As I mentioned in my last blog, Nathan and I have been going out a little more often, so when I asked what he wanted for his birthday dinner and the answer was “Steak,” I shamelessly washed my hands and said, “I’m taking you to Rocco’s.”

It’s safe to say I picked the right place; although it was early March and still a bit cold, we ate outside next to a big and cozy firepit and enjoyed delicious food.

To start, we trusted our server and shared the rocky shrimp — delicious and crispy deep-fried shrimp covered in a sticky sweet and sour sauce that somehow complemented my apple cider mimosa perfectly.

This wasn’t my first time dining there, yet I couldn’t resist ordering steak. For my entrée, I ordered the center-cut New York strip with Yukon Gold whipped potatoes, and Nathan ordered the 12-ounce filet mignon with potatoes as well. We both shared sautéed wild mushrooms and onion.

As expected, my steak was beautifully cooked to a medium temperature, and the chimichurri sauce was brightly smokey, the perfect contrast to the airy and creamy mash. I paired my entrée with a glass of Château Ferrages Roumery Rosé and called it a night. I did not have room for dessert. Nathan said his filet was just about perfect: a tender and juicy cut, seared perfectly outside with a three-pepper sauce and some more of those delightful potatoes.

The next day, I made delicious steak tacos with the leftovers using Siete Foods’ casava tortillas, and, oh my God, they were amazing! I cannot recommend this place enough; if you find yourself in Newtown, Pennsylvania, do yourself a favor and make a reservation!

— Yasser Ogando, production & advertising coordinator