Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is expanding into a new location at casual dining restaurant Lea Wine Bar, which sits next door to “The Original” location on 230 Park Avenue in New York City. Guests will find the same Bobby Van’s charm at Lea, which is now open for lunch and offers a delectable steakhouse menu crafted by 40-year veteran Executive Chef Victor Chavez of the iconic Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse. Stretching its arms, Bobby Van’s new developments also include new partner Executive Chef Bobby Dickert—the great-nephew of steak chef legend Peter Luger, and 40-year veteran steak chef—and managing partner at The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc., Tommy Hart. These announcements come on the heels of “The Original” Bobby Van’s Steakhouse now being independently owned and operated.
The ambiance at Lea Wine Bar beautifully blends influences from both French and Italian cultures. Tall, bold red walls, accentuated by a yellow-gold ceiling and decorated with artistic reproductions of Italian neo-romantic paintings and gold gilt framing, provide a luxurious backdrop to the dining experience. Additionally, blue leather seats, satin arm chairs, and black plush velvet couches are coordinated throughout the restaurant, creating little nooks for each diner to feel like they are in a world of their own. A grand, floor-to-ceiling “Metropolis” bar gives the casual dining restaurant an air of magnificence, making Lea a classier alternative to New York City’s downtown mega-club and bar scene.
Executive Chef Bobby Dickert has been a part of the Bobby Van’s family for over 20 years and now joins Ricky Passarelli as co-owner of the 230 Park Avenue location. As one of the last Luger family members to work at the historic Peter Luger Restaurant, Dickert has emulated, in his work, the wealth of knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Bobby’s old-world experience is demonstrated in his expertise for selecting and dry-aging the Bobby Van’s superior selection of prime beef. He acquired these skills and knowledge of the steak business working alongside his father Carl Dickert, who worked at the Luger family restaurant for 53 years. New partner and Executive Chef Bobby Dickert will continue to bring his masterful craftsmanship and culinary business savvy to “The Original” Bobby Van’s Steakhouse.
In addition, bringing his superior taste and masterful craftsmanship to an already perfected selection of menu options, is 40-year steak veteran Tommy Hart. This is a full circle moment for great friends Ricky Pasarelli and Tommy Hart, who met as young men in the 1970’s working at Smith & Wollensky. The two friends have seen great success in the culinary business.
For more information about Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, please visit: www.bobbyvans.com
For more information about Lea Wine Bar, please visit: www.leanyc.com
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