Crafsteak:

One of the best meals i've had in a while. So good in fact that it is what has me back on this blog writing after about a year (that, coupled with it almost being a new year and again that resolution to have a running blog is dancing around the brain again).

As an appetizer i went with the seared foie gras which was one of the BEST things i've eaten in a long time. the piece itself was enormous versus the normal serving; it had a slight pistachio-like crumble covering the piece and there were three different sauces lining the plate evenly. the texture was of the sort that could convert any nonbeliever into the school that foie gras is one of the best foods available. the addition of the crumble on top was a perfect fit as each bite would have the gras melt in your mouth and finish off with an ever-so slight crunch. At the behest of the british aristocrat to my right i coupled this with a Sauternes. was a little suspect of this, but the creaminess of the wine definitely added to the already amazing feeling running through my mouth.

For the main course we shared a bunch of different types of steak across the table. The whole Craftsteak experience was great in the 'beef education' provided. before ordering we were given a full explanation of the cornfed vs. grassfed vs. waygu beef distinctions. we went with the sirloin for 4 and porterhouse for 2. The sirloin was especially good as it came out a soft, medium rare. my favorite side definitely had to be the mashed potatoes, which come out almost like pure butter. they maintained a perfect texture of not quite soupy, but buttery and "potatoe-y" enough to even function as a dipping sauce for the steak.

the dessert was another highlight. I had the peanut butter cup, most aptly described as a Reeses peanut butter cup on steroids. there is one small peanut butter cup with a great crunchy exterior, served with peanut butter ice cream.

the overall ambience of the establishment is great, best described as the perfect steakhouse for a date. it definitely keeps a general feel for a temple to beef, but completely bypasses the "old boys club" feel of this city's other great steakhouses. highly recommended.