Delmonico’s Steak and Lobster House

Last night we went out to celebrate MT’s birthday at Delmonico’s Steak and Lobster House, 16358 Ventura Boulevard in Encino. I have been there before and have always thought of the restaurant as one catering to lobster and seafood but they do have some steaks on the menu as well. They used to be called Delmonico’s Lobster House so I wonder why the change in name. The menu appears to be just about the same.

There were 5 of us – me, BK, MT, BJ and GT. We were seated at a large, round table which made conversation very easy. Immediately we were asked for our drink orders which consisted of soda and iced tea that were refilled constantly throughout the evening. We were then asked if we would like their sourdough bread or if we would like the cheese garlic bread (extra cost) or a combination of both. We chose the combination and were very happy with that. Those who ate the garlic cheese bread said it may be the best they have tasted. I loved the sourdough as did others. I do wish that all restaurants would serve butter that isn’t freezer hard. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case here.

Each of us ordered soup – three having Boston clam chowder and two of us enjoying lobster bisque. The clam chowder was thick with clams and declared excellent. BJ and I had the lobster bisque which had many small pieces of lobster and a decidedly wine flavor. We also thought it was excellent. As the specials are really lobster, MT and GT had the two lobster tail special which they said was tender and very good. BK had lobster risotto. She was served with a lobster tail atop the risotto which was easily removed from its shell. BK said the tail was delicious as was the creamy, cheesy risotto but it was a little salty. BJ had salmon which came with fantastic corn and average string beans. The salmon saw wonderful. I had veal marsala. The three thin pieces of veal came covered with a mushroom wine sauce which was excellent. However, the first piece of veal was a bit tough the other two were better with the last one being very tender. MT and I also had a baked potato which was just like any baked potato. We also had mushrooms which I thought were excellent. GT had fried string onions which I loved.

Then came dessert. The restaurant was told that it was MT’s birthday and they provided a fantastic looking dessert. The problem with this was that none of us were told it was coming so all except me ordered dessert. They served our desserts and then came with the special one and we all sang. There is a picture of the dessert which MT took home to eat at a later date. So, be aware that if you tell them in advance about the birthday, they will provide a lovely selection of various small cakes. There is a picture of this on Facabook. The other desserts were all very good. MT had a delicious crème brulee. BK had a fantastic white chocolate banana cream pie. GT had what to me looked the best – chocolate cake with a raspberry sauce topped with a chocolate truffle. It was moist and wonderful. BJ had Belgium chocolate ice cream that had been drizzled with chocolate that hardened, laying in an almond cookie shell which I loved.

The food was excellent. The service was a bit on the slow side but we were attended to well. This is a special occasion restaurant with dinners ranging from around $20 up to $60. It is a very nice setting and a good choice for the birthday dinner.