Chef Spotlight: Executive Chef Edward Avdyli of Angus Club Steakhouse in NYC

Executive Chef/owner Edward Avdyli of Angus Club Steakhouse in New York City began his career under the esteemed Chef Arturo McLeod--originally of Peter Luger's of Brooklyn. Advdyli spent years working under him at Benjamin Steakhouse. Since opening Angus Club Steakhouse-hailed as one of the Ten Best Places to Sink Your Teeth Into a Juicy New York Steak by USA Today-Chef Avdyli has consistently been able to garner five-star reviews for the restaurant on OpenTable. He was also featured in the Wall Street Journal for his unique aging techniques; he prefers aging his cuts for 35 days, instead of the standard 27, to add extra flavor.

Broadwayworld.com interviewed Executive Chef Edward Avdyli about his career and Angus Club Steakhouse.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

My earliest interest in cooking was at age 9. I loved to watch my grandmother cook.

Who were some of your career mentors?

Aside from my grandmother, I spent years learning how to cultivate my craft under chef Arturo McLeod at Benjamin Steakhouse. Chef Arturo is originally of Peter Luger's of Brooklyn.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

Albanian cooking has influenced my career the most, and I enjoy preparing a lot of grilled foods.

What do you consider the most distinguishing features of your work as a chef?

When I cook, I use only the best, and freshest ingredients there are to buy. I really aim to make dishes that are not only rich in flavor, but rich in quality.

What is your favorite meal?

The Porterhouse, it's one of our signature steaks at Angus Club Steakhouse. It's served in portions of one, two, three or four, and it comes to the table sizzling. It's thick, rich in flavor, perfectly seared with kosher salt and a hint of butter, and it's incredibly tender.

Tell me a little bit about your restaurant for our readers.

Angus Club Steakhouse is a classic NY steakhouse, with a modern twist. We dry-age our steaks for 35 days (instead of the standard 27) to bring out all of the flavors in the meat. We have a lot of private dining rooms, which are great for private parties and events. We have a relaxed atmosphere and our décor is full of earth tones, not the typical mahogany and brass that you find in every other NY steakhouse.

Angus Club Steakhouse is located at 135 E. 55th Street at Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022. They are open for lunch Mon - Fri: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for dinner Mon - Sat: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sun: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, a pianist entertains downstairs at Angus Club, performing standards and original songs. Contact Angus Club Steakhouse by calling 212.588.1585. info@angusclubsteakhouse.com. Visit their web site at www.angusclubsteakhouse.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Angus Club Steakhouse