Rocco SteakhouseAlthough it was so cold the other night, I met my girlfriend at Rocco Steakhouse at 106 East 57th Street between Lexington and Park. There is also a second Rocco Steakhouse at 72 Madison Avenue between 27th and 28th Street.Now, I’ve never been a big fan of steak houses. I find them cold and detached with a limited menu, and Rocco didn’t disappoint. First, the neighborhood and the street it’s located on were utterly deserted. Yes, not a soul on the street. Now, it could have been the weather, but there was also an eerie sense of quietness. Then you walk into the restaurant, and there are no decorations. There were just straight lines and a utilitarian feeling. Entrance to Rocco Steakhouse. Photo by Sora VernikoffEvery meal with us an unforgettable experienceWhen I googled Rocco Steakhouse, I found this:“Rocco Steakhouse is an elegant, classic American steakhouse in NoMad. Owner Rocco Trotta has teamed up with GM/Partner Pete Pjetrovic, Beverage Director/Partner Jeff Kolenovic, and other key staff from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse—including Executive Chef Johnny Jevric and Head Waiter/sommelier Henry Doda—to provide patrons with world-class service, impeccable quality in the finest wines, steaks and freshest seafood, to make every meal with us an unforgettable experience. All of our prime steaks and chops are dry-aged on-site and served by a dedicated and knowledgeable staff, each with a minimum of 10 years of steakhouse experience. The setting is primed to impress: whether for a romantic dinner, a power lunch, a client dinner, or a family celebration.”Truthfully, the last place I’d want to go for a romantic dinner is Rocco’s. I don’t understand how they could label their restaurant that way. I can see those labels as a power lunch, a client dinner, and potentially a family celebration.Here is the bar and dining room area, and I’ll let you be the judge. Bar seating at Rocco Steakhouse. Photo by Sora Vernikoff Dining area at Rocco Steakhouse. Photo by Sora VernikoffChicken Paillard and a Baked PotatoSo, what did I decide to order?I wasn’t all that hungry, so I chose the Chicken Paillard and a Baked Potato.First came the bread basket. Yum. Fresh bread at Rocco Steakhouse. Photo by Sora VernikoffThen came The Chicken Paillard, which was very tasty. The Chicken Paillard at Rocco Steakhouse. Photo by Sora Vernikoff Baked Potato at Rocco Steakhouse. Photo by Sora Vernikoff View this post on Instagram A post shared by alexstaniloff (@alexstaniloff)An Expensive MenuAll in all, the food was delightful, but I didn’t enjoy the atmosphere. In addition, the menu is, in all transparency, expensive! However, if you’re looking for hardy food in the East 57th Street area, you might want to check it out.Readers may also enjoy Yama Japanese Restaurant, Le Bilboquet: A French Gem in New York, and Discovering Alcalá Restaurant in Midtown East: A Culinary Gem. Read the full article