A Night at the Stone Grill

I have the Entertainment Book, so with things a little tight in the purse, I thought I’d help us save some cash after receiving the call to socialize with an old friend. The suggestions I was left with were Brew It Up! or Stone Grill. While I had been to Brew It Up! And enjoyed it, the beer-a-holic that I am, Stone Grill would have been completely new. However, I was unaware of the concept and as we were both wearing silk and heals, we agreed it would be inappropriate to cook our own food at the table. This only piqued my interest in the experience though, so when I was given the opportunity a few weeks later to go with a date, I jumped at the chance.

Despite the location at the corner of 21^st and L, parking was a breeze. As we walked through the doors we were greeted by a studious looking gentleman and a breathtaking bar (I suspected my inner Crow was taken aback by the glittering mirror mural embedded in the wall—the name written with said mural takes it a bit over the top, however). Once seated I was privy to a different view; as it took some time for our server to attend, the ambience swiftly faded after having been perched at our tiny table for two. I got the impression the restaurant was winding down from a slow night, but to me we were in by 8:30 and that is by no means late night dining. Upon being greeted I realized—since things were slow—she was more interested in her recent dieting miracles than in taking our orders accurately and delivering them promptly. I can’t blame ya, sister!

Next was the food adventure. I love me a fat, juicy New York steak, and since the gig at the Stone Grill is too sear your meat on a rock (minimizing carcinogens and fat), I figured I’d give the platter a try. My partner, being of like mind and larger capacity, ordered the same with the addition of prawns—which were apparently reluctant to come. I believe we started with salads, but my notes have been lost in recent moves and my faculties are failing to dredge up anything memorable aside from the old lettuce. The steak was definitely the main stage of this show. The showmanship of sizzling food always appeals to my theatrical sensibilities and proved to be fun, although a bit messy, because of my company. Unfortunately, the steak was too lean for my taste, and lent to some chewiness; the red wine sauce was lackluster, and proved the greatest disaster when it flew off the cooking stone in an aggressive slice; the vegetables were scant; and the potatoes au gratin, although not bad, could not carry the meal. At the end of this journey, our server, either to compensate for her lack of interest or to lure us back by tempting my sweet tooth, redeemed herself—and detracted from her dieting secrets—by with a free dessert voucher.

I didn’t have a bad experience—it just wasn’t great. If I want to satisfy a carnivorous craving I’ll stick with Chops or the Broiler, since the prices are about the same. I still plan on going back for dessert and cocktails, but for now my curiosity has been sated and my stares have strayed a bit.