Wild about Harry's?
So, it was a cold and windy night as the rain came tumbling down ...not! It was just an absolutely lovely, even mild evening last night way down here (as James Taylor would sing) in Centro. And much more importantly it happened to be my birthday. And I might just add that I'm healthy, feeling great and loving my new PDC life. Ok, with all that out of the way, my indispensable, yet highly unpredictable wife treated me to a potentially primo dinner & drinks at Harry's on the main drag. As always, she looked impeccably beautiful and I was lucky to be by her side as we stepped onto the mall escalator up on our way to the entrance of this well-known steak house and raw bar. As we usually do, we first enjoyed a couple of drinks at the stylish and professionally staffed bar. And as you might have guessed, the martinis were perrrr-fect and then made even better by the crispy slices of bacon delivered. While I would have preferred a smokey, peppered or candied bacon, why even quibble. All good.
We finished our cocktails and moved to our table in the spacious dining room. Our server was a pro that's for sure. Genteel, helpful and always close by. We studied the large menu including beef cut imported from around the world -prime steaks from Japan (Kobe and Wagyu) Australia (Black Onyx and Wagyu Cross) and the USA (USDA Prime) plus pastas, risottos, burgers, fresh fish, lobster, tacos and a raw bar. While it was an impressive menu, the proof always lies in the chef's execution.
As we considered our choices, a small, but deliciously looking crock of freshly baked dinner rolls with salted and buttered tops arrived at our table accompanied by avocado butter. Dangerously addicting and super good opener. My much better half surprised me with her order of lobster risotto with mushrooms, asparagus, Parmesan cheese, lobster bisque and truffle oil. She's not much of a pasta/risotto kind of chick, as she's always on a "diet". For me, shocker, a prime, dry aged New York Strip steak. We shared an order of creamed spinach and passed on the multiple uber-filling potato side options. We also requested a couple glasses of the house Mexican cabernet with our meals. BTW- the Mexican wines were once again astonishingly good.
In no time at all, our food arrived and we eagerly began tasting. Let me first say, the lobster risotto was out of this world, rich, creamy and spectacular. I love risotto and this was top notch. And yes, she ate every bite. Diet, schmiet! The NY Strip was buttery, salty and cooked just right. Very appetizing. But I have to say, being from beef loving Texas, I was a little disappointed in its lack of thickness. I'm probably spoiled and used to at least 1.5-2 inch thickness for a proper top end prime steak. However, it was very tasty.
We passed on dessert, but I did request an after dinner Grand Marnier, neat, which arrived as an obvious double shot. Not complaining! The house then brought a huge cotton candy surprise dessert to the table as a homage to my birthday (or maybe to the size of our tab). Very gracious and thoughtful though.
As you might well expect, Harry's is not cheap eats. But it was my birthday and who knows when that might end, so wtf. And any night out with my best friend and partner in crime & adventure at any fine dining establishment anywhere is always an absolute treat. Reward yourself with a big night out here. read more