Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience: Sterling Brunch

​By: Bob Gourley
​
The Sterling Brunch at BLT Steakhouse at Bally’s is one of the most-hyped Sunday dining excursions there is. Not only is the price of $110 a person a conversation piece, but the promise of all of the lobster tail and filet mignon you want is another enticement.
    
Sometimes there are things that you just must do at least once. Such is the Sterling experience unless you have a bank account that would let you go each week. 

We began our quest to visit back in December. But we found that there was a two month wait. So finally after making our reservations at the end of 2018 the Sunday in late February arrived.
​
BLT is not huge so I can now understand why the place gets so booked up. Our reservation was for noon but we actually had to wait about 15 minutes.
 
We chatted with a local couple who were also experiencing it for the first time. We were finally called and were seated.
 
A friendly waiter poured some Perrier-Joulet champagne and then a couple of popovers arrived. They were terrific and were just fine without any butter. They melt in your mouth.
  
There is a smallish room where the hot food choices are located. At the left side were sushi samplings and caviar with blinis. Next to that was a tilted display case with a couple of salads, cheese plates and olive tastings.
  
The meat station is impressive. Prime rib is liberally sliced. Lamb chops, cooked just right with a slight redness to the middle, were also available. To the right of that is the large bowl of filet mignons.
 
Some have complained about the dryness of some of the steak, probably because they do sit awhile. Mine was nicely cooked and went well with a made-to-order set of scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese I ordered from the omelet bar.
   
The final station in the room included crab legs, peeled jumbo shrimp and those much-mentioned lobster tails. I couldn’t wait to sample my large plateful of shrimp and lobster. The tail was cooked just right with a firmness you would expect.
 
I liberally doused it with warm melted butter. One more item that you must try is a cross between bananas foster and bread pudding. I ate so much I almost burst but every bite was delightful.
    
After a couple more turns for salad and another glass of champagne it was time for dessert. The ‘sweet’ area is just outside the main food room. It is a smaller display than you will find at most buffets but the quality of the goodies is excellent.
 
I especially enjoyed the chocolate lollipops. There were chocolate-covered strawberries and a selection of fruit tarts. 
    
As you finish your excursion you may want to take a walk around Bally’s or nearby Paris just to walk off the calories. Of course, who really wants to think about how much you eat when you have just spent a small fortune for brunch.
    
Is it worth it? Definitely, but if you are looking for a wider variety of dishes you may want to check out the Wynn or Bellagio buffets for about half the price.
   
Sterling Brunch, Sunday: 9:30AM - 2:30PM. BLT Steakhouse, Bally’s Hotel and Casino. Reservations a must. (702) 967-7258. www.caesars.com.