David Burke Prime's Table Side Smoked Manhattan and Aged Steak Flight

Social Media Promotion

Oscar Worthy Presentation at David Burke Prime

As my foodie fortune would have it, I was included in an invite to sample David Burke Prime's new specials at their Foxwood Resort Casino location joining my friends Greg and Wendy from CTLifestyles.

With just one look at Prime's spacious entryway, you know you are in for a great dining experience that highlights a wonderful meal in an entertaining fashion. A life-size model steer greets you upon arrival, lighting is a soft amber tone, and there are large comfortable cowhide covered banquettes and comfy white leather over-stuffed chairs for seating.

Open at Foxwoods since 2008, Prime is operated by the Craveable Hospitality Group, who manage ten restaurants in the Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Aspen area. I can certainly see how they penned the motto "Eat, Drink, Crave" - as they are known for "transforming each meal into a cherished memory" by offering impeccable service and creative food and beverage offerings.

We started with some delicious sparking rosé to go along with this amazing seafood tower featuring lobster , shrimp, clams, oysters, Alaskan king crab legs, jumbo lump crab meat, served with sauces like old bay mustard sauce, sweet chili cocktail, mignonette, and more!

Seafood Tower at David Burke Prime
Foxwoods Resort Casino

And it just kept getting better and better from there!

Next our mixologist extraordinaire gave us the premiere performance of Prime's new amazing cocktail, the Smoked Rosemary Manhattan.

Below are some pictures of the preparation process and a link to a video  HERE

And the finished product! 

A theatrical Manhattan Cocktail like none other before!

The Smoked Rosemary Orange Manhattan
at David Burke Prime
Foxwoods Resort Casino

This cocktail tastes just as amazing as its preparation shows!  And I love these new jumbo ice cubes as they hold the 'chill' longer and allow the cocktail to shine and not hamper the flavor with melted ice. The Smoked Rosemary and Orange Manhattan was so subtly smooth with the added aromatics of the rosemary and the citrus essence from the fresh orange. Made with premium rye - it's a definite win-win!

In addition to the table side cocktail presentation we were also treated to a table side preparation of a Caesar Salad, complete with white anchovies, Prime's signature crab croutons, and thickly grated cheese.

Caesar Salad at David Burke Prime
Foxwoods Resort Casino

Next was another fun little treat! A clothesline of candied bacon! The Clothesline Bacon appetizer consists of  extra thick-cut candied bacon, black pepper maple glaze, and flambéed table side, as well!

David Burke Prime's Clothesline Bacon
Photo Source @davidburkeprime Instagram

Next was the star of the show  - the Aged Steak Flight! This fabulous new special allows you to sample not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different styles of aged beef. This special Steak Flight includes a sampling of the 30-day bone-in Kansas City strip, 40-day ribeye, 60-day sirloin, and 75-day rib-eye. These hand-selected beef cuts are aged in their patented Himalayan salt lined aging cooler which allows them to develop the deep intense flavors that only aged beef offers.

David Burke Prime
Aged Steak Flight

Prime's Aged Steak Flight

As is typical with aged beef - the longer it is aged the more intense and earthy the flavor. As we worked our way around the plate sampling the different aging times, we couldn't all agree on a 'hands down' favorite. Each cut was delicious in its own right - and each of us had different flavor preferences. Suffice it to say - they were all great!

After all that sampling - we somehow found room for dessert! We nibbled on the Cheesecake Lollipop Tree complete with sour apple cotton candy (say what!!) .... before digging in to our final table side presentation of Toffee Monkey Bread made with banana, pecan brioche, bourbon-butterscotch ice cream. No descriptive adjectives needed. So good!!!

Toffee Monkey Bread at David Burke Prime
Photo Source: @DavidBurkePrime Instagram

Another favorite - the Molten Chocolate Cake, made with a deep, rich chocolate cake, a chocolate ganache filling, and served with a side of creamy coffee gelato.

David Burke Prime
Molten Chocolate Cake

We finished the night with a tour of the dry aging room and the wine tower. Both spaces were equally incredible and that wine tower alone is worth a visit on your next trip to David Burke Prime at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Aging Room at David Burke Prime
Lined with Himalyan Salt - this process is patented!
Photo Source: @DavidBurkePrime Instagram

The Wine Tower at David Burke Prime
(The view looking up!)

We had a wonderful time at David Burke Prime and we know you will too! Prepare to be pampered and delighted by the service, food, and libations. It's truly an incredible place to visit and I'm certain you will be as entertained as we were!

Enjoy!

David Burke Prime is located in the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods, on the restaurant level.

David Burke Prime

FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
350 Trolley Line Boulevard
Mashantucket, CT 06338
Phone: 860.312.8753

http://www.davidburkeprime.com/index.php

Disclaimer: We were invited to this premiere of the new specials offered at Prime by members of their marketing and management team, however, all opinions are our own.

