Evenings Out: The Capital Grille

Location
The Capital Grille has 26 locations across the United States. In Philadelphia, it is found in the heart of Center City at Broad and Chestnut Streets. Valet parking is available as well as many other nearby garages. Unless you feel like driving in circles until a space opens up at a side-street parking meter, you'll probably have to shell out $18 for 1.5-2 hours.

Ambiance
Eagles players are common on the Friday nights before home games and Thursday nights before away games (especially the linemen - those guys like to eat). On a typical night, the crowd consists of a good mix of professionals, families celebrating, and 30/40-somethings on dates. Most of the time, there is quiet Jazz playing in the background, but aren't most steakhouses like that? The lighting is dim and relaxed - the perfect place to take a date or have a nice quiet meal.

Drinks
The bar is small, but pretty active. There are seats at the bar and small tables against the wall with people everywhere in between. The bartender is usually quick on her feet-especially if she's making a the Capital Grille's specialty, the pineapple martini. The martinis are stored in a large glass tub, ornately filled with alternate stacking of pineapple slices soaking in that sweet liquor. The Capital Grille also has a large selection of finely aged wines, by the bottle or by the glass.

Appetizers
The fried calamari is excellent - just the right amount of kick to it. For all the Davey Joneses out there, I recommend the seafood platter, but be prepared to eat because the plate is HUGE and overflowing with clams, oysters and other delicious treasures from the sea. As for me, I usually just get the Wedge-a head of lettuce smothered in bleu cheese and crunchy bacon bits.

Entrees
Regardless of which entree you order, every dish is exquisitely prepared and beautifully presented. The Chef does a tremendous job of ensuring that every dish is a masterpiece.

As for steaks, my favorite is the Delmonico, a juicy Ribeye that will satisfy you. If you don't like your cuts that fatty, the Filet Mignon is equally amazing, your knife will be slicing through it like its butter. Tender and flavorful, these cuts will rival any steak out there. One fork-full and the ravenous diner will be instantly sated and taken away to heaven, steak heaven, that is. The au jus is just the right blend of spices and seasoning, the perfect balance for those who considers themselves steak enthusiasts or a casual steak lover. These Prime Grade Steaks will run you between $30 and $40 and worth every penny.

They say this is a steakhouse first and a seafood place second, but just a bite of their fresh Maine lobster makes one wonder: should that be reversed? The shell is perfectly steamed to lock in the flavor. The lobster is so fresh, it is as if they just picked it right off the coast of Maine. Both succulent and scrumptious, this epicurean delight will not disappoint. Lobsters are served between 2-5lbs, depending on how much you can stuff your belly.

Dessert
All the usual suspects are present, but when it comes to their coconut cream pie, there is no parallel. The whipped cream is light and fluffy and the cream is so delectable that my mouth is watering just thinking about. The coconut shavings add just the right texture and the right amount of nuttiness to it. After all, spending all this money for dinner means you were probably already nutty to begin with.