The Prime Rib Loft exemplifies attention to detail, something sadly overlooked in many restaurants nowadays. From the moment you ascend the gracefully curving stairway to the dining room, you are subtly soothed and relaxed, likely without even being aware of the cause. From the calming patterns of the flagstones set in the walls of the stairwell to the subdued red teardrop shaped lamps lighting the hand painted Jazz Band murals lining the walls you find the stresses of life and that tenseness of your posture slowly easing and a relaxed smile brightening your visage. For those desiring it, one wall of the dining room offers a lofty vantage of the main casino floor, allowing the diners to remain aloof from the noise and bustle yet still enjoy the ebb and flow of the vibrant casino life. I was pleased to note that I could not detect even the faintest hint of cigarette smoke despite my location above the casino, a credit to the architects or interior designers in my opinion.
After being seated by the charming hostess, I was immediately offered a glass of water kept constantly full from unique styled bottles rather than the standard, boring pitcher. Along with the water, I was treated to a basket of fresh, hot rolls, one type of which was a delicious pretzel bread and a ramekin of soft, sweet whipped butter.
Finding myself relaxed, at ease and feeling decidedly pampered, my server Jose arrived to inquire if I would like to order. He skillfully assisted me in narrowing my choices to the exact correct meal with the perfect choice of wine.
I have to assume the blue cheese dressing for my salad was crafted in house as it had the perfect blend of creamy dressing to blue cheese crumbles, creamy and flavorful without being overpowering. The salad had a nice blend of color with a clever flatbread garnish and a chilled salad fork.
Jose displayed his superior skills by not hovering but being readily available and, most importantly, his timing, delivering my entrée after I had completely finished my salad and had a few moments for it to settle. Again, this is something many people seem to be oblivious to, but I greatly respect. Having my meal unceremoniously dumped in front of me when I am half done with my salad, soup or appetizer, in my opinion, displays both discourtesy and a lack of experience or skill. Among other things, it makes me feel rushed and leaves me deciding if I wish to waste half my salad or attempt to enjoy cold food.
The prime rib was absolutely perfect! Done exactly as I requested, coated with an incredible blackened seasoning with a delightful bite to it and containing exactly enough fat to ensure a marvelous flavor and meat that is moist and tender, without leaving an enormous clump of fat as is so common with lower grades of prime rib. The au jus was obviously fresh and well made, light and flavorful, not the thick, dark, salty liquid I can only assume comes from a can that is so commonly provided.
The reasonably priced domestic Merlot suggested by Jose was the absolute perfect complement to the dinner!
I chose the daily dessert option, which today was Black Forest Cake. This was served with a modest chocolate syrup drizzle for a garnish, not swimming in a pool like many places. The cake had a perfect moist, puddingy texture.
In summary, what would have been a delicious dinner transcended into the realm of a dining experience purely as a result of the details. The attentive, friendly staff, the ambiance, the timing, the chilled salad fork, the water in bottles, the softened butter; these are the things that exemplify a quality restaurant over the common corporate eateries. In a state of near reverence from the dining experience, I took the time to speak with the manager, Susan, and compliment both Jose’s outstanding service and her obviously skillful management. It was the service above and beyond the normal that prompted me to write this review.
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