An eclectic European inspired energy in downtown New York, the Bromberg brothers’ restaurant – Blue Ribbon Federal Grill is situated on the ground floor of hotel residence, AKA Wall Street.
Federal Grill, says Bruce Bromberg, ‘is the culmination of a lot of years of kitchen learning’ and with a wide collection of equally excellent dishes, this experience truly shows. Large windows that allow plenty of natural light into the space during the day, followed on with a plush metropolis ambience in the evenings; Blue Ribbon Federal Grill is a dining destination for all hours of the day.
With the bright lights of the financial district beyond the restaurant’s large glass windows, accompanied by the flicker of candles and hands on service; it’s easy to kick back for the evening (or even breakfast or lunch) here. The menu clearly sections itself up into bar bites: (including trout roe shooter, tender smoked pork sliders and roasted shishito peppers), starters: (including spicy pork meatballs, roasted octopus & carrots and little neck clams) and plates: (including lamb T-bone, Maine lobster and a decadent 8oz filet with truffled potatoes). Equally appetising side dishes to compliment include: tandoori cauliflower, sautéed kale and roasted mushrooms. All these, frame however, Blue Ribbon Federal Grill’s ‘piece de resistance’: fruits de mer. Illustrating golden quality produce from the sea, for those looking for something extra special can choose from the jumbo shrimp cocktail, 30g Osetra caviar (at 175 dollars) or the 50g Siberian caviar which each come with a traditional Russian garnish.
This portfolio of dishes from the Bromberg brothers enable those to return time and time again for a new experience – whether its slicing into a blushing steak or enjoying an opulent serving of caviar. This translates over to a wide ranging and detailed cocktail menu uniquely laid out in a graph format according to strength and disposition – (offering a cocktail for varying times of the day). Highest in strength and disposition, the Freddy Krueger is a daring mix of Mezcal, ginger liqueur, lemon & hot sauce. This, in comparison to The Little Apple on the other end of the scale is created with cognac, yellow chartreuse, apple, lemon and bitters – a fun way to aid in decision making depending on personal preference.
Prominent forces in the culinary world for over 20 years, the Bromberg brothers have a particular appreciation for French cuisine and this is clearly detected in their menu at Blue Ribbon Federal Grill today. Having both studied at the world famous Le Cordon Bleu, they continued their journey to be a part of America’s most successful kitchens. Opening their very first Blue Ribbon restaurant back in 1992, they fused their French expertise with American roots to offer a restaurant concept that is casual, unfussy and welcoming with a wide choice for all – from sushi to bakeries and even fried chicken.
The Bromberg brothers own and operate Blue Ribbon Restaurants in New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and South Beach.
Address: 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 / 212-337-0404
