It’s a New York and Texas beef … over beef

A legendary steakhouse in lower Manhattan is not backing down in the face of a challenge from the Lone Star State

Delmonico’s in lower Manhattan opened in 1837, eight years before Texas became a state. Presidents dating back to Abraham Lincoln and generations of Hollywood stars have dined there. And the New York Strip has always been on the menu, because that’s where it was first served up.

A tradition rooted in history

“Steak was popular back then — New York Strip, boneless ribeye. All staples on our menu,” said Dennis Turcinovic, an owner and managing partner of the storied restaurant near William and Beaver Streets in the Financial District. “The name was coined here.”

A challenge from Texas

But in an era of proposed name changes, could the Lone Star State really take over the name of the longtime menu staple? One state lawmaker certainly thinks so.

Dan Patrick, the lieutenant governor of Texas, cited the large Texas cattle industry as a reason for changing the name of the popular cut — to the Texas strip.

“Just because a New York restaurant named Texas beef a New York Strip in the 19th century doesn’t mean we need to keep doing that,” he wrote in a post on social media.

A response from Delmonico’s

While Texas is a major source of beef, Delmonico’s said it sources meat from various states and countries.

A storied history

Delmonico’s is widely believed to be the first fine dining restaurant in the country, perhaps the first to use the term “restaurant,” the first to have printed menus, the first to allow single female diners, and the first place to offer popular dishes like eggs Benedict and baked Alaska.

A decisive response

“I think it’s ridiculous. It’s the New York strip. It will always be the New York strip. And good luck trying to change that,” said Turcinovic.

Conclusion

The age-old debate over the name of a popular cut of steak may never be settled, but one thing is clear: the New York Strip will always be a staple on the menu at Delmonico’s.

FAQs

* Q: Why is the name “New York Strip” being challenged?
A: Texas is proposing to change the name to “Texas Strip” due to its large cattle industry.
* Q: What is the history of the New York Strip?
A: The New York Strip has been on the menu at Delmonico’s since the restaurant’s founding in 1837.
* Q: Will Delmonico’s change the name of the New York Strip?
A: The restaurant has no plans to change the name, with owner Dennis Turcinovic calling the idea “ridiculous”.