New York City’s iconic Delmonico’s restaurant reopens its doors under Croatian ownership
- by croatiaweek
- in Business
(Photo credit: Delmonico’s)
by Srecko Mavrek
NEW YORK, NY — September 15, 2023 — The restaurant, which has already been open for groups and private events this summer, is now also accepting diners at its original location at 56 Beaver Street, offering five newly renovated private dining areas, with seating for 500. Living in its original building at the intersection of Beaver & William Streets in the financial district, since 1837, Delmonico’s has welcomed a multitude of culinary enthusiasts.
After closing its doors due to the COVID pandemic in early 2020, Delmonico’s underwent an extensive renovation and redesign unveiling a contemporary look and a new modern menu all while honoring its past and paying homage to its 186-year legacy. Known as America’s first fine-dining restaurant, the famed Financial District restaurant also reopens with a new look, new executive chef, and new ownership while honoring its past.
(Photo credit: Delmonico’s)
Chef Edward J. Hong has been named Executive Chef of Delmonico’s. With experience in some of NYC’s most notable Michelin-starred kitchens, Hong brings innovative new dishes to the restaurant’s menu including Myung Ran Cesar Salad (Little Gem, Parmesan, White Anchovies, Chives, Creamy Myung Dressing); and Sea Urchin & Abalone Risotto (Koshihikari Rice, Abalone Liver Sauce, Nori, Crispy Shitake, Shaved Frozen Oysters).
To celebrate and honor the restaurant’s culinary heritage, Hong also offers incarnations of American classics that Delmonico’s is known for including its Baked Alaska, Lobster Newberg, Chicken a la Keene, and of course, the Delmonico Steak (18 oz Brandt Beef). The restaurant also features a 14 oz Prime Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye topped with Uni Butter.
(Photo credit: Delmonico’s)
“Delmonico’s has always been in the unique position of serving guests from around the world,” shared Hong. “The restaurant is known for its high culinary standards and signature dishes and I’m excited to enrich Delmonico’s dining experience by introducing the option of new global flavors and techniques while also celebrating its classic dishes.“
The historic New York City establishment also welcomes culinary professional, television personality, and best-selling author, Max Tucci, as Global Brand Ambassador. Author of the cookbook, the Delmonico Way; Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant that Made New York!, Tucci brings special Delmonico’s lineage to the team – his grandfather was one of the owners who opened Delmonico’s after Prohibition in the 1920s. His family operated the restaurant for over 60 years, and now Tucci oversees and supports the restaurant’s guest experience.
(Photo credit: Delmonico’s)
“Delmonico’s culinary, events, and guest experience teams are composed of impressive talent who are all looking forward to this next chapter in Delmonico’s storied history,” shared Dennis Turcinovic, owner and operator of Delmonico’s Restaurant Group. Turcinovic is a Croatian-American, and he has surrounded himself with a team of Croatian professionals who have revitalized the restaurant. Turcinovic has been involved with the renowned restaurant since 1999 and is an industry veteran with more than 25 years experience in hospitality.
(Photo credit: Delmonico’s)
Turcinovic and his partner Joseph Licul, another Croatian-American, signed a 15-year lease for the building upon the previous lease expiring at the end of 2022. During the MLB game between the NY Mets and the Texas Rangers on August 29, Turcinovic threw the ceremonial first pitch, and Licul successfully caught it, earning applause from the crowd. On August 11, the restaurant’s new team, most of whom are Croatian-American, rang the “Opening Bell” at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The reason for this honor was the reopening of Delmonico’s restaurant in Manhattan.
Joseph Licul, Dennis Turcinovic, Darko Marosic (Photo: Suppliied)
“Delmonico’s is a restaurant with deep-rooted history. It was the first to use the term restaurant, the first to have a cookbook and the first to serve women sitting at their own table – it is a part of New York City’s restaurant legacy and we are excited to welcome back returning guests but also introduce Delmonico’s to a new generation of New York City diners,” shared Turcinovic.
(Photo credit: Delmonico’s)
