All Photos By Gail

Do you love Steak? I sure do. Shortly before the Christmas Holidays, I was invited to dine at Le Marais, one of NYC’s most highly-rated steakhouses, which also just happens to be Kosher. While there is certainly no shortage of excellent steakhouses across Manhattan, if you enjoy the old school, dark wood interiors and high quality beef of Peter Luger, but would prefer to avoid the endless waiting for a table, accompanying brusk service, and the trip to Brooklyn, then Le Marais is well worth a visit. This is especially true if you keep Kosher, because finding an excellent steakhouse which adheres to Kosher dietary law is not so easy to do.

Le Marais has a charming old New York feel to its décor, with exposed brick, dark leather upholstered banquets, original tile flooring in the bar area, art deco glass wall sconces, and French languge posters that adorn and brighten the walls. They can easily accommodate a large party, or an intimate dinner for two.

I started off my meal with this refreshing and generously-sized (read: potent) beverage, which was one of their signature cocktails, the Absolut Fruit Punch. All cocktails are $15, and a good value.

Steaks really the star of the show at Le Marais, and since it is Kosher you won’t find Macaroni and Cheese, my favorite go-to side dish on any steakhouse visit, on their menu, so my advice is to skip the appetizers and heavy sides (perhaps saving room for dessert) and go right for the beef. In our case, my dining companion and I decided on the Prime Rib, or côte de bœuf , which is a thick, bone-in rib steak. Prime Rib for two is priced at $120 and includes a generous portion of French Fries and a side of salad greens in a light vinaigrette dressing. A side of dairy-free Béarnaise sauce is also included. This cut of steak is close to a 32 ounces, so splitting it means you’ll be very well fed.

We ordered the meat done medium to medium rare, and it came out very pink with a warm center, and a nice, flavorful exterior char — just way we like it! This cut was carved and portioned table side, which is a nice personal touch.

Look at all of that delicious beef. Just look at it.

What a feast! The rib eye is perfectly marbled but also lean and tender. No sauce or additional seasoning is even necessary. Le Marais is a beef lover’s paradise!

This giant mound of Frites accompanies the steak, and they are perfectly done: crispy and crunchy on the outside, but moist and tender on the inside, and not greasy at all. You will want to eat them all, but you will probably not be able to, because you will be so stuffed with delicious meat.

You also get this fresh-baked and served-hot crusty French bread. Amazing.

If you feel like to need to eat a green thing, this side of String Beans with Sautéed Onions ($10) is exceptional, and serves two easily.

Of course, I made room for dessert by saving half of my meat to take home for a second meal (score)! Le Marais has an extensive dessert menu with so many scrumptious choices, such as the the Fresh Lemon Tart ($9.50), Profiteroles ($11.50), Olive Oil Pistachio Cake with Sabayon ($12.00), a Warm Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream (prepared to order, $11.50) and so many more. I went with one of my favorites: a classic Chocolate Mousse with a non-dairy whipped Chantilly topping ($9.50), which was as rich and delicious to eat as it is beautiful to behold. A perfect end to a perfectly indulgent meal!

Le Marais Kosher Steakhouse is located at 150 West 46th Street (Between 6th and 7th Avenues) Adjacent to the Theater District in Midtown Manhattan.