Bless Her Heart

Finally, one American restaurant became a true competitor in this quest for cuisine recognition. 

The New York Times wrote the first review of an American restaurant ever to appear in an American restaurant. It read… 

“No nobleman of England — no Marqui of ancienne noblesse — was ever better served or waited on in greater style than you will be in a private room at Delmonico’s.”  

The name of that restaurant was Delmonico’s. It was located in New York City. 

Delmonico’s quickly became the favorite restaurant of many Americans, including Abraham Lincoln. 

Lincoln dined at Delmonico’s often during the Civil War. It is said that he enjoy most of the dishes, but his favorite was the potatoes au gratin. 

In 1868, Dickens returned to the United States. 

Delmonico’s held a banquet in his honor, consisting of new fewer than 40 courses. 

Dickens later admitted: 

I have been received with unsurpassable politeness, delicacy, sweet temper, hospitality (and) consideration.”