It wasn’t too long ago that the best place to eat at Huntington’s Walt Whitman Mall was Burger King. Times have since changed and along with excerpts of the great poet’s work on the building façade, the shops now boast a smorgasbord of high-end cuisine.
The latest entry at the mall is Del Frisco’s Grille. An offshoot of Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, which includes the venerable Double Eagle Steak House in Manhattan, Del Frisco’s Grille imbues a modern, social scene in its dining concept, with American bar and grill classics taken to refreshing new heights.
While experiencing the restaurant’s official opening about a month ago, there was a sense that every aspect—from the food to the handcrafted drinks to the interior atmosphere—was designed to keep its guests talking about Del Frisco’s both during the meal and long after dessert.
Before checking out the food, the cocktail menu is worth a look and more than a few sips. Signature drinks, created by skilled bar artisans, include the Hawaiian-inspired VIP with pineapple-infused Svedka clementine vodka. The drink perfectly balances sweet and tart while it shoots directly to the drinker’s brain in a heady rush of tropical flavor.
With the appetite primed and ready, it’s time to peruse the food options. Del Frisco’s calls itself an “anytime eats” dining destination, offering lunch, brunch and dinner with an array of fun and approachable menu items. Perfect-for-sharing appetizers include the Cheesesteak Eggrolls and Ahi Tacos. The Cheesesteak Eggrolls quickly become the obsession of the table—with sweet and spicy chili sauce and honey mustard, the eggrolls crunch with flavor and a biting tang. The Ahi Tacos feature sushi-worthy tuna tartare, avocado and spicy citrus mayo for a lively take on an upscale classic.
For the main entrée, try knife-and-fork jobs like the Prime Beef Short Rib Stroganoff. This vintage comfort meal stands out with pappardelle noodles, sour cream and tobacco onions (so named for its color) and of course, the supremely tender, succulent short rib. Another entry in the tender troupe is the baby back ribs—a real hands-on dish that is available in half and full racks. Of course, ask about Del Frisco’s signature prime, wet-aged steaks.
Plenty of two-fisted sandwiches are available as well, including the Grille Prime Cheeseburger boasting double patties, crisp lettuce, fresh red onion, tomato and pickle, with a splash of Del Frisco’s “sloppy sauce.” The burger is also available in a spicy green chili variety and stands alongside other sandwiches like the hand-crafted Farmers Market Veggie Burger, the Shaved Prime Steak Sandwich and the Chicken Avocado Wrap.
When the meal ends, prepare for the happiest of endings with Del Frisco’s dessert menu. Do not miss out on the coconut cream pie or the butterscotch pudding jar—both are sweet revelations that will leave you happily popping a button or two.
Del Frisco’s Grille is located at Walt Whitman Shops, at 160 Walt Whitman Rd., Suite 1108B, 631-423-0308, www.delfriscosgrille.com
