master-cooks | Frank Sinatra's Go To Steakhouse In Vegas Plus His Regular Orders

Frank Sinatra, the legendary crooner, had a well-known penchant for fine dining, and one of his favorite steakhouses in Las Vegas was the Golden Steer. This iconic restaurant, established in 1958, quickly became a hotspot for celebrities and high-rollers, offering an old-school charm that resonated with Sinatra’s style. The Golden Steer, located just off the Las Vegas Strip, is renowned for its vintage ambiance, complete with leather banquettes and tuxedo-clad waiters, providing a timeless setting that Sinatra cherished. Sinatra’s regular orders were as distinctive as his musical style. He often indulged in the restaurant’s signature dishes, which included a perfectly cooked filet mignon, accompanied by a side of spaghetti with marinara sauce, reflecting his Italian-American heritage. He was also known to enjoy the Oysters Rockefeller as an appetizer, setting the stage for a luxurious dining experience. The steakhouse’s dedication to quality and classic preparation matched Sinatra’s refined tastes, making it a perfect culinary refuge for him and his Rat Pack entourage. Today, the Golden Steer continues to honor Sinatra’s legacy, offering a dining experience that echoes the glamour and sophistication of a bygone era.

The pieces that compose Sinatra's dinner

While not all of Sinatra's favorite meals are included on the Golden Steer's current menu, the restaurant created a special Sinatra-themed menu in 2015 to celebrate the singer's 100th birthday. Information on the precise cooking methods is limited, making it challenging to determine exactly how Sinatra preferred his meals. Nevertheless, the dishes featured on the Golden Steer's "Frank's menu" provide a glimpse into Sinatra's culinary preferences.

Clams casino is a rich and flavorful dish made with clams, bacon, peppers, onions, and a generous amount of garlic, all prepared in a delightful white wine sauce. Similar to oysters Rockefeller, clams casino are cooked and combined before being served on the half-shell.

When it comes to steak, Sinatra had a fondness for New York strip, much like chef Jacques Pépin. However, the Golden Steer notes that he specifically requested steak pizzaiola, a classic Neapolitan dish where thin slices of steak are braised in a fragrant tomato sauce. For dessert, he frequently chose the decadent bananas Foster, a sweet treat of caramelized sugar and bananas typically served with a rum sauce and flambéed at the table. This creates a rather lavish three-course meal, which is exactly what one would expect from such a larger-than-life icon.

Whiskey and wine were Frank's favorites

It’s no surprise that Frank Sinatra indulged in his share of drinks while dining at the Golden Steer. The 2015 commemorative menu reveals that he enjoyed both whiskey and wine during his meals, although it doesn’t specify which drink he paired with each dish. What we do know is that Sinatra preferred Jack Daniels for his whiskey and typically chose an Italian red wine.

Sinatra had a straightforward yet specific way of enjoying his Jack Daniels: just a couple of fingers of the whiskey in a rocks glass, accompanied by a few ice cubes. Legend has it that his friend, comedian Jackie Gleason, was the one who first suggested Jack Daniels to him, and once Sinatra gave it a try, he was hooked.

Regarding wine, the Golden Steer doesn’t indicate a specific brand or type that Sinatra favored. However, the owner of New York's Patsy's restaurant has stated that Sinatra had a particular fondness for Valpolicella when it came to red wines. With these delightful beverages and some truly exquisite dishes, you’re sure to have a dining experience that’s worth celebrating.

Frank Sinatra's Go-To Steakhouse In Vegas Plus His Regular Orders

The pieces that compose Sinatra's dinner

Whiskey and wine were Frank's favorites

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