The Capital Grille

09/10/09

First experience

by YummyFoodJunkie at Citysearch

In no way am I complaining that it's over-priced, believe me it's definitely worth every penny! (but if it was a bit more economical I'd become a regular!)

The experience I'm writing about was my first visit, and let me just say: I'm hooked!

I was introduced to this place by a family friend.

To start, we ordered the Lobster Bisque (which I've dreamed about ever since. Yes, it is that good.) My friend started with the Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, and Balsamic Vinegar salad. Wow! For the entrees, I had the Lamb rib chops and my friend, the Delmonico steak. We ordered two side dishes to share, the Lobster Mac 'n Cheese and the Mashed Potatoes. The word "amazing" doesn't cover it.

We ate, and ate, and ate and neither one of us was able to finish their entree nor sides. We were so full, we didn't even think about dessert (and that's a first!).

Their wine list features over 300 wines from all over the world. Talk about variety...a wine connoisseur's dream.

The service was as as wonderful as the food. The servers there are truly professionals.

I am counting down the days until I can return. Hopefully it'll be soon.

• Pros: Excellent food and service
• Cons: $$$$

01/04/09

Poor service; average food

by hinder at Citysearch

I live in Michigan & dine frequently at the local Capital Grille. I've received nothing but excellent service/food. Purchased a gift certificate for my father living in south Florida for the Sunrise location. Based on our discussion following his experience, I'm embarassed that I purchased him the gift certificate. The service was substandard! The bread was hard/cold. The salads were soggy. Individual wines were ordered. Unfortunately, the glasses were less than a quarter full. The filet was good,as was the salmon. Still, far from what I would expect for a two-person, $180.00 bill. Not sure if this is due to the seasonal travelers/diners in south Florida. Sounds like the philosophy is a bit different at this Capital Grille, compared to the one in my neighborhood here in Michigan. Couldn't help but notice that I don't see a positive review of this place since 2007. I think somebody forgot that they are in the service industry. Good luck attracting repeat customers!

• Pros: steak
• Cons: service, quality

08/08/08

Biggest disapppointment, our special weekend was ruined

by Wilview at Citysearch

First thing we noticed as we walk in is the lack of walking space between tables. It was a mission to get to our designated table. The people behind us had to move up so we could sit down. It was claustrophobic, noisy, no privacy, my wife and I could not speak because the conversation in the table next to us was too close to ignore. We started with their signature ''calamari'' which was served less than 60 sec. after we ordered it. The menu describes the calamari as "pan fried and sauteed in garlic butter.'' Our calamari was heavily breaded & extremely soggy. We could not eat it. We told the waiter & he said, "I'm sorry you didn't like it," and took it away. We dine out very often & know exactly what a pan-fried-sauteed-food is supposed to look & taste like. We also ordered a French Onion Soup which came just as fast. The top cheese was burned and the soup itself was lukewarm with an ok taste. For dinner my wife had the Chef's suggestion of Pork Chops. It was one big chop, but since it was breaded, she didn't realize that half was ''fat'' until she took a bite. I had a NY Strip which was very good, but plate presentation is nothing like on Capital's website. The steak was simply thrown in the plate with not even a piece of parsley for color. A side of steamed broccoli came separately & it looked like everything but, steamed broccoli. Small pieces of overcooked broccoli were mixed together in what looked like 1lb of seaweed. We had a $53 bottle of Pouilly Fuisse which we served ourselves twice. Nothing about this place made us feel special, there was absolutely no attention to detail, we felt practically invisible & our waiter was very rushed, he would only come to our table when we called him. If you want to spend big bucks on a great steak meal (our total bill was $180) and really have a memorable experience, go somewhere else. We feel so bad that we can't undo that awful experience which for us was supposed to be such a special weekend.

• Pros: Bread basket
• Cons: Food, ambience, service, tight seating,