The meal may be modest, but this California import is anything but—when it comes to describing the steak, and what they do to make it so indescribably scrumptious. The menu commands you to LEARN

Photo by Daniel S. Burnstein

WHY THIS SANDWICH WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I like a steakhouse that stands by its beef. Tender and lean, this little-known cut of Angus beef undergoes something like steak spa treatment: “aged for 21 days,” “rubbed in a specialty marinade and craft seasoning,” “charred over roaring fire” and “finished in a wood smoker.” And I should add, “rolled in your tongue,” because you just don’t want the sensation to stop. Who would have thought you could find such a rare, complex flavor in bland Rock Center? While tourists head up to the “Top of the Rock,” I’ll be in the basement, enjoying the full 6-oz. in a Big Buck ($7.99).

—Nancy J. Brandwein

Tri Tip Grill
30 Rockefeller Plaza
Concourse Level
212-664-1124

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Photo By: Andrew Schwartz

Two large clear plastic cake containers beckoned from the counter. They didn’t contain cake but the “frittatas of the day”-vegetable and a late harvest of tomato and basil. I chose the latter, which tasted like the last bite of summer and was as tall and light as a soufflé ($3/slice).
But I couldn’t stop there, because I’m a fan of the mini sandwich, of which there are several varieties. These half-size panini show European restraint and ingenuity. The turkey, tomato and lettuce on a small onion roll would be nondescript deli fare if it weren’t for the glorious dollop of gorgonzola cheese in the middle ($5).
The surprise burst of gorgonzola echoed the surprising nature of Arte Around the Corner: laid back, quiet and self-assured amid the loud happy-hour restaurant and bars on this stretch of Columbus.
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Arte Around the Corner
274 Columbus Ave. (betw. 72nd and 73rd Sts.)
212-875-2195
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Got a snack attack to share?
Contact NBrand@aol.com