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| - My husband and I have been staying at the Fremont Hotel since 2008 and we typically visit the week after the NFR and right before Christmas. This time of year finds many of the finer restaurants (and popular shows) to be closed or dark, to do the yearly sprucing up and to give the employees holiday time with their loved ones.
This year, we visited the first full week in February and were beyond excited to find out we could FINALLY visit the Second Street Grill. Every year, we gaze wistfully at their posted menu, and dab a tear from our eyes as we read the sign that says 'we are closed now but will re-open on December XX' which is always the day AFTER we leave town!
This year, things were going to be VERY different! Last year, we had the pleasure of meeting the manager, Leslie, who has over the past year, become a dear friend and we were anxious to connect again in person. We alerted her to our impromptu visit to Vegas and promised to let her know when we'd be stopping by. So, because we knew this evening was going to be awesome, we invited our friends along (we'll call them A and J-O) for dinner. We had reservations for 8pm and arrived on time, to be welcomed with a big hug from our friend Leslie! Yes, this year was going to be VERY different! For once, we were inside, not outside with our noses pressed against the glass, hoping for a whiff of the amazing food inside!
The first thing you notice when you enter the sanctuary that is the bar is the complete lack of noise from the casino. I have no idea how they do this, but if you didn't know you had just come from a land of clinking, clanking, smoking and laughter, you would never know the cacophony that lies beyond the front door!
The decor is understated, with subdued lighting and jewel-toned accents. The restaurant feels very intimate and classy, without being pretentious. Soft music, attentive service and amazing food really makes this place a 'must visit' for everyone.
Now, the main attraction - the food! Our group started with the escargot and scallops, bathed in a garlic butter sauce. Everyone proclaimed it to be quite delish and I can vouch for the garlic butter sauce being perfectly dippable with their amazing bread. The sourdough bread, served warm, had a satisfying crunchy exterior and a dense and flavorful inside. Butter and pesto butter accompanied the bread and the reviews of the pesto butter were mixed.
A and my hubby R both opted for the surf and turf, which consisted of a filet mignon and a lobster tail. The food was artfully presented with the perfectly charred filet resting atop grilled mushrooms and onions and
the lobster tail was shimmering and succulent, imploring for a dip into the drawn butter. A flower garnish completed the artful plating and really took the entire dish over the top. A salad and baked potato accompanied this entree as well.
J-O ordered the bone-in ribeye, which was accompanied by green beans, a baked potato and side salad. Again, the presentation was beautiful - with a flower and a sprig of rosemary rounding out the dish.
I selected the filet mignon, medium rare, which was crowned with a tangle of fried onion straws and accompanied by a baked potato and a salad. The perfectly cooked steak had a char on the outside and was cool red from edge to edge - a skill very few chefs can execute time and time again.
Everyone we encountered added to our overall experience. The staff was professional, personable, attentive without being intrusive and really took great care in anticipating our needs. The manager, Leslie, stopped by each table at least once during the visit and you could tell she takes great pride in her staff, her food and beverage offerings and her establishment. From start to finish, the entire experience was a night to remember. Yes, this year was VERY different indeed! Thanks to everyone at SSG! We will be back!
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