Sometimes fabulous dining experiences manifest in unexpected ways. This is what occurred when I had dinner at the Steak & Lobster House at the Crystal Bay Club.
My good friend Marni Bistany of FiveMinuteMeals.net fame joined me for this dining adventure. Harold Peskin, the Food & Beverage Director, escorted us to the Red Velvet Room. White linen table clothes and high back velvet chairs and booths created a grand atmosphere of a bygone era. All we needed was Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to join us.
Louis Ramos, Captain of the restaurant, poured a Layer Cake Cabernet to start off our dining experience. We left the menu selection in the capable hands of Executive Chef Evan Carsman.
Our first course was a delightful creamy Carrot Ginger Soup, which Louis paired with a Bisol Prosecco laced with dash of St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Both were tasty.
Soup was followed by Caesar Salad prepared tableside by Louis as he explained the origin of the Caesar Salad, which was originally created by an Italian immigrant living in Tijuana.
The restaurant prepares a traditional and a grilled Caesar Salad; we were treated to both. I love grilled Caesar, so hands down that was my favorite. The smoky, grilled flavors combined with the egg, lemon and anchovy dressing were excellent.
Marni reveled in the pure experience of the classic Caesar rendition.
“This is what a true Caesar Salad should taste like,” she said.
Both salads were prepared with fresh Gilroy Garlic, anchovy paste and dark anchovies, and fresh pecorino cheese and cracked pepper. Louis paired our salads with a lovely California Sauvignon Blanc.
This was followed by a Petrale Sole entrée. The fish was served over a bed of quinoa, cherry tomatoes and micro greens.
James Hull, a seven-year veteran of the establishment, arrived with Maine Lobster Tail and Filet Mignon entrée and a side of Macaroni and Cheese. For Marni, the filet was cooked to a perfect rare. The outside charred to precision. The lobster was melt-in-your-mouth to die for.
To finish, Louis prepared a tableside dessert of flaming Poached Berries in Chambord, Grand Marnier and Armagnac served over Vanilla Ice Cream. Divine.
Louis decided chocolate was in order, so along with my cappuccino, Marni and I shared a most delicious Dark Chocolate Mousse.
The Steak & Lobster House menu offers plenty of variety and there are choices for vegetarians. My recommendation, take in a show at the CBC; eat first and dance after. We had a fabulous meal served by an awesome staff.
Steak & Lobster House at Crystal Bay Club is located in Crystal Bay on Highway 28. For information, call (775) 833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.