Ted's Montana Grill Opening 5-12-14 in Hartford CT

Hankering for a great steak? I have great news for you!

Ted’s Montana Grill, the classic American grill is coming to Hartford CT!

Opening on May 12th in the historic Front Street District on 35 Front Street in downtown Hartford, the restaurant will be 4,600 square feet and will seat 160 guests.  

This is the second Ted’s Montana Grill in Connecticut; the first location is in The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor.

Co-owner and renowned media entrepreneur George McKerrow reports,  “Downtown Hartford is experiencing a renaissance, and we want to be a part of this close-knit community,” and continues to say. “Hartford has an interesting dynamic of strong businesses, convention goers, students and a new generation of young entrepreneurs and their families.”

John Halpin, proprieter of Ted's adds, “Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the nation, and it has a strong green initiative and movement to recapture life on the riverfront."  Halpin will lead a staff of 50 employees and three managers at the new Front Street restaurant. “I think that Mark Twain would be very happy to see Ted’s Montana Grill opening up downtown. He’d definitely walk along the river and be a regular on one of our bar stools,” Halpin laughs.

So...what's on the menu at Ted's Montana Grill? 

Popular appetizers include Salt-N’Pepper Onion Rings, fresh-cut potato chips with creamy ranch onion dip and St. Phillip’s Island Crab Cakes with fresh guacamole and coleslaw. Classic dishes include steaks, meatloaf, pot roast, pecan crusted trout, cedar plank salmon and beef and bison burgers. Meals are served with sides ranging from fresh-cut fries to Aunt Fannie’s squash casserole. But no meal is complete until you try some of Ted’s homemade cookies or fudge brownies.

Did somebody say BROWNIES??? YUM! Count me in!

From traditional comfort food to unique signature dishes, all meals will be made from scratch fresh daily - nothing frozen or microwaved. Chefs only use fresh Certified Angus Beef, National Bison Association-certified bison, all-natural chicken and premium seafood. Ted’s Montana Grill also believes in fresh, sustainable, organic and locally grown ingredients.

It sounds like Ted’s will be serving time-honored favorites in a relaxed setting reminiscent of the 19^th century American frontier.  

Inside the restaurant will certainly be unique! The design of the Hartford location is inspired by old western saloons, with all the romance and classic touches that make it feel luxurious, but in a casual, warm way. The décor will feature Mahogany paneling, pressed tin ceilings, brass fixtures and beautiful crown molding.

The restaurant will feature an open kitchen and a dining room that seats 120 people in cozy booths and round tables. The bar seats 25 people and will serve handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine.

The Big Sky Spirit goes beyond just atmosphere though. 

Here's the really neat part! 

Ted’s Montana Grill will incorporate many eco-friendly technologies and practices as it does in their other locations, from low-voltage, compact fluorescent light bulbs to menus printed on recycled paper.

Green restaurant products include: paper straws, wooden drink stirrers, cornstarch to-go cups, recycled coasters and biodegradable to-go cutlery and cardboard containers. Kitchen staff follow specific “fire up/fire down” guidelines to save on electricity, use energy-saving equipment and utilize griddle cook tops that lower the level of grease particulates released into the air. Restrooms feature water-efficient fixtures and biodegradable powder Boraxo soap.

“Sustainability and recycling is ingrained in nearly every aspect of our restaurant,” says Halpin. “Our guests are just as environmentally committed as we are, so they really appreciate the dedication it takes to be responsible. It takes time, research and effort and to be good stewards of the Earth. But it’s worth it.”

About Ted’s Montana Grill
Inspired by the pioneer spirit of the American West, Ted’s Montana Grill is committed to serving honest food served with genuine hospitality. The menu is known for its modern interpretation of hand-prepared, 100 percent fresh classic comfort food. The chef-inspired menu features the finest cuts and best selection of bison, including high quality, flavorful steaks and award-winning burgers amongst a variety of other unique menu items. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ted’s Montana Grill was co-founded in 2002 by Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur, environmentalist and philanthropist, and award-winning restaurateur, George W. McKerrow. Learn more at tedsmontanagrill.com, or follow them on Twitter. 

The Capital Grille in Hartford, CT

Press Release: Hartford CT welcomes the Capital Grille, a fine dining destination, on September 9, 2013.

As soon as Hartford CT's newest addition, The Capital Grille's, opening was announced, I knew I wanted to be a part of their preview dining experience. And oh, what an experience it was!

The Capital Grille - Hartford CT

With easy access off of CT's I-91, the Capital Grille will be "must" for a fine dining destination in Hartford CT's  Front Street District. Located directly across the street from the Connecticut Convention Center, the restaurant also offers valet parking in the evening, a welcome addition to the sometimes problematic parking situations in Hartford. With seating for 239 guests, and three private dining areas, the ability to have easy access to dining gives the Capital Grille a plus!

