Today:
Fine dining that lives up to the Conrad's lofty standards.
There are things about flying first-class that, quite frankly, I could live without (the free drinks, of course, are not on that list). I feel the same about uber-upscale hotels and restaurants.
My Capital Grille experience underscored that last night (probably right around the time they brought around the hot towels). Nonetheless, it was an amazing meal and one worthy of treating yourself to, if your budget (or your company's) allows.
The chopped salad had an excellent mix of vegetables but was heavy on the olive vinaigrette (I think I'll stick with the Wedge next time). As the main entree, I ordered the 14 oz. steak au poivre, cooked as medium plus (server's recommendation) ... perfect. The side items we selected -- the au gratin potatoes and the Indiana corn -- were the best a la carte dishes I've had in a long time.
The service was prompt, attentive and professional, and the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant was, as you would expect, impressive -- right down to our soft, leather lounge chairs.
Back on 11/9/07, I had posted a review regarding the issues I had while trying to make a reservation for 14 at the Capital Grille. Well the power of the internet works and the manager from the Capital Grille contacted my office and took our reservation for 14 and apologized for the issues we had with the "party planners" at their restaurant. Our party visited the Capital Grille this past Saturday night and we were treated like royalty. The wait staff was amazing and even with a large party we felt the service was prompt and always with a smile. The manager came to our table more than once and even brought out the chef after our entrees were served. Now onto the food. The food was fabulous. This was our 11th holidy dinner as an office and we all raved how this might have been the best. Thats comparing them to our previous dinners at places such as Oceanaire, Sullivans, Ruth's, Mortans & Elmo's. The lobster bisque was amazing and the lobster/crab cakes were great. Everyone really loved the truffel oil fries and the calamari was a big hit. Oh and can't forget the lobster mac and cheese. It was one of the best sides I have ever had at steakhouse. I had the filet oscar style for my entree and it was cooked to perfection. Everyone in our party ordered some sort of steak and I did not hear one bad comment from the whole table. What I did hear was how everyone would plan to return and definetly bring others along. Thank you Capital Grille for such an amazing evening. Everyone in the office is still raving about it today.
The wife and I took my brother and his new bride out for a celebration. The food was superb, the service magnificent, and the manhattans tasty. We started out with the cold seafood appetizer platter. The only hint of disappointment was the cold lobster as it was a bit overcooked. For the main course, we all had to try the aged beef, but each in our own variety. I went for the Kona crusted sirloin. I had to find out how coffee worked as a rub . . . very well thank you. Everyone's steak was cooked as they asked. I heard no complaints and lots of compliment.
My wife and I went for the coconut cream pie . . . while it was good, it is not a traditional "pie". For two folks that love coconut cream pie it was not what we were expecting.
Certainly, I can't afford to eat here often, but it will go in rotation with Oceanairre and the classic St. Elmo.
This company knows how to hire or train right! The servers' anticipate needs, offer suggestions, and go above and beyond. The food is fantastic. If you are having a special occasion, consider this place first if you have not been. I would put Capitalle Grill in the top five in Indy.
Myself and 2 friends walked into Capital Grille to see a plethora of familiar faces from the Down Town dining community. The Manager in training, a high school classmate of mine greeted me upon entry and quickly seated us. The setting was gorgeous. I had received a coupon for a free calamari and upon receiving the dish, I felt guilty for not paying. By far one of the most interesting preparations I have ever seen in this town. With a mild bit of heat this is hands down one of the best appetizers I have had in quiet some time. I decided to try their burger which I had heard so much about. The Burger....Well...The Burger is #$%*&%# amazing. Cheers!
My wife and I celebrated our fifth year anniversary at the Capital Grille. Since reservations were made a couple days earlier, we were quickly whisked to our table even with a packed house. To our surprise, our booth was covered with rose pedals. Needless to say, it was a very warm gesture to start out the dinner service. Our server, Scott, was well informed on the menu and quite knowledgeable on the wine list. His recommended wine was a good choice for the dinner. The first course was the fried calamari. It was fried perfectly with a light breading. The calamari was accompanied with fried baby octopus which were equally tender. The second course was the off menu selection - lobster bisque. The soup was impressive because of the amount of lobster meat present- two to three ounces of good quality claw meat. The main course was the lamb chops (for me) and the seared tuna (for my wife). Both were cooked perfectly at medium rare. The la carte sides of Lobster Mac and Cheese and the Truffle Oil French Fries were scrumptious. At the end of the meal, the restaurant surprised us with a couple of glasses of champagne and a flour-less espresso cake. Overall, it was an excellent meal, probably one of best ever in Indy. If your budget can afford it, it is a fine choice for a romantic dinner.
Capitalizing the Conrad
After our dinner at the Capital Grille, the Conrad Hotel's signature restaurant, my husband and I stopped by the adjacent bar area, where Pete treated ...
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