Win, Place, Show Dining in New York

After a great day at the Belmont you'll probably want to go out to dinner. Here are three fantastic restaurants and three tasty meals, one for each budget depending on how much you win at the track that day!
$200 for two: Strip House

During last year’s trip up to New York for Belmont Stakes, we had a fantastic meal at Strip House and I recommend it. While I’ve only ever been to the Midtown location there are two other locations in New York - Strip House 12th Street and Strip House Next Door.

What do I recommend? The red beefsteak tomato & fresh bufala mozzarella salad topped with aged balsamic vinegar and fresh basil ($18) and a Caesar salad ($14) to start. Then, black truffle creamed spinach ($12) and Mac & Cheese ($12) sides to share. And for entrees - a 20 oz. bone-in New York Strip ($57) and a 14 oz. dry-aged rib eye ($48).  It really is a sultry and sumptuous steakhouse and the perfect place to eat after a winning day at the beautiful Belmont Park.
$100 for two: King Umberto

Less than two miles from Belmont Park King Umberto’s motto reads “Real Italian ... Real Good” and they’re not lying. In operation since 1976, King Umberto’s is THE PLACE to go for some epic Italian. Start off your meal with some wine – the drink of the Gods! Next, order some Fried Calamari ($9.75) and a Chef's Salad - brilliantly made with salami ($8.50) - to share as appetizers. For your main course, you can't go wrong with the Chicken Rollatini - chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, mushrooms and mozzarella in a white wine sauce ($17.75) and the Veal Parmigiana ($18.25).

Although you’ll be happily full after all of this goodness, you can’t leave without dessert. The Tartufo  - a chocolate and vanilla ice cream encased in smooth chocolate icing with a little surprise in the center - and a good, old-fashioned cannoli are my top two dessert picks. All of this for around $100 (tip included) and you’ll feel like you just left your Italian grandmother’s house – full and happy from a fabulous meal. Buon appetito!
$60 for two: Waterzooi

Waterzooi “Belgian Bistro” makes the most delicious mussels. This is one of those places where you get a heaping portion for your meal and you truly don’t need to order anything else.

The 'Montrachet' - mussels with white wine, goat cheese and roasted red peppers ($26) and the Thai - mussels with lemon, white wine and toasted breadcrumbs ($24) are both absolutely delicious and are served with frites and mayonnaise. If you think you’ll still be hungry you can’t go wrong with a side of the bourbon maple bacon Brussels sprouts ($8). SIMPLY DELICIOUS!