Swathed in tales stretching back to 1837, the erstwhile prestigious steakhouse of FiDi, Delmonico's, clasps onto its title as the nation's first purveyor of fine dining. A title, hard-won, and layered with years of gourmet serving.

The dreaded pandemic year of 2020, however, drained color from its pages, forcing the symbolic venue to board up its windows, in sync with the world. A tumultuous legal skirmish for its stewardship unfurled amidst the somber closure.

Today, the whispers are confirmed by Dennis Turcinovic and Joseph Licul's representatives, the very duo who have pledged their name on a fresh 15-year lease, post the expiry of the previous one on the eve of 2023. The proclamation is: Delmonico's shall step out of the shadows to reclaim its luminous past by September 15, 2023.

Discreetly, it has cast open its doors this summer for exclusive gatherings and private events, while also welcoming bookings for its grand fall revival.

Photo: unsplash.com/simonshim

Not long ago, as per the Commercial Observer's analysis, the Grgurev brothers, Ferdo and Omer, along with their associates Milan Licul and Branko Turcinovic, held the reins of Delmonico's. The curtain dropped on their reign in 2019, as the Grgurevs sought legal battle against Licul and Turcinovic to obtain the gastronomic throne, a battle won two years hence.

In an unforeseen turn of events, Time Equities, the edifice's proprietors, locked horns with the triumphant Grgurevs over allegations of $300,000 in outstanding rent, an altercation that prolonged until the expiration of the Grgurevs’ lease at the culmination of 2022. Cue the entrance of Dennis Turcinovic and Joseph Licul, who inked their tenure on Delmonico's legacy and paved the way for its resurgence. The New York Times asserts that despite an unsuccessful lawsuit by the Grgurevs against Turcinovic and Licul, the duo prevailed, earning the Supreme Court of New York State's endorsement.

Thus, the phoenix shall rise again, at its timeless perch on 56 Beaver Street, under the stewardship of new helmsmen, albeit within the original edifice. The 186-year-old gourmet fortress has undergone a meticulous "rebirth," inviting Chef Edward J. Hong to spearhead the kitchen.

Photo: unsplash.com/hdxplor

With palpable enthusiasm, Hong comments, "Delmonico's enjoys the privilege of serving an international clientele. Our reputation for elevated culinary standards and signature recipes remains untouched. My aim is to infuse Delmonico's dining scene with a burst of global tastes and techniques, while also upholding its revered classics."

Under the vigilant watch of Dennis Turcinovic, custodian of Delmonico's Restaurant Group, the refreshed aesthetic merges modernity and legacy in its design. Conceived by the Europe-based WAVE Design Studios, the rejuvenated space now flaunts five private dining areas, geared to host up to 500 guests.

Dennis Turcinovic shares, "Delmonico’s is steeped in history. The first to coin the term 'restaurant,' publish a cookbook, and to champion women's right to a private table. It's a jewel in New York City’s gastronomic crown. We await the return of our loyal patrons and look forward to welcoming a new generation of New York City diners."

Book your spot in this rejuvenated chapter of history and unearth more about its resurgence at theoriginaldelmonicos.com.