We arrived a tiny bit early, and even though our table was ready, we asked if we could start in the lounge area so we could experience the bar vibe. We scored a seat and inquired about wines by the glass and signature cocktails. Luckily for me, Jackie behind the bar had my favorite Riesling by the glass, and poured my friend Gayle a sample of their signature Stoli-Doli, a cocktail martini made with Stoli vodka that has marinated with pineapples. For the wine connoisseurs, the wine menu is extensive, offering over 350 New and Old World selections.

Red wines are kept cool at 58^o and whites chilled to 45^o.

The Capital Grille - Cocktails

In the lounge, a private party had gathered, who, when they saw me taking pictures, insisted I come over to photograph some of the appetizers that were available for their party. Everything looked amazing, from the pancetta wrapped scallops - to fried calamari - to the artfully arranged chops. Beautiful!

Party Appetizers

We moved on to the dining room, a large, tastefully decorated room. The back dining areas also offers an open view of the kitchen. There's a playful twist to the modern decor, a delightful mix of Mad Men meets Rat Pack Vegas. I loved the contemporary artwork, the private "club" atmosphere, and the roomy comfortable seating.

The menu offers ala carte entrees with separate shared sides. Appetizers are available with plentiful portions well suited for two.

We started our meal with warm fresh breads and rolls, with butter infused or sprinkled with aged cheese, which added a wonderful nutty bite. For appetizers, we had the prosciutto wrapped fresh  mozzarella (hand pulled on premise) with vine ripe tomatoes, and a smoked salmon platter.

For dinner, we had the Sliced Filet Mignon with Cipollini Onions and Wild Mushrooms

Sliced Filet Mignon with Cipollini Onions and Wild Mushrooms

the Dry Aged Steak au Poivre with Courvoisier Cream Sauce. 

Capital Grille Steak au Poivre with Courvoisier Cream Sauce        

A quick note: Have you ever tried dry aged beef before? The advantage to dry aging is the concentration and saturation of the beef's flavors, as well as the tenderness that occurs from the moisture content evaporating from connective tissues. It is typically only available in high-end butcher shops, and upscale steak houses. (Source Bon Apetit)

                           
                          And, lastly, the Seared Tenderloin with Butter Poached Lobster Tails

Capital Grille Seared Tenderloin with Butter Poached Lobster Tails

All the proteins were presented beautifully, and prepared perfectly. 

The beefs were well rested, and cooked according to our requests. Jason, our server, carefully explained the Capital Grille's specifications for medium ( a warm pink center) and medium rare (warm, red center) just as ordered. The lobster was poached perfectly, and executed well. We detected an ever so slight saltiness to the lobster meat, likely due in part to its setting atop the crusted seared outside of the tenderloin, and having been poached in salted butter, enhancing the richness and flavors of the dish.

Accompanying our meal we ordered a shared side of Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Oil which was quite delicious.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Oil

Grilling the asparagus brings out the sweetness of the vegetable, and the lemon infused oils added a brightness to its flavor. The perfect pairing to all our meals.

We ended our meal with coffee, cappuccinos, and the Chef's selection of desserts, consisting of a sugary sweet Coconut Cream Pie ( vanilla crust layered with whipped and coconut creams.) and a Classic Crème Brûlée ( the traditional caramelized sugared crust over the creamiest of custards)

Cappuccino with Rock Candy Garnish
Crème Brûlée
Coconut Cream Pie

There is little to find fault with at Capital Grille. Service is impeccable, we were greeted by name, our server was knowledgeable about menu items and their preparation. Management was attentive, gracious, hospitable, and accommodating  There is truly a retro meets modern day vibe to the setting. My only complaint would be that the signs for valet parking could be better marked and more visible.  

After dinner we rounded up some friends who were also dining at the Capital Grille and shared some laughs before departing for the evening.

L-R, A Year With Mom and Dad, CT Bloggers, Home Place

The Capital Grille is a wonderful destination for date night and has intimate private rooms for business or social functions. Also open for lunch, with a well-rounded luncheon menu that features "The Plates" which allows guests a choice of soup or salad, an entree, and a side for $18.00.

Dining at the Capital Grille is truly an upscale dining experience and a wonderful new Hartford location. 

Visit them soon!

The Capital Grille

44 Front Street

Hartford, CT 06103

860.244.0075

Reservations are recommended.

On the Web: thecapitalgrille.com


Appetizers range from $13 to $99 (a deluxe seafood platter). 
Dinners are $28 to $50 with a wide range of poultry, seafood, and beef choices. 
Bring your appetite - items are well portioned. 
Food is wonderful and the area is popular and growing.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend the preview opening of the Capital Grille as part of their "soft" opening activities. However, all opinions expressed herein are my own.