July
17, 2004 -
Atmosphere - Crowded, boisterous, noisy - linoleum not
only on the floors but also the walls! Indiana U Hoosier banners and posters
adorn the walls. Don't come for the atmosphere unless you're in town for Big
10 college-town experience - you come for the food!
Atmosphere - 2.5/5
Food - No frills just steaks, steaks, and steaks. Very
good beef, prepared perfectly at big city prices. The Sirloin for Two or
Sirloin for Three are great values - some restaurants would sell them as
man-size servings for one!
Food - 4/5
Wine - The wine list is extensive that has been
thoughtfully prepared with a reasonable selection of Cabernets, Merlot,
Zinfandel, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and a limited selection of French and
Italian, and the obligatory whites. There's also some ports. The List's
selection reflect a somewhat unsophisticated wine clientele but there are
some reasonable selections of quality wines to accommodate beef (notables
were Whitehall Lane, Altamura, etc.) but a lot of mediocre second and third
tier wines. Some big name high end wines - Quintessa, Opus One, Freemark
Abbey Bosche, and Silver Oak which is offered in a deep vertical selection
which is the highlight of the list - but there are no bargains. A few low
end wines by the glass and there are a few half bottles.
Winelist - 3.5/5
Service is good provided by young hardworking students
who are dressed casually making the attractively and tastefully dressed
hostess appear almost out of place.
Service - 4/5
This is a small remote college town - but a big college
town - sufficient to support an upper scale high end ($$) priced restaurant
such as this. So the great food suitable for a fine-dining experience works
with the boisterous casual atmosphere. Its a must visit if you're looking
for a hearty (steak) meal. Don't expect Morton's or Ruth's Chris, rather a
cross between them and a college beer hall and a diner! See
Journal.
Overall - 14/20 |