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| - This review is over twenty years overdue. Durant's has changed over the years. The stern no nonsense maître d that directed if and where you sat and whom would serve you has been replaced with a much softer version of himself. Shirts and ties, or at least an evening jacket has become the exception rather than the norm for the male dining clientele. The ladies still look nice, but don't tend to dress up as much as down to dine. The fresh cut roses (enormous and fragrant) have have given way to much more modest floral decoration and (shudder) Mylar balloons. Durant's is where those on the outside went to watch the power brokers of Phoenix have lunch and dinner. Mayors, governors, sports celebrities and members of the powerful Phoenix Forty were a common sight. Years prior the likes of Clark Gable, Jane Russell, Lee Marvin and John Wayne could be spotted as well. (Guys, imagine John Wayne standing at that same ice filled urinal). Not so much now.
What is the same? First, the food. I sincerely believe the food is the same first rate food and beverage that can/could be acquired and is as expertly prepared as was available in 1950. Service is next. The wait staff is first rate being personable, attentive and completely knowledgeable about the menu and drink options. A high server to table ratio ensures your drinks are continuously topped up, empty plates are promptly removed and your dining experience is always a positive one. Next the place itself. You enter through the kitchen. Think about that. Any other restaurant of lower quality would might be afraid of what you might see. Not here. The food prep areas are spotless and orderly, the cooks and assistants are dressed neatly and are friendly. When in there, note the mesquite wood fired ovens that make those steaks and chops taste so good. (Sometimes newbie customers will wander around and come in through the front entrance, perhaps as their rite of initiation, but only once.) "Friends don't let friends use the front door" The red velvet patterned wallpaper, the large red vinyl private booths, the small toilets, the 1950's era phone booth where errant cell phone users are directed to take their apparently important calls are the same and hopefully never will change.
Don't go there for a cheap meal. (The reviews by those complaining about the cost are borderline hilarious). Do go for special occasions, but no, the waiters will not gather around to clap and sing happy birthday to you for the annoyance of the surrounding guests. The Mrs. and I go two to three times a year, and it's at this humble establishment where we first met for lunch and now enjoy our anniversary dinner each and every year on the 14th of February.
Our favorites? The Mrs. prefers the Prime Rib with the knock you back in your seat freshly ground side of horseradish sauce. (Use sparingly - you have been warned). Mine is the Top Sirloin medium to medium well, and I steal a little of her horseradish sauce for effect. You almost don't need a knife to cut the steak or Prime Rib, they are of the highest quality. Do not insult the place by asking for steak sauce, it is not needed. At least once have the shrimp cocktail..Words cannot describe it. We have been married over eighteen years, I do not share it with her, it is that good.
And, please dress up a little bit, show some class and respect. There are many other places in town where shorts, sandals and ball caps are adequate dining apparel.
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