozens of life-sized models ranging from 33 feet to 5 inches long, fossils from the Museum’s collections, touch-free interactive exhibits and more for visitors of all ages.
After the opening, we headed downtown to Rolf’s German Restaurant with its old-world vibe to meet some friends. The restaurant, in the Gramercy Park neighborhood for over 50 years, is decorated for Christmas year-round. It’s these over-the-top decorations that draw the crowds to the small eatery. There are lights, baubles, ornaments, wooden sleds, Santas, dolls and more.
Make your reservation way ahead by either stopping in or calling. Remember that for next year, as they are currently fully committed. I stopped in October for our December booking. At that time they were only taking reservations for up to four. Rolf’s — a real step-back-in-time — currently has no internet booking capabilities.
When you do dine, each person needs to order one of their pricey entrees ranging from $33.95 for meatloaf, red cabbage and mashed potatoes to $77 for the grilled boneless ribeye steak with string beans and mashed potatoes. Their friendly waiters double as photographers.
Knowing the classic dish, I felt inclined to order their wiener schnitzel ($38.95). That’s a slice of veal pounded very thin, dipped in flour and an egg wash, then coated with bread crumbs before deep frying. It came with mixed veggies and spätzle, the quintessential German egg noodle pasta with a chewy, dumpling-like texture.
One dining partner had the Burgundy-style beef stew also with spätzle ($37.95), another the wild king salmon in sorrel sauce served with whole-grain rice ($39.95) and the other tried the chicken schnitzel with string beans and mashed potatoes ($37.95). We washed down our food with the Chateau Minuty Rose ($63).
I do recommend a visit to Rolf’s for a unique New York experience.
Rolfs
Gramercy Park
281 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212-473-8718
rolfsnyc.com
Rolf’s is one of the last authentic German restaurants left in NYC, as many of the establishments in Germantown (86 Street East Side) are gone. I love their wurst, classic sausages with a glass of good German beer.
Manos, Thanks for your thoughts. I’ll have to try their wurst/sausages next time!