Recipe: Union Square Cafe’s Dominican Beef Stew

Written by
Union Square Cafe - Dominican Beef Stew & Pineapple Cucumber Agua Fresca
Union Square Cafe’s Dominican Beef Stew was such a staff family meal hit that it was eventually added to the weekend brunch menu. (Photo by Marcus Nilsson) (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

Last October, we received a note from listener, Steve, who reminded us of just how good Union Square Cafe’s Dominican Beef Stew is. He described this “ethereal” recipe as being “by far the biggest hit of all,” so while the restaurant awaits completion of their new location in Manhattan this spring, we thought we’d share the recipe with you.

When Evan spoke with Michael Romano, President of Culinary Development for Union Square Hospitality Group, he’d just published the book, Family Table: Staff Meals from Our Restaurants to Your Home, together with partner Danny Meyer, co-author Karen Stabiner and his restaurant staff.

Romano says that each of their restaurants establishes its own personality and system when it comes to the staff family meals. This Dominican Beef Stew recipe actually comes from Victor Estrella, a porter at Union Square Cafe. His dish was so popular with the staff that it was eventually added to the weekend brunch menu.