Just… wow. On SO. MANY. LEVELS. Mostly, I have to wonder how many people order the most expensive cuts. And if you had both been drinking 3-4 drinks over the course of the night (which sounds LONG), the cost wouldn’t have changed.
Friends just went for the first time a few weeks ago; they hadn’t heard any of the BS - just that it was a good steakhouse. When I asked how it was, the answer was “Not worth the money.”
For me, I’d much rather spend big bucks at Heirloom at the St. Laurent (in a much calmer space), where I had the best red meat of my life - but the bill still wouldn’t be that high, nor would I be supporting those owners. I’m glad you didn’t have to pay for it!
Holy guacamole! We heard that a friend was charged an up charge for olives in her martini. If that’s not the definition of absurd, I don’t know what is.
Returned to The Butchers Block to celebrate a bunch of birthdays (one of the celebrants chose BB). Since my last visit one year ago, the pre-dinner experience in the butcher shop changed and was quite enjoyable. The guy behind the case was personable, knowledgeable and a great host. They now offer you complimentary wine and snacks (salami, fresh mozz, red peppers, focaccia). Given the cost of the experience, this is a nice touch. On my visit last year, I left much lighter in the wallet but felt the restaurant packed a wow factor (service, food, etc.). Last night I left with a lighter wallet without the wow factor. The service was fine, the food was fine, but there was no wow. We were comped a couple of dishes (crudo, brussels) which was a nice touch on the restaurant’s part. I don’t mind the occasional splurge meal, but felt this meal, while good to really good, wasn’t at the level of the last visit.
I had a party of seven a few weeks ago on a Saturday night. My budget was $250 a head. Actual spend $770 including tip & a few drinks at the bar before we were seated. Great night & we took home left overs. They made me feel like a regular & it was the first time that had dinner there although I have been there a few times for lunch the last couple of years. Great cheesesteak!