Steak prices are at an all-time high in New York, prompting many restaurants to offer cheaper options like steak frites to cater to budget-conscious customers. The dish, which typically features a more affordable cut of meat, has been added to menus at various high-end restaurants, offering diners a more affordable red meat fix compared to traditional steak dishes. For example, Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke has introduced a $24 steak frites special during happy hour, providing customers with value in a challenging economic climate.
The surge in steak prices can be attributed to various factors such as drought, high grain prices due to the conflict in Ukraine, and rising interest rates impacting cattle farming costs. While beef prices continue to rise, the cost of potatoes remains relatively low due to a surplus from overplanting, making steak frites a cost-effective option for both diners and restaurant owners. The trend highlights a shift towards offering more value-driven menu options to appeal to price-conscious customers in the current economic environment.
Notable establishments like Kings of Kobe and Skirt Steak have embraced the steak frites trend by incorporating it into their menus. Kings of Kobe offers unlimited Wagyu ribeye and strip steak with fries and mac-and-cheese balls on select days at a discounted price, providing customers with a satisfying and economical dining experience. Similarly, Skirt Steak has become a popular destination for steak lovers, offering a prix-fixe menu of skirt steak, greens, and endless fries for a set price, adding sides and desserts as optional extras.
The concept of steak frites has even extended to Brooklyn, with restaurants like Tiny’s Cantina introducing the dish to their menus with great success. Tiny’s offers a variety of steak frites options, including hanger steak, ribeye, and strip steak, all served with Mexican-inspired sauces and fries for a reasonable price. The addition of steak frites to these menus reflects a response to the high cost of prime meat cuts, presenting a value proposition for customers seeking quality dining experiences without breaking the bank.
In addition to culinary trends, the New York Comedy Festival is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a lineup of over 200 comedians across the five boroughs. The festival, founded by Caroline Hirsch, features headliners like Tracy Morgan, Bill Maher, and Ms. Pat, offering a diverse array of comedic performances for audiences to enjoy. Festive cocktails inspired by the festival, ranging from pear Prosecco spritz to blood orange margaritas, will be available at the Hard Rock Hotel during the event, allowing patrons to toast to two decades of laughter and entertainment.
The festival will host various acts, including “The Chandelier Experience” by Sommore, a film premiere showcasing top comedians like Judd Apatow and Amy Schumer, and a special tribute to comedy legend Joan Rivers. With a mix of established and emerging comedic talent, the New York Comedy Festival continues to be a highlight for comedy fans and performers alike. The combination of culinary delights, festive cocktails, and top-notch entertainment promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees during the 20th anniversary celebration.
