Dinner -- 1/31/09

Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House
5330 Beltline Road
Dallas, TX 75254

972.934.2467

http://www.chamberlainsrestaurant.com/


5:00 - 6:30 PM

$$$$

Ramona: Stephen's Caesar salad, Kobe (Akaushi) sirloin steak with Bearnaise sauce

Jim: Stephen's Caesar salad, Kobe (Akaushi) sirloin steak with Bearnaise sauce, cappuccino

Shared: Colossal shrimp cocktail, Warm chocolate gateau

Wine: Chateau St. Georges St. Emillon (French) 2004

We had a coupon for a complimentary Kobe steak dinner for Ramona's birthday. We also had tickets for the opera, so we took advantage and had what turned out to be a fabulous dinner reminiscent of our days together when Ramona lived and worked in Dallas.

Our server Taylor did an outstanding job of keeping our water and wine glasses full, our bread plate overflowing with delicious warm, fresh bread right out of the oven.

The shrimp cocktail WAS colossal. Each piece was nearly as long as my hand, and resembled small lobster tails. The sauce -- made at Chamberlain's -- had a tangy touch and complimented the fresh, crisp shrimp.

The Caesar salads came with nine, yes nine, pieces of anchovy on the top. Most places no longer bother with the salty little treat on this staple salad, but Chamberlain's has atoned for the sins of others.

The steak. Neither of us had ever had Kobe steak because of the price. Most restaurants list it at $75 per serving or more. Since we had the coupon for Ramona's birthday, we decided to splurge for this extra special occasion and try this delicacy. In case anyone is unfamiliar with Kobe steak, the animals receive excellent personal care, a diet of rice and milk, and a daily hand massaging but their keepers. A friend who lived in Japan told us the creatures come running for the rubdowns when they see the massagers arrive.

The wine. St. Emillion rates as my very favorite Bordeaux, and this bottle did not disappoint in the least. The bouquet floated delicately from the class, and the aroma also stayed with throughout the meal.

The dessert. Chocolate cake, chocolate sauce, strawberries, and raspberries. Need we say any more?

An an outstanding meal! Jim's birthday fast approaches, and we might try the sister restaurant -- Chamberlain's Fish Market. Not for the faint of heart in the wallet department, but if you crave a first-rate dining experience, Chamberlain's should sit at the top of your list.

-Jim