Capital Grille is a steak and lobster chain with over 40 locations across the U.S. There is one in the Los Angeles area located inside the popular Beverly Shopping Center. The main dining room definitely has a formal steak restaurant feel to it with the deep mahogany colors. The second level is quite the contrast with a large open balcony, long bar and a high tops. We were glad to have lunch on the second level when were were invited to sample their seasonally inspired plate lunch. For $16 diners get a choice of soup or salad, main dish and a side.
The rolls were served warm and had a nice spongy consistency. The restaurant gets their bread from La Brea and Tom Cat Bakery.
Housemade Grapefruit Soda
3.5
Grapefruit soda was made with fresh grapefruit juice, elder berry, club soda and simple syrup. It was light and refreshing and not at all sweet. Who knew sodas could be so exciting and tasty.
Fresh Squeezed Mint Lemonade
3.5
Made with freshly squeeze lemon juice and mint, it was one of the best lemonades I'd had in a long time.
Clam Chowder
The chowder had nice chunks of clams and the flavor wasn't over powered by cream like some chowders tend to be.
Carrot and ginger soup
The ginger in the carrot soup highlighted the sweetness of the carrot. The squeeze of orange juice was also a nice touch. The soup is made with chicken stock and the wait staff is very good about letting the diners know.
Seared Sea Scallops
The scallops had a very nice sear served on top of the Israeli couscous. The chunks of kalamata olives gave the cous cous little bursts of saltiness. It was hard to believe this dish was one of the options on the $16 plate lunch. Definitely a steal!
Tomato and Watermelon with Feta
The saltiness of the feta worked well with the sweetness of the watermelon. This was a great side and went especially well with the scallops.
Truffle Fries
Light truffle flavor topped with shaved parmesan. No need to dip these fries in ketchup.
Lobster Roll
The roll was made with claw meat and tossed in a light mayo dressing accompanied by celery and red pepper. The flavors worked well and allowed the lobster to shine.
Mini Tenderloin sandwiches
The tender loin was tender and juicy. The sauce and mushrooms worked well together.
Cheesecake with fresh seasonal berries
The brulee topping added a nice crunchy texture to the creamy and fluffy cheesecake below. Good crust ratio too.
Flourless espresso chocolate cake
The flourless cake was rich, smooth and chocolaty, but not too sweet. The unsweetened whipped cream was a nice touch.
We really enjoyed our lunch at Capital Grille and the quality of food and service exceeded our expectations. The $16 plate lunch special was a great way to sample what the restaurant has to offer. The relaxed atmosphere made the lunch especially enjoyable and we look forward to going back to try other offerings on the menu.
Capital Grille
8614 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
A friend of mine works by the Blue Dog Beer Tavern and we decided to meet for dinner one night to try their much talked about burgers. There is a "self-serve" area outside and a full service dining room inside. We ended up outside to avoid the 30 minute wait, which turned out well because we were able to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Chi Chi Burger
12
All the burgers are made with beef that's ground in the kitchen and cooked to a medium-rare served between potato buns. There are over ten burgers to choose from including the classic cheese burger. We were in the mood for a fried egg on our burger so we went with the chi chi. The maple syrup on the bun was a nice touch and went well with the saltiness of the bacon. It was a big portion and we were glad we shared the burger and giant mound of fries that came with it. Is it the best burger we've had? No, but it was a solid burger.
Big's Spicy Mac
9
The mac n cheese was creamy with a touch of spiciness from the chopped up jalapenos. The bacon was hard to find, but on my second visit, I tried the mac again and it was loaded with bacon and cheese. Definitely better than the first (pictured above).
The Blue Dog Beer Tavern is a fun neighborhood hang out with a good selection of beers on tap that changes daily. There is a good selection of burgers from beef to tuna and sides like fried jalapenos to go with beer. The place is also dog friendly, which is a plus in my book. The self-serve idea is great, just order inside and they bring the food to you and they will even clear the table. I look forward to trying other burgers on the menu.
Blue Dog Beer Tavern
4524 Saugus Ave
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
