BLT Steak February 2010

This year we decided to do something slightly different to celebrate our birthdays and, instead of eating out three different times, we chose to just eat out once to celebrate all three.  Since Art and I enjoyed our trip to BLT Steak so much in October, we ended up going there for our birthdays dinner as well so that Lance could try the restaurant as well. 

Our meal started off with the same house made chicken liver pâté and toasted bread.  I enjoyed it just as much as last time, which was no surprise.

The house specialty gruyere popovers followed.  These reminded Lance of Norwegian pancakes, but they just reminded me of deliciousness.  They were hot, eggy, and perfect.  I really should try to make them at home, since I’ve got the recipe.

Tuna Tartare / Avocado / Soy-Lime Dressing

Because I am a creature of habit, and because I’ve been looking forward to it since our last visit, I had the same appetizer as before.  And it was just as amazing.  A huge amount of tuna on top of avocado and a perfect soy-lime dressing

Caesar Salad

Both of the guys opted for the Caesar Salad and they were fantastic.  However, they were also huge and it was determined that they could have just ordered one to share and would have been content.  The croutons were nice and spicy.  The dressing was also a bit creamier than the Caesar dressings I’ve had in other restaurants.  It was pretty tasty!

Grilled Double Cut Bacon

And, since it was on the menu, we ordered an appetizer of bacon to share.  I did find it to be a bit overdone with the grilling, but the chimichurri sauce on top was flavorful and the bacon was still quite nice. 

My steak was fantastic and I wish I could remember the proper name – sadly it was a special, so I’m not able to refer to the menu to make sure I’ve got it right!  I believe this was some sort of chuck cut.  It was extremely tender and just as extremely flavorful.  It was much meatier than a filet mignon steak.  It’s topped with a very large piece of foie gras, shaved black truffles, and the sauce is some red wine and foie deliciousness.  The only downside to my entrée is that it was served on top of a piece of toast, which made it hard to get to all of the sauce!

Seared Muscovy Duck Breast / Confit Sausage / Fennel Marmalade

After much deliberation, Art opted for one of the specials as well.  He firmly believes that he was the winner of the entrees and found this duck to be absolutely perfect.  The confit sausage had nice bits of duck meat, but the sage and thyme flavors of typical sausage.  He even enjoyed the fennel marmalade!  I think that he would have licked his plate clean if no one had been watching.

American Wagyu Top Cap / Chimichurri Sauce

Lance went out on a limb and chose not to get the filet mignon.  We were all very shocked.  This cut was explained to us as being the “top part of a rib eye” and it was insanely tender.  The sear was great and it was perfectly cooked.  Lance also believes that he was the winner of the entrees.  (I guess it’s a sign of a good meal that we all felt we won!)

Onion Rings / French Fries / Stuffed Mushrooms

Sadly, the sides were a disappointment.  I recall that I wasn’t super impressed with them the first time, but hoped that it was just an off night.  While I normally love beer-battered onion rings, these were soggy – both the onions themselves and the coating.  The fries reminded me of Arby’s curly fries.  The mushrooms were dense and grainy, just like they were the first time we ordered them.  We have made the decision that, for future visits to BLT Steak, we will only order one side and we will ensure it’s one we’ve never had before, in hopes of finding a side that is as delicious as the rest of the food we receive at this great restaurant.

None of us had any room left for dessert, so our meal ended with these delicious warm gooey brownie/cake bites.  I was so full that I only ate half of mine and then sadly gave the rest to Art.

Aside from the side dishes, this was another great dining experience.  The service was knowledgeable and attentive – all of our questions were answered and our water glasses were never empty. 

Unlike the previous time, my request for a table with good lighting was honored!  Sadly, the best lighting they’ve got isn’t really that great… but it was nice that they tried.  We would all be happy to dine here again and I’m sure we will in the future. 

Total price, no alcohol, including tip, valet parking, and signed cookbook: $385.10

BLT Steak
1625 Eye Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

Reservations:  202.689.8999