With rail construction now going on at NYC’s Pennsylvania Station, travelers have been warned that there may be Amtrak delays until September 1, 2017.

I’ve taken Amtrak a few times during this time period which has now been referred to as the “Summer of Hell.” I don’t want to jinx it, but so far so good.

And something that I’m not exactly crying over: three of our daily northbound and southbound Empire Service trains will be using beautiful Grand Central Terminal instead of not so lovely Penn Station.

Which Trains: Amtrak is stating that Trains 230, 236 and 242 will operate weekdays from Albany and will terminate at Grand Central Terminal instead of Penn Station. NYC Trains 233, 235, 239 will originate weekdays at Grand Central Terminal. Click HERE  for more info on this.

I’ve always loved Grand Central and, last Sunday, my daughter Sarah and I were able to appreciate this iconic terminal even more when we dined at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C.  or MJ’s.

This restaurant, named after its partial owner and legendary basketball star, Michael Jordan,  was easy to get to as it was located right up on this terminal’s North Balcony by the Vanderbilt Avenue entrance. While we enjoyed the view of the marbled central concourse from our table, manager and Maitre D’, Elie Maurice entertained us with little known facts about Grand Central.

Then Mr. Maurice took us on a tour of the restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This also included Michael Jordan’s private dining room which was hidden behind two wooden doors.

 

The menu had a nice selection of charred steaks, but Sarah and I chose from their seafood options. We shared a delicious colossal crab meat cocktail.

 

Sarah chose the shrimp scampi.

And I chose the salmon. I’m a big salmon lover, but so many times I’ve ordered this dish with no option as to its preparation. So it was nice that our server actually asked me how I wanted mine cooked much in the same way as if I had ordered a piece of steak. I ordered mine medium rare, and it came out just the way I like it-nice and juicy.

MJ’s Executive Chef Cenobio Canalizo was not able to meet with us that Sunday, but he later gave me some wonderful tips so that I could at least try to duplicate my delicious salmon dish.

This what he said:

“My salmon is seasoned solely with Kosher salt, white pepper, and a blended oil. I sear it on the grill on both sides, then place in the oven upside down for eight minutes for a perfect medium rare. I’ve been making the Salmon like this for 8 years..I used to do it on the grill, but found it takes on too much of a smoky flavor. It’s beautifully moist and delicious with its natural flavors that complement any variety of seasonal vegetables from asparagus to broccoli rabe to bok choy.” 

Nice dinner with my daughter in a beautiful historical setting. MJ’s is one of the many NYC restaurants that is participating in NYC’s Restaurant Week. For reservations, call 212.655.2300 or go to http://www.michaeljordansnyc.com

And, as an added bonus, Chef Cenobio provided me with some great advice as to selecting lobsters as well as grilling steak.

Next: Lobster and steak advice from Michael Jordan’s Executive Chef.