May 22, 2013 – Dinner at Mastro’s in Palm Desert

This is old school steakhouse. Think of some of the finer steakhouses of yesteryear; The Smokehouse next to Warner Studios in Burbank, Morton’s in Beverly Hills, I could go on and on. When you enter your senses are tickled by the wonderful smell of fine dining and the beauty of the decor in the foyer…the lighting is perfect. Amber and low, it sets an understated ambiance where all at once, you definitely know your experience has begun.

We were seated by our greeter and it just gets better from here. Our waitress Kendra came over to the table and let me tell you, she is a treat. She is not so much a server as…I don’t know how to describe her other than a wealth of information with a killer personality. Oh and did I mention she is gorgeous! Anyway we were handed menus so here we go!

Here’s what I tried:
Oysters on Half Shell, these oysters are right out of the ocean, so fresh. The display is very elegant, what a show.

Maguro Lime Roll, the fish is glistening, this is top-notch sushi.

Heirloom Tomato and Burrata. The cheese is so soft and luscious, you can tell that they used really good balsamic too.

Bone-In Ribeye – 22oz, this steak is cooked to an ideal temperature, has the perfect crisscross grill marks. Next time you want a fantastic steak without any disappointments try this one.

Chilean Sea Bass, so soft and supple, this fish is an amazing accomplishment.

Alaskan King Crab Black Truffle Gnocchi, this is considered a side dish, but you could just order this and be very happy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, they are caramelized in an oven and seasoned with the utmost care.

Creamed Spinach, one of lives simple pleasures and they deliver hands down.

Creamed Corn, this is exceptional creamed corn.

Dessert:

Mastro’s Signature Warm Butter Cake – OMG, what a treat, they don’t call it signature for nothing; you have got to try this!

Here are the cocktails/wines I tried:

Skinny Dianblo, with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, agave nectar, lime juice, fresh jalapeno and red bell pepper served tall over ice with a lime garnish. Spicy, good way to get those taste buds ready for what’s to come.

A lemon Drop, served martini style, so much lemony goodness, and very thirst quenching.

Fess Parker, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, 2011, this one was terrific with the Maguro sushi, it is balanced and
fruity, but it is a subtle wine.

Cutrer, Chardonnay Sonoma Russian River, 2011 I paired this great wine with the oysters, nice creamy, rich, full bodied chardonnay, what a great choice.

ZD, Chardonnay 2011 Carneros, like a ray of sunshine in a bottle, ZD is the bomb, I love this wine. I paired it with the Chilean Bass, it worked perfectly.

Antica, “Antinori” Family Estate, Chardonnay 2011 Napa went well with the cream spinach, nice velvety sauce added a lot to the smooth oakey flavor in the wine.

Don and Sons, Pinot Noir, 2011, Sonoma Coast, this wine was perfect with the steak for a lighter feel in your mouth, the grapes are intense, but you are able to taste the meat better with this one.

David Arthur, Meritaggio, 2010 Napa, really terrific with the brussels sprout and their caramelized leaves.

Frank Family, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Napa, this is a fine cabernet, and went great with the steak. They both complimented each other.

Stags Leap, Petit Syrah, Napa Valley, 2009, I really liked this wine with the heirloom tomato and burrata, it is a very syrupy wine, lots of viscosity, but it did well with the tomato.

Argyle, “Reserve”, Pinot Noir 2011 Willamette Valley, OR, this wine was perfect with the creamy gnocchi, it added to the truffle oil in this great dish.

There was also a very fun bar with live entertainment. The night I went they were having basketball playoffs on a wine screen, as well as a great small band. The crowd was having a blast, imbibing, as well as enjoying happy hour food and libations. You can come for the loud bar atmosphere, or the elegant dining room experience.

Mastro’s is a surefire hit time after time. This is a big league steakhouse not a mom and pop operation. They are great all the time every time, they have to be, their reputation demands it. You can bank on quality of everything; food, atmosphere and service. I can’t say enough about our server Kendra. I place a great deal of importance on the server as not only are they the face of the establishment but they can make the difference between a good meal and a great dinner. Ours was the latter, this place was great!

Mastro’s Steakhouse
www.mastrosrestaurants.com/Locations/CA/91-Palm-Desert
73-405 EL PASEO, SUITE 120,
PALM DESERT, CA 92260
(760)776-6777

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