Sometimes I cringe when I read my old posts. Ever so often it starts with the title. Why did I call BMC, a “Croatian Seafood Delight” in 2014. I remember BMC had broiled oysters which were popularized by Croatian immigrants in New Orleans, but still, what was I thinking. Turns out, after reading the post (more chills), I see that I was simply making fun of the confusion of what type of restaurant is BMC. Many dismissed it as a steakhouse. On Yelp at that time it was listed as “Salad, Italian, Seafood”. And the owners didnt really like the “Steakhouse” tag, calling it stale, uncool, and touristy. Hence… Croatian!
The owners are still correct today. I dont know of too many young New Yorkers that go to traditional steakhouse these days. But in 2020 Justin Bieber’s fave BMC feels like a steakhouse whether the owners like it or not. Just not the classic steakhouse most tourists, or older New Yorkers usually consider. In fact BMC may be the best example of a modern steakhouse in NYC today. Unlike other such meat specialists like Minetta Tavern, and 4 Charles Prime Rib, meat and more meat reign supreme at BMC. I imagine not that many go to BMC for their Oysters, or Duck Lasagna. But they should…
The Duck Lasagna actually dictates the ordering game plan. If you get it ($58, for 2-8 ppl), you may want to take it easy with the meat. And if you skip it, knock yourself out. Or if you are like me, do the lasagna and the knocking. Its magnificent, and much meatier than I remember. A fine combination of duck, mushrooms, creamy Caciocavallo, Parmesan, and plenty of noodle texture.
The meat selection at BMC is always impressive. Its perhaps the only steakhouse offering the Ribeye cap that comes rolled into a hockey puck shape. Its arguably the best piece of the cow and thats why its $68 for what looks like about 6 oz of meat. Its still one of the best steaks I ever had. But on this night, we “settled” for the 40 oz Tomahawk Ribeye. As expected it was perfectly cooked, though I wished for a bit more flavor from the crust. While a sauce with this cut is not normally necessary, the house sauce is worth using. It made the fries taste that much better, and we even took some home.
Another discovery this time was the roasted cauliflower steak. Its topped with quite the pungent Pumpkin Seed Pesto. The very shareable, Lasagna size, bread pudding is a smashing finisher. It contains apples, lots of Candied Pecans, Caramel Chocolate, and Vanilla Ice Cream. Its yet another must. The one beef I got with BMC is the lack of affordable wine. I understand we are at an expensive steakhouse, but still. Impressive list but not much under $100. 2017 Nebbiolo for example is not exactly a bargain at $95.
Bowery Meat Company
9 E 1st St (2nd/3rd, East Village)
Rating: 2.5 Z’s (out of 4)
Stars range from Good to Exceptional. Simple as that
Recommended Dishes: Duck Lasagna, Bowery Steak, Broiled Oysters, Cauliflower Steak, Bread Pudding
Eating With Ziggy 