Chef Spotlight: JACK SINANAJ of Empire Steak House in NYC

Jack Sinanaj is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Empire Steak House (36 West 52nd Street and 237 West 54th Street), as well as Ben & Jack's Steak Houses in New York (219 East 44th Street; 255 Fifth Avenue) and Scottsdale, Arizona. Sinanaj was born and raised in Montenegro, a small country located on the Adriatic coast of the Mediterranean. The cultural cuisine influences he found in Montenegro is what inspired Jack to pursue cooking and the hospitality business. As a young man, he worked in his family's restaurant as a cook and in the front of the establishment.

Jack's enthusiasm grew stronger when he came to the United States in search of a better life. Over 20 years ago, Jack began his first job in the kitchen at Manhattan Grill Steakhouse. He learned the ins and outs of the kitchen in a short period of time. Over time, Jack's work ethic and determination led him to make every effort possible to succeed for himself and his family.

Soon after, Jack went to work for one of the most renowned steakhouses in New York, Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn. Cooking was always a passion for him, and as a waiter at Peter Luger, he provided only the best service and ensured that the food was cooked to perfection for his guests.

At work, Jack spent hours in the kitchen, before and after his shift. He came to work with a list of questions for the executive chef at Luger's and he eagerly took notes on the best tips for quality of the meat, cooking temperatures and seasoning.

In 2005, Jack, along with his brothers and cousins opened up Ben & Jack's Steakhouse on East 44th Street. With their combined experience of over 25 years in steakhouses, the Sinanaj family strived for perfection. They took their steakhouse expertise to the flatiron district with the opening of Ben & Jack's Steakhouse on Fifth Avenue.

With the opening of Empire Steak House, Jack has brought his fervor for steaks to Midtown West. As executive chef of all four restaurants, he remains a strong presence in each kitchen. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Jack Sinanaj about his career and Empire Steak House.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

I spent the first half of my life on a farm with an abundance of natural ingredients and livestock for meats. I usually helped my mother prepare meals for my family and they always enjoyed them. I like seeing people happy. That's when I really considered making a lifestyle out of cooking.

Who were some of your career mentors?

My Father was a huge inspiration for me and he instilled so much in me. My work ethic comes from him, as well as my determination and goals of perfection.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

Growing up in Montenegro, in the heart of the Balkans, there was so much cultural diversity when it came to food. I always wanted to learn how to prepare them all. Food and its preparation was always a big part of my life.

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

I always go back to my roots, I take things that I learned from my youth to give everything a more homey and natural touch.

What is your favorite meal?

Steak, of course. I also love home style Italian Cuisine.

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

Our success dates back to our culinary experience at the famed Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn, where we learned the ropes of operating a restaurant business. Following the success of our first establishments, Ben & Jack's Steakhouses, my two brothers and I opened Empire Steak House at 36 East 52nd Street in 2010 and an outpost at 237 West 54th Street. We only serve the finest USDA prime meats and seafood and feature an extensive wine menu, which earned Wine Spectator's 2014 Award of Excellence. We also offer a menu of 101 single malt scotches. Empire Steak House on West 54th Street boasts approximately 5,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 230 guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We look forward to serving you!

For more information about Empire Steak House in New York City, please call (212) 586-9700 or visit their web site at http://empiresteakhousenyc.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Empire Steak House

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