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| - My friends and I come here during our annual NBA Summer League trip. Everything about this establishment just screams Gordon Ramsey (with the exception of Gordon Ramsey actually screaming). From the hostesses and waitstaff, to the decor and food, it's pretty much what I expect to see if I dined at Hell's Kitchen.
First off, while the place exudes class and traditional etiquette, you aren't actually REQUIRED to wear a formal jacket and dress shoes. We came straight from the Summer League stadium, clad in Laker jerseys and basketball shorts, and they never said a word. They may have silently judged us, but they still accepted our money in exchange for good food.
Secondly, the dining areas are dimly lit. I was never entirely sure why high-end, upscale places prefer such dark lighting, but it does rob you of seeing the details of your meal. Perhaps it's to "emphasize the sense of taste," but it doesn't really do much for me. Let there be light, dammit!
Thirdly, the waitstaff are extremely friendly and professional, so don't be shy about asking questions. They do present you with the "meat wheel," a circular display of various cuts of steak that they offer, which I think is a fun (and educational) presentation.
Finally, and most importantly, the food - at least the entrees - is delicious! Last year, I got Ramsey's signature Beef Wellington, and the breaded steak was delicious! Don't let the size fool you; the 6-8oz. delicacy was very filling, and will leave you beyond satiated. This year, I opted for the bone-in rib-eye (24oz), medium-rare. On the outside, the steak was perfectly seared and plated beautifully! The first couple of bites were absolutely euphoric, and I'm sure it's what LSD made out of cow would feel/taste like. However, and this may be due to the late reservation time we had, it wasn't cooked thoroughly enough. It was hovering just above rare, but not "medium" enough to make the middle section as enjoyable (for my tastes). But my friends, who got the rib-eye last year, said that it wasn't as good as before, so I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt, and say that it was our fault for arriving near closing time.
Their sides are mostly "okay." The macaroni and cheese tasted a little too... healthy, for a lack of a better word. Perhaps I just like sharper cheeses, but it was still quite enjoyable. The same could be said of their fingerling potatoes and their sauteed brussel sprouts (which I normally detest).
Also, don't be idiots like us, and just say "water" when they asked for your drink order. Unless you specify "house water," aka tap water, they will assume you're a big enough baller to afford their $9/bottle sparkling waters. The first year, in our ignorance, we spent $36 on water... That's almost another steak!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here, and I highly recommend it!
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