Bounty
and Beauty at Dominick's Steakhouse Scottsdale
There's
much to love about a classic American steakhouse-from
the customary dimly lit atmosphere, refined dark wood-laden
décor, white linens and respectively formal service staff
to impeccable cuts of meat cooked to perfection. In this age
where avant-garde grub is captivating culinary attentions, one
restaurant's traditional approach continues to titillate: Michael
Dominick's Lincoln Avenue Prime Steakhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dominick's
Steakhouse is described as a "destination dining
experience," and I learned why first-hand during a fortuitous
visit to the Scottsdale Quarter-based business. Upon entering,
the opulence of the backlit bar, lounge and adjacent dining
space is striking. The rich interior is replete with marble
floors, crystal chandeliers, leather seating, decorative molding
and attention-getting artwork. Venture up to Dominick's second
level and patrons can uniquely dine alfresco around a rooftop
patio pool, which has become this location's signature seating
area. Overall, the lavish and somewhat nostalgic ambiance at
Dominick's rivals that of the most elite steakhouses in the
world.
Once
seated, the experience starts with a presentation of the copious
wine list, with this eatery offering an abundance of American
and European varietals. The dinner menu is equally expansive,
offering a broad selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian fare.
But, the star of the show is unequivocally the prime meat selections,
hand-picked from a "specific Ranch" kept tightly under
wraps, which are all expertly butchered on premises and cooked
"the old fashioned way"-from scratch. In fact, nothing
on Dominick's menu, which boasts a mélange of steakhouse
and Italian favorites, is pre-processed, so diners are assured
the freshest steak, seafood, pasta and produce available. Here,
the highest quality products are always used no matter the margin-impacting
price to procure.
The
exquisite attention to detail in Dominick's décor begets
the same high standard upheld in its kitchen commanded by Executive
Chef Marc Lupino. The standard of excellence is apparent as
the brigade churns out one exceptionally prepared dish after
another amid Chef Lupino's momentum-driven manta, "You
are only as good as your last meal."
My
own visit to Dominick's started with a basket of assorted fresh
baked breads to pique the palate. But, buyer beware: delicious
as it is, filling up on bread is risky as appetizer and entrée
portions here are ample.
For the starter course, I opted for the chilled fresh Seafood
Tower-two levels of fresh ocean victuals of each diner's choice
and à la carte-priced accordingly. My selections were
King crab claws, colossal shrimp, oysters and lobster. This
appetizer alone is a meal unto itself and the salty sweetness
of the lobster left me longing for more.
So,
for my entrée I chose the Surf and Turf ($85) comprised
of a broiled 9 ounce lobster tail served alongside a hefty 18
ounce bone-in filet mignon. The beef had a stunning sear, with
a lightly caramelized crust on the exterior that secured the
flavor-rich moisture within. So juicy and tender was this piece
of meat that I could literally cut it with my fork. To compliment
this high caliber dish I selected the decadent Au Gratin Potatoes
($13.95) and the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon
($10.95). The balance achieved among these four entrée
elements was impeccable.
While
at this juncture there was nary any space left in my stomach,
I simply could not resist dessert in the form of Dominick's
signature Warm Caramel Butter Cake ($12). This moist, warm yellow
cake with a gooey center-expertly brûléed on top
with raw sugar and served over a liquefied caramel sauce, all
accompanied with hand-made, locally-sourced, flavor-dense vanilla
bean gelato and a whipped cream kicker-was downright intoxicating.
I
should also note that the fine fare at Dominick's is further
elevated by their professional and knowledgeable staff who go
out of their way to assure your visit to Dominick's is a memorable
one. Mine certainly was.
If
you're looking for prime steak and sumptuous seafood in Scottsdale
with all of the trimmings and trappings, Dominick's is your
one stop shop.
Michael
Dominick's Lincoln Avenue Prime Steakhouse
Scottsdale Quarter
15169 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 272-7271
http://www.dominickssteakhouse.com/
By Merilee Kern, 'The Luxe List' Executive Editor
"The
Luxe List" Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury
marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary
events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted
at www.LuxeListReviews.com.
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***Some
or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or
service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate
this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of
Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***