This place has been on my radar for quite some time. My work anniversary lunch was coming up and I knew I wanted to treat myself to a nice steak since I wasn’t paying for it (DUH!)
My manager booked us a reservation for around 12 PM on a Wednesday and we were seated promptly. I’m not a fine dining frequenter whatsoever, so walking into this place felt kind of surreal to me. Every staff member was at the top of their game and even the air felt fancy.
My manager and I were seated at a booth and instantly the bread and butter was set in front of us. The bread rolls were quite good. I do wish the bread was a little warmer, since it was quite cold in the restaurant and I only had a light summery dress on. Our waiter came over to us quickly after that. He asked us if we’d dined there before (my manager has but I hadn’t). He then began talking about the quality the restaurant upholds and how they prepare their meat/fish. Everything sounded exquisite to me!
Since it was only lunch and a work lunch on top of that, I ordered a Diet Coke and water to start while my manager ordered an iced tea. No cocktails this time.
Drinks came out quickly and then it was on to appetizers. I hadn’t looked that far at the menu but my manager ordered the lobster bisque. When it came to the table, it was in a teeny tiny bowl and the waiter asked if my manager would like this wine/liquid poured into it. After a couple drops were poured into it and the waiter left, my manager said to me, “I didn’t know what he said so I just said ‘yes’ and I can’t even taste what he did pour it in.”
Now on to the main part of the meal. I knew I wanted to get the 8 oz filet mignon since I’d never had that before and it was the most expensive thing of meat on the lunch menu. I ordered it medium rare (cause go big or go home) with my side being the creamed spinach. My manager ordered the chef’s special for that time period which was a surf and turf caesar salad.
The food came out in an impressive time and it was kind of comical how massive my plate was for how much space the steak and bowl of creamed spinach took up. However, I quickly stopped laughing once I took my first bite.
Can I just say… I didn’t know meat could taste that good. I have only had steak maybe a handful of times throughout my life, so anything could impress me, but the way it truly did cut like butter and the flavor of it…. Truly mind-blowing. Medium rare definitely was the way to go with this cut of meat. I almost wish I was alone or with other company while eating it because I was wish my manager and we were still technically at work so I felt I couldn’t express my full appreciation over it lol. But I’m still dreaming about it days later. The creamed spinach was also another highlight. It was like a less thick, hot version of spinach artichoke dip (minus the artichoke lol) and that’s my favorite dip! Everything was so buttery and delicious!
My manager also really liked his salad. He especially liked the style of croutons.
Another thing I loved was the abundant Diet Coke refills! I had taken my last sip of the first glass and not even a minute later, I had a fresh glass! This repeated throughout the meal, which was highly appreciated.
We didn’t get dessert. I was quite full and decided to get my spinach and a couple bites left of my steak bagged for me. They bag it themselves and even had a nice paper bag to carry the take out containers in (which I’ll be reusing for my Trader Joe’s runs, thank you very much).
Overall, this was a great first fine-dining experience and I truly am a changed woman after that filet mignon. I may never be a cheap...
Read moreAn Exquisite Journey of Culinary Delights at Capital Grille
Oh, where do I even begin to describe my recent experience at Capital Grille in the charming Biltmore area of Phoenix? It was simply magical! From the moment I stepped through those elegant doors, I knew I was in for a treat.
Let me tell you, the ambiance was out of this world. They've created a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like royalty, and I instantly felt relaxed and excited about the evening ahead.
Now, let's talk about the food! Oh my goodness, it was pure heaven. Each dish was a work of art, thoughtfully crafted with flavors that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't help but savor every single bite, and the attention to detail in the presentation made it even more special.
But I have to be honest, there was one small hiccup—the hosting staff. We arrived 45 minutes early and decided to wait in the bar area. I noticed tables clearing up, so we returned at 7:25 to check if our table was ready. A hostess told us that the table was still being prepared by other staff, but I couldn't help but observe her walking over to start to clear a table herself that had been empty for 10 minutes. It seemed like the three ladies behind the stand preferred to stick together, and their attitudes were not as delightful or compelling as the rest of the experience.
Despite this minor disappointment, the rest of the staff at Capital Grille more than made up for it. The service was impeccable, and the passion they had for their work truly shone through. They treated us like family, going above and beyond to ensure we had the most incredible dining experience possible.
And even without a sommelier, the wine selection was still top-notch, and the servers were knowledgeable enough to recommend perfect pairings that elevated the flavors of the dishes.
Honestly, Capital Grille is the place to be for any celebration or special occasion. But you know what? You don't even need a reason to treat yourself to this delightful experience. It's a sanctuary of fine dining where every moment is cherished, and every dish is prepared with love and care.
I can't stop raving about my time at Capital Grille, and I know for sure that I'll be returning whenever I get the chance. If you want to be whisked away on a culinary journey that touches your heart and soul, look no further than Capital Grille in Biltmore. Trust me, you won't be...
Read moreThe Capital Grille in Phoenix delivered one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in years, hands down. From the moment we sat down, the quality was evident, starting with the bread basket. It wasn’t just your standard dinner roll situation—this was a carefully chosen assortment of both savory and slightly sweet options. The roasted garlic bread was rich and flavorful, but the real surprise was the dark, sweet golden raisin bread. It had just the right touch of sweetness and paired beautifully with the garlic option.
Next came the appetizer, and this one was truly something special. It was a simple combination—fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and balsamic on a Parmesan crouton—but the balance of flavors was absolutely perfect. The saltiness of the prosciutto, the creaminess of the cheese, and the tangy sweetness of the balsamic all came together in a way that made this one of the best starters I’ve ever had.
For the main course, everything was cooked exactly as it should be. The steak was spot on—perfect temperature, great sear, and full of flavor. But what really stood out was the potato au gratin. I’ve had plenty of versions of this dish before, but this one was different—rich, cheesy, and cooked to just the right texture without being overly heavy.
Now, as good as the food was, the service took the whole experience to another level. Brandon, our server, was as good as they come. He knew the menu inside and out, offered great recommendations, and even shared some interesting bits about The Capital Grille’s corporate history. It’s rare to find someone who balances professionalism with genuine hospitality, but he nailed it.
All in all, this meal was a solid five-star experience. It’s not often that everything from the bread to the service hits the mark this perfectly, but The Capital Grille in Phoenix managed to do just that. If you’re looking for a place where both the food and the people make the meal worth every...
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