Strip House, NYC, August 8th, 2011

Sometimes I firmly believe that there are as many steak houses in this world as there are cows. Some of those steak houses are good. Some of them are great. Most of them are neither. But we're not here to talk about bad, good, or great. None of those options are worth writing about when it comes to steak.

When it comes to steak, I only like to talk about amazing! Now, amazing isn't something that just happens. It's not a mistake, it's not luck, it's not fate. Amazing is a perfect storm of ambiance, service, and cuisine. Amazing created memories that never die; memories that you take to the grave. Memories that are worth blogging about.

Insider Tip: Make a reservation on the weekends, as this spot is hot!

Strip House is the perfect storm of these three ingredients. Entering Strip House is like taking a time machine back to the 1940s. From the dimly lit, red leather booths, to the hundreds of framed and autographed headshots lining the walls, if you close your eyes, you'll swear Frank Sinatra is sitting somewhere in the room.

The service was impeccable. From the moment we entered the restaurant, to the moment we left, we were showered with indulgence. No stone was left unturned to create a dining experience worth sharing.

And finally, the food. We started with the Strip House Roasted Bacon appetizer with baby arugula and Russian dressing. Simply fantastic. Next was the 16oz New York Strip, the signature cut for the restaurant, and I am literally drooling as I type thinking back on this piece of meat. It was seasoned and cooked to perfection. Each slice was a new delicacy. I was actually sad when it was gone. I mean I actually experienced sadness. For sides, we went with the garlic sauteed green beans and the truffle mac and cheese. YUM! and Lastly, we partook in dessert. Regardless of how full I am, there always seems to be room for dessert. The cheesecake is rich and thick and very NY; the perfect blend of cheeses.

The wine I chose this fine evening was the Malbec, Finca `Los Maza', Mendoza, 2005. It paired perfectly with the seasoned beef and was highly recommended by our server.

Insider Tip: Make sure to ask for the specials as there are new additions to the menu daily!

Recommendation for Strip House, NYC? 100% must do when in New York!

Have you dined at Strip House? Leave a comment and let me know how your experience was.

-Tom @tomspano on Twitter

Eddie V's, Austin, TX

Usually I go into a long litany of details on the restaurants in which I dine. This is the opportunity to delve into the decor, the menu, the wine, the service, location, etc. etc.

On occasion I am so shocked by the absolute perfection of a place, that there is very little to be said with the exception of one sentence. This is one of those times: Eddie V's served me the best steak I have ever eaten in my life!!!

Insider Tip: Order the 42oz Porterhouse and share it with a very close friend. You will have an experience that will last a lifetime...I promise.

Bon Apetite!

Tom

http://www.eddiev.com

The Ventures, live at B.B. King, Times Square, NYC, Feb. 23rd, 2011!!!

My company managed an event at B.B. King in Times Square today and the Director of Sales, Jessica, was kind enough to extend an invitation for me and some friends to the show tonight. I'm going to do something I haven't done yet and that is to write this blog live from my amazing private V.I.P. booth during the show.

The band tonight is The Ventures. If you're not familiar with them, let me hit you up with a little school session. The Ventures started their musical careers in 1958 and had their first major hit in 1960 when "Walk, Don't Run" climbed the charts to #2. From this point, The Ventures became a 1960s staple instrumental band, and 50 years later, have 38 LPs, 14 chart topping hits, and over $100 million in record sales.

The Ventures consist of Don Wilson - Rhythm Guitar - (co-founder in 1958), Bob Bogle - Lead and Bass Guitar- (co-founder in 1958), Nokie Edwards - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1960), Gerry McGee - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1968), Bob Spalding - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1981), and Leon Taylor - Percussion - (joined in 1996 after the passing of his father, Mel Taylor.

In 2008, The Ventures reached official Rock God status by being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Insider Tip: The Ventures wrote the theme song to Stanley Kubrik's extremely controversial movie, Lolita in 1962.

If you've seen Pulp Fiction, you're familiar with their hit, "The Lively Ones" from the soundtrack. This song has also once again been resurrected by The Black Eyed Peas, as the back bone of their huge hit, "Pump It". They also wrote the incredible theme song to one of the best television cop shows ever: "Hawaii 5-O"!!! Book 'em Dano!

I'm sitting here listening to sound check and they just keep teasing me with hit after hit after hit. It's amazing; like being in a crash course, music history 101 class with a master instructor.

As they open up with Walk, Don't Run to a packed house, a really cool video is playing of famous musicians like Neil Young, Jimmy Page, and Joe Perry praising them, awesome, old school album covers and classic photos of the band from back in the day.

A note about the venue: B.B. King is one of the best live music venues in NYC, especially if you like intimate crowds and personal shows. Most of the musicians take the time to talk to the crowd, tell great stories, and really interact with you on a different level than can be awarded in larger arenas and clubs. They get amazing talent on their stage, so check the website often if you live in NY, or are planning a trip.

Insider Tip: Get there early for the band because it's first come first serve seating. Also, first in gets food and drink orders in asap, and the back of the line will be waiting a bit.

Well, it's been a great show so far...looking forward to the next set! I don't think they played one single song I haven't heard of...in fact they're playing "Sleepwalk" right now! One of my all time favorites!!! Awesome!!! Huge applause.

Hope you enjoyed. Do you have a favorite Ventures song? Let me know!

A big thank you goes out to B.B. King's for hooking this music loving blogger up BIG TIME!!!

Dominick's Restaurant, West Hollywood, CA

Dominick's Italian Restaurant in West Hollywood is my favorite feel good spot in L.A. Anytime I'm feeling homesick for some good New York Italian fare, I head to Dominick's.

Located at 8715 Beverly Blvd, Dominick's has a classic old school New York vibe that I can't get enough of. White tile floors, solid marble bar, small intimate tables, wood trim, brick courtyards, and Birra Moretti on tap! There are plenty of places in L.A. to get Moretti in a bottle, but on tap? That's a winner in my book!

Dominick's is casual, but very elegant and you will feel right at home if you like to be surrounded by the fabulous L.A. elite.

Insiders Tip: There is valet parking, but street parking will save you a few dollars. Just be careful not to park in permit only spots, you will definitely get towed.

The menu is not overwhelming, which I love. Prices are between $30 and $50 per entree. There are nightly specials as well. Last night, I shared the squid ink pasta with lobster. It was amazing! I also ordered the calamari which was absolutely delicious, and the hanger steak over greens with shaved Parmesan cheese. Seriously incredible. The steak melted in my mouth. Executive Chef Brandon Boudet runs an amazing kitchen with an extremely talented staff.

There is a solid wine list, a great bar, and very professional and knowledgeable staff.

The dessert list is awesome as well. I highly recommend the chocolate panna cotta with a ten year Tawny Port. And of course a chilled limoncello!

Insider Tip: Dominick's has a $15, 3 course dinner special on Sundays.

Since 1948 Dominick's has been "the" spot in West Hollywood for a perfect Italian night out. If you've been there let me know your thoughts, and if you haven't, please treat yourself to a great night out!

Website: http://www.dominicksrestaurant.com