Page 10 - June 2015 Dining Guide

A taste of Eddie Merlot’sThere are few pleasures in life greater than a great steak. That’s especially true at Eddie Merlot’s, a brand-new eatery in the Denver Tech Center, where steak is king. Mouthwatering cuts of beef, ranging from a fork-tender filet mignon to a hearty ribeye, take center stage. Of special note are the menu’s Greg Norman Signature Wagyu cuts – Japanese-style beef, raised in Australia, and known for its superior quality.“Eddie Merlot’s is the only restaurant in the world that serves the Greg Norman Signature New York strip steak,” said Phil Cahill, General Manager at Eddie Merlot’s. “The meat is extra flavorful, with a high marbling score. That marbling score means it has rich, robust flavor andwonderful mouthfeel.”As the name suggests, wine is the other star player at Eddie Merlot’s, with roughly 2,000 bottles in the restaurant’s prominently displayed, temperature and humidity-controlled wine cellar. On a recent visit, my server walked me through the wine list, which can be accessed on an iPad for a fun, interactive experience. Not only does the iPad contain a bounty of information about each wine, it will make recommendations for diners based on a brief, fun questionnaire, which simply asks about favoritemusic and vacation choices, coffee preferences, and favorite television selections. Using that information, it recommendsseveral wine choices. Other drink choices include craft cocktails and craft beer.For diners looking for something a little different in their dinner choices, seafood selections like cedar roasted salmon, sesame ahi tuna and lobster tails fit the bill nicely. “Our seabass is pan roasted, with a nice caramelization from a maple vinaigrette balsamic glaze,” said Cahill. “The preparation allows the flavor of the fish to really come through.”Most selections at Eddie Merlot’s are à la carte, allowing diners to enjoy sumptuous side dishes like parmesan truffle fries, Brussels sprouts with onions and diced bacon, or a rich sweet potato casserole. In a break with steakhouse tradition, however, the menu also prominently features Chef’s Creations, plates that are composed of entrees and sides, with a salad included. Roast chicken, short ribs, and a New Orleans Mixed Grill can be found here, along with a Triple Prime Short Rib Meatloaf.“The Chef’s Creations menu allows us to expand from the typical steakhouse fare and try some different things,” said Cahill. “The meat for the meatloaf is ground in-house; I also love the Double Cut Pork Chop. It’s very thick and we glaze it with a barbecue sauce that has a little bit of Southern Comfort in it.”Eating at a steakhouse is usually a treat, a break from the everyday, and a trip to Eddie Merlot’s definitely feels like something special. From the moment I stepped through theEach month, The Connection features a restaurant we feel our readers will enjoy. Sometimes fancy and sometimes simple, they are always worth checking out.A restaurant cannot pay to be featured, and there is no charge to the restaurant once they’ve been selected.* This month, newcomer Eddie Merlot’s is in the spotlight. This upscale, elegant place is a brand-new addition to the local dining scene.As is always the case, I went to the restaurant unannounced so I could get a true gauge of what a meal for an average diner would be like. Finding both the food and the service at Eddie Merlot’s to my liking, I feel good about recommending it to our readers. When I go there again – which is a certainty – I’ll be heading there to celebrate a special occasion of some sort.If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons or just need a quick bite to eat, check out www. castlepinesconnection.com. Every restaurant we’ve ever featured is listed there, and you’re sure to find some ideas to whet your appetite.– Lisa Crockett, Food Editor*Restaurants do sometimes elect to advertise with us after seeing the response they get from our readers, so thanks for letting them know you learned about them in The Connection.10 The Connection Food & Dining advertise@castlepinesconnection.com