Rolfs Christmas Feel

Ignored by New Yorkers much of the year, the woodland wonderland dining room at Rolf’s is transformed into a Christmas spectacular that’s as much a December institution as the Rockettes and Rockefeller Center. Twinkling lights, Teutonic dolls, and green garlands like so many boughs of Black Forest don the front bar, while a seasonal roast suckling pig is ceremoniously served at the roughhewn tables and booths in back. Not surprisingly, the food is a mediocre throwback to another era, so don’t be surprised if the stringy sauerbraten can’t hold a candle to your grandmother’s three-day gingersnap-marinated wonder.

The pork chop at Rolf's tasted like gammon. Cured ham.

I’m struggling to think if all medieval fare tasted like this - I imagine ales and pints being the focus of Xmas, less the food (the chef might be inebriated himself during those dark ages).

I took a few bites and decided to doggy bag it. They kept asking if anything’s wrong but really my expectations was set (low) before entering the Yuletide vibes.

I give Rolf's a 6/10 - with the festivities baked in. Don’t get me wrong, the snaking queues belie this NYC establishment - obviously food doesn’t matter. If I had another go at this, I would just spend time sipping mulled wine and eggnog at the bar - not sit down for a dinner.