The ‘21’ Cookbook

The "21" Cookbook by Michael Lomonaco features classic recipes from the famous restaurant. With such a famous reputation, it's hard to think of '21' as a bistro, but really, that's just what it is --meat and potatoes with great wine. A bastion of dining, '21' refused women in pants, prompting several patrons to step into the ladies room and "drop trou." Finally, they just couldn't turn away Katherine Hepburn in her pants, so they acquiesced as they did years later about men in ties.

If you were "great" or at least "famous" your wine might just reside in the secret wine cellar. "Secret' because during prohibition, it was secured behind a wall to protect it's contents. Years latter, we got a glimpse of the hidden cellar.
Here's a great winter side to go with your steak and Moet!

Maple-glazed Root Vegetables


1/2 stick unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions
3 leek, split, carefully washed, and chopped
6 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1 large or two medium rutabagas, peeled and diced
3 or 4 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch round slices
1/2 cups maple syrup
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon each, salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon crushed cardamom seeds

Preheat the over to 350. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a sauté pan until it begins to brown. Add the onions and leeks and sauté 10 to 12 minutes , until they begin to caramelize. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Combine the remaining ingredients except the butter in an ovenproof casserole. Dot the top with the remaining butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 45 minutes. Uncover, return to the oven an additional 15 minutes, and bake till nicely glazed. Cool slightly before serving.