Spotlight On Chef Franklin Edwards of Rick’s Steakhouse@Rick’s Cabaret New York
Give up all your preconceived notions, those who continue reading here. What you think you may know about great New York restaurants (or more precisely where to find them) is about to be challenged by what you read below. But I report the truth, as I always do, and the truth is, you’re gonna get a great meal at Rick’s Cabaret.
Yes Rick’s is the preeminent gentleman’s club in our fair city. And yes, during one of the busiest times of a weekday night one could enjoy 75-100 women dancing at tables, skirting around poles, out on the outside upper floor patio, sauntering all throughout the club generally. But Rick’s Executive Chef, Franklin Edwards is a master at creating culinary delights that will make you see that it’s not just the girls that are delicious here.
Having graduated from the French Culinary Institute, working as an Executive Sous Chef and assistant chef under Art Smith at Joanne Trattoria, as well as working at the Legends Hospitality at Yankee Stadium where he was responsible for the exclusive Audi Yankees Club and the famous Legend’s Lounge, one is in certainly good hands when this amiable guy cooks for you. The particular night I sampled Chef Edwards fare-after meeting him-I was first treated to a kale salad sprinkled with orange wedges and dried cranberries, paired with a truly luscious and-oh-so-fresh cold seafood tower of huge oysters on the half shell, king crab legs and shrimp with corresponding sauces.
A perfectly grilled piece of salmon was next, lying atop a bed of asparagus and the most delicious pistachio-sweet pea cream sauce (yes, the thought did cross my mind to lick the plate for the very last of that sauce), then came filet mignon and New York Strip Steak (Rick’s is especially known for its steaks…as it well should be if what I ate this night was any indication of what Chef Edwards regularly prepares) buttery light and perfect, fluffy mashed potatoes, and sautéed mushrooms.
One can avail themselves of various desserts like Chocolate Mousse, Cranberry Bread Pudding, various sorbets or ice cream and the drink possibilities and wine list are extensive.
Rick’s Steakhouse @ Rick’s Cabaret New York
50 W 33rd Street
New York, NY 10001
Hours:
opens at 11 AM weekdays, 12 pm weekends for lunch & dinner [and serving other items until 3am].