More bread, please?

Cooper had been asking to spend the night at grandma and grandpa's house, and we obviously thought Camp was thinking the same thing (and would have said it if he could).  So we took advantage of the opportunity for a night out sans kids.

(When was the last time we had a picture of the two of us!?)

The latest Food and Wine magazine showcases steakhouses around the country and helped remind us that one of the nicest steakhouses around is a mere 70 miles away (and somehow we had never been there before).  We tossed the idea out to my brother (who was on board before we could even finish our sentence) and before we knew it, we had a reservation for 8:30 on Saturday night at St. Elmo Steakhouse.  We spent the early part of the night at the bar/lounge above the restaurant (1933 Lounge) before being led down to the basement for dinner.  My review?

• The bread at the table was amazing.  These little onion rolls, filled with sautéed onions inside?  Delicious.  Crispy, cheesy flatbread crackers?  Even more delicious.  It's not a slam on the restaurant when I say these were some of my favorite things of the night.
• The shrimp cocktail (perhaps the thing I heard most about prior to Saturday night) did not disappoint.  That sauce is amazing (and can be used to clear your sinuses if you're feeling a little stuffy) and I would have liked to have piled a few more spoonfuls on top of my shrimp!  
• The wedge salad was delicious - amazing blue cheese dressing.
• The steak was decent.  Mine was well prepared (always bonus points - nothing makes me more angry than going to a restaurant and having your steak served not as ordered).  I partook in the Devour Downtown menu, which was a steal of a deal ($35 for shrimp cocktail, filet with mashed potatoes and green beans, and creme brûlée).  That being said, there was nothing about the steak that made it stand out among other steakhouses I have eaten at.  And when you make these delicious steaks in the comfort of your own home, it sets your expectations pretty high for dining out.  Where was the savory herb butter to top off my filet??

Overall, I'm so glad we went.  I'm thankful the Devour Downtown festivities were going on and we were able to enjoy a delicious meal at a very decent price (mental note: Do this again next January).  If I went again, I would want to try something different (other than filet) and also some other sides (King Crab Mac 'n Cheese??  Not sure how that slipped through my fingers.  I'll blame the ridiculously priced dinner option).  

The best part of the night, though?  The company for sure!