Mother Nature gave us an anniversary present: perfect weather for al fresco dining. This meant we could celebrate by going to a restaurant and dining outdoors. (No indoor restaurant dining for us for the foreseeable future.) We chose Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, in Somerville.
In the past, we’d been to Wolfgang’s NYC flagship, on Park & 33rd, right after it first opened many years ago. In fact, Wolfgang himself — a handsome, silver-haired, courtly gentleman — was at the front desk. On our way out, we spent a few minutes chatting with him. Subsequently, Wolfgang expanded his eponymous restaurant to many locations. Several years later, we had dinner at the 54th St. location with Jen and Louis. Last year, when we returned to restaurant dining (outdoors only) after we were vaccinated, we learned that the Somerville Wolfgang’s has an outdoor patio. It’s capacious with nicely spaced, linen-covered tables.
We went twice last year and thoroughly enjoyed both visits. Delicious food; an excellent drinks and wine list; and pleasant, attentive service. We decided it would be just the right place to celebrate our 54th.
We made a 5 p.m. reservation. Knowing that at that time of the afternoon there would be traffic, we factored in another 15 minutes to get there and arrived right on time. (The return trip was much quicker.)
We didn’t have to don our masks to go inside to check in because the hostess stand was stationed in the doorway next to the patio. She seated us immediately.
And immediately, a server brought us the menu and a copious bread basket along with plenty of butter.
Onion Rolls, Italian Bread, Crackers, Butter
We ordered drinks which we received promptly.
Lemonade
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
We usually start our steakhouse dinners with a shrimp cocktail. The ones at Wolfgang’s are, indeed, jumbo (!) and accompanied by a very tasty sauce.
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
When it came to the the main course, there was no doubt that Michael would have a steak. Ordered medium rare, it was prepared precisely to his specification.
Ribeye
U.S.D.A. Prime, Dry Aged – In Our Own Aging Box
The ribeye was huge and easily shareable. However, I love lamb chops. And the ones at Wolfgang’s are superb! I chose the two double-cut and had them cut into four singles. Prepared exactly to my requested medium, i.e., pink in the center, they were large, meaty, and succulent. (Note: Also on the plate was a small dish with mint jelly. Ugh! I took it off and a server removed it from the table.)
Colorado Rib Lamb Chops
As at other steakhouses, sides are separate. We chose two. Huge portions, especially the potatoes which could easily have served four.
German Potatoes
Fried Onion Rings
Michael had one glass of wine with his steak.
Bordeaux
We definitely left room for dessert.
Ice Cream Sundae
For Michael
Key Lime Pie with Schlag
For Me
We took home a boatload of leftovers.
Wolfgang’s Old Fashioned Sauce was on the table. (You can see a glimpse of it in two photos above.) I don’t remember it being there last year, so could be it’s new. In any case, we tasted it and agreed it was delicious, so we bought a bottle.
We’ve already used the steak for one meal (this time I shared it) plus all the onion rings and some of the potatoes. Still, there was enough steak left to make two sandwiches. The chops and the rest of the potatoes will be for another meal. Michael commented that the cost of this wonderful dinner was a third of what we used to pay when we celebrated special occasions at EMP. Considering the leftovers, something we never had at EMP, we certainly got our money’s worth.
We’ll be back!
The Wizard of Roz 