I had narrowed it down to a steakhouse and then barraged Els with a series of questions trying to figure out what to look for. I figured out the menu items that were important to him -- a wedge salad, good specials, multiple preparations, good, classic sides -- and found out the dessert was low on the priority list. So different than my own priorities! I often look at the dessert menu before anything else!
In fact, I had initially ruled out the place we ended up going because their dessert menu lacked his favorite: carrot cake. Upon a visit to the restaurant (I took the NU shuttle downtown one afternoon) to inspect the atmosphere, I was pretty sure it would be good, but was deliberating between a couple other places. After reading a copious amount of reviews online (using Metromix, CitySearch, and Gayot) plus referring to my Zagat Dining Guide, I made the decision! We would spend this very special occasion at The Capital Grille.
I was impressed from the beginning. I called to make a reservation and the hostess asked if it was a special occasion. I told her it was his 21st birthday. She immediately asked me if I had any specific preference for seating, so I told her a booth would be great. Very professional.
Anyway, I will get on to the dining experience. We arrived quite early -- about 15 minutes. Despite this, we were seated almost immediately upon arrival. This is one of the reasons I picked The Capital Grille. Reviews of other places noted that even with a reservation, you often had to wait upwards of 15 to 20 minutes. I did not want to do that when we were celebrating his birthday!
After we were seated, our server (who was amazing) brought over a glass of champagne and a shot of Jager for Elliott -- sent from his parents (champagne), sister, and Evan (Jager), who was currently staying with his family in Connecticut. Our server joked that she would do a shot with him, but she can't. He got a wedge salad and we split the lobster crab cakes for an appetizer. I haven't had a lot of seafood, so it wasn't surprising that they were the best I've ever had, but even Elliott said they might be the best he's had. Rich and succulent, almost 100% meat (rather than bread filling), they were an amazing start to our meal.
If you know me, you know I love bread. This is worth noting. The bread basket they provided was amazing. It's an assortment including a crispy flat bread, a brown bread, and some other rolls. It was all delicious.
For our entrees, he ordered a Delmonico, which at this restaurant refers to a bone-in-ribeye with a dried porcini rub cooked with an aged balsamic. To quote their menu:
"The classic cut of a Delmonico dry aged steak seasoned and broiled to create delicate porcini mushroom crust with a light drizzling of premium 8-year aged balsamic."
I ordered a filet mignon with cippolini onions and wild mushrooms. It was served with a red wine-fig sauce that was to-die-for. For the sides, we ordered onion rings and their famous lobster mac n cheese. I think another quote from their menu is in order:
"Baked Campanelle pasta and fresh Lobster meat, tossed in a Mascarpone, Havarti, and Grana padano cream sauce, topped with Panko bread crumbs and grated white cheddar."
Hands down, it was the best mac n cheese I've ever had. The cheese flavor was complex, but not overbearingly sharp or pungent. The panko (Japanese bread crumbs) crust was perfect -- I think I will incorporate it into my mac n cheese recipe. The onion rings were delicious -- light and crisp, not oily. For dessert, they brought him a flourless chocolate cake, while I chose the coconut cream pie. Both were amazingly rich and delicious. This is definitely the "comforting part" of feel-good-food!
It really was the perfect way to celebrate his 21st birthday -- outstanding food, outstanding service. It all resulted in an outstanding night -- and I'm excited to have my leftovers later today!
No comments:
Post a Comment