If you are looking for a steakhouse that does not look like one, M Wells Steakhouse might be it. You probably wonder why you would go to Long Island City for steak, not knowing that it would take you as much time to go from Midtown to the Lower East Side than going to LIC where there are quite few gems there, Luzzo’s being one I spoke about last week.
Yes, M Wells Steakhouse is a gem: a modern take on a Steakhouse, with decor that makes you feel like you are in somebody’s backyard. In fact, the entrance looks hidden, as if only reserved for people who know they are there. And then, once seated, you are mesmerized by the wood fire grill where the food is cooked (not directly on the grill but in a cast iron skillet for my steak).
Food wise, it is a place for non-vegetarian diners, that is not surprising for a Steakhouse. We did not feel they were that happy to accommodate Jodi’s vegetarian diet and there were very limited choices. On my side however, it was superb! Here is what we had:
Bread basket: it is always interesting to see how a steakhouse is trying to be original. I guess at M Wells, the butter from France is the little plus.
Jar of clams: a small interesting appetizer with a rustic presentation. If you like clams, I recommend it.
For her entree, Jodi went for their farmer’s salad, the only vegetarian appetizer (forget about entrees). It was composed of Winter Squash, apple, pear, and served with a Dijon vinaigrette. When she asked if it was possible to add blue cheese, the waiter seemed a bit frazzled and said that he had to talk to the chef. He came back few minutes later saying that the chef could replace the vinaigrette with a blue cheese sauce. So she went for it.
On my side, I decided to try their wagyu flank steak that was cooked on a skillet over their wood fire. It was served with a small portion of pommes salardaises that are slices of potatoes cooked with garlic in duck fat. These were awesome and I just wish there were more. The steak, served with a sauce au poivre or pepper sauce, was fantastic: cooked perfectly medium-rate, it was tender and juicy, smothered by the sauce that was not overpowering and let the meat shine. They do have a ribeye that is usually my go to cut, but it is prepared with a rub and I was not sure I would like it. So $65 was a high price if I did not like it...
As a side, we also ordered French fries that were delicious, crispy on the outside and cooked all the way through.
Dessert was even more amazing. We went for the Pouding Chômeur or the unemployed pudding. This dish was created during the Great Depression in Quebec by female factory workers. It consisted of cake batter onto which some maple syrup is poured before baking. While cooking, the cake will rise while the syrup will go in the bottom, creating a deliciously sweet layer at the bottom of the dish. This is a must have! Too bad it was small though...I could have eaten several of these!
What a meal at M. Wells Steakhouse, especially for me. If you are vegetarian, like many in steakhouses, you will not enjoy as much. I definitely recommend it!
Enjoy (I did)!
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M Wells Steakhouse - 4315 Crescent St, Long Island City, NY 11101