Dry-Aged Beef and Quiet Ambiance: Delmonico Steakhouse

By: Bob Gurley
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I was a little envious when my son announced that he and his girlfriend had visited Delmonico at the Venetian. It is known to be one of the top steakhouses in the valley and it was a destination I was looking forward to visiting someday.

​The day finally arrived as my wife and I were going to meet an acquaintance from Los Angeles who was in town for a convention. He let me choose the restaurant and one of the caveats was it had to be quiet so we could carry on a conversation.

It is hard to tell just how large Delmonico is from outside. There is a bar area right off  the hallway but as you travel further in the dining room opens up. Even though it is expansive the noise level is low and it is great for business meetings or romantic encounters.

The menu features some of Emeril Lagasse’s classics like gumbo with shrimp and andouille sausage or creole-boiled gulf shrimp with tomato horseradish dipping sauce. One salad that caught my eye was the Vine-Ripened Heirloom Tomato edition. A beautifully-decorated plate arrived with burrata cheese, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh basil. It was almost a meal in itself and set the stage nicely for the main course.
 
Since this is a steakhouse I had to have a piece of beef. The fare includes everything from prime ribeye to filet mignon. I chose the 16-ounce Creekstone Farms naturally raised ribeye. It is dry-aged on the premises and arrived on a plate with just about perfect marbling, not too much fat but just enough to produce a great taste. Our companion ordered the filet mignon that was also lean, tender and juicy. Both of us enjoyed huge baked potatoes that were accompanied by a wealth of topping items like butter, sour cream and bacon bits.

My wife, who usually doesn’t eat beef, was entertained with Scottish salmon with wild mushrooms, fava beans, roasted heirloom tomato vinaigrette and charred onion pesto.
   
Whenever we visit any of Emeril’s restaurants a must dessert is the banana crème pie which I consider one of the best anywhere. The goodie looks like a high rise it is so tall. The firm bananas are enhanced with caramel sauce, chocolate shavings and whipped cream. The portion was so large I couldn’t finish it and had to leave the rest behind. Too bad it would have made a nice lunchtime snack.
    
Lunch can be expensive at strip locations but they offer a three course midday meal on the weekends for $38.00. First courses include truffle parmesan potato chips, heirloom tomato soup and beef carpaccio. Main second course options include a grilled steak salad or a prime hamburger. Two desserts, banana crème parfait or bread pudding, finish things off nicely.
    
There are a host of specialty cocktails and a wine list that should satisfy novices or those with a history of ordering prime vintages.
    
The experience was worth the wait. The food lives up to the reputation and you can carry on a conversation without ruining your vocal chords.
   
Delmonico Steakhouse, Venetian Hotel and Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas. (702) 414-3737. www.emerilrestaurants.com.