It only takes a few minutes of Googling to be enthralled and for the desire to try the ever-popular Delmonico’s Eggs Benedict to set in. Known mainly for turning any breakfast into a truly sophisticated brunch, Eggs Benedict have been around for more than 160 years and carry a long American history.
Considered a true New York landmark and a must go on any trip to the city, Delmonico’s, the possible creator of the original Eggs Benedict recipe, was originally founded in 1827 by brothers John and Peter Delmonico. At first, the establishment served only sweets, coffee, wine, and liqueurs. It didn’t take long for the restaurant to gain prominence and require a larger location to serve its customers. Years later, in 1837, the brothers acquired a plot in Lower Manhattan and opened what is today considered the first fine dining restaurant in the United States.
It’s impossible to talk about Delmonico’s without mentioning the countless milestones the restaurant has achieved over its 180 years of existence. Delmonico’s is considered the first New York restaurant to use printed menus and cloth napkins as we know them today. Additionally, the restaurant also takes credit for creating several acclaimed dishes around the world, such as Oysters Rockefeller, Baked Alaska, and the famous Eggs Benedict.
The true story
The story of Eggs Benedict begins in the 1860s, when Mr. and Mrs. LeGrand Benedict, who frequented Delmonico’s daily, grew tired of the restaurant’s 11-page menu and asked the chefs of the time to create a new dish. The chefs accepted the challenge and named the new recipe after the customers’ surname. Since the restaurant had many regulars, they started the tradition of naming dishes after these customers, and that’s how Eggs Benedict came about.
But after all, what exactly are Eggs Benedict? To create Delmonico’s famous recipe, you’ll need two poached eggs, toasted brioche, seared ham, olive oil, butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to make the Eggs Benedict’s signature Hollandaise sauce.
If you enjoy and appreciate experiences, history, and a fabulous menu, Delmonico’s is the next place you should visit.
