Angelo's 677 Prime

     For over a year now, every night on my way to work I would glance over at a tall building that gleamed with bright red numbers "677," and my imagination would take over. The desire was always there and the wishful thinking  lingered.  I wanted to play dress-up. I wanted to experience a "real" steak, one that was cut just right and prepared not for anyone but Sierra. I wanted to know what it was like to be fancy. Well, the time came and the evening had arrived to fulfill my culinary inquisitions. It was my birthday, and my lovely brother and sister-in-law treated me.
    I did play dress-up and wore a lovely, floor-length red dress. Among the suits and ties of men, it was a bit shocking to see jeans and simple button-ups, but at the same time, it was a relief. It showed to me that nobody there were rich and fancy snobs, which judging by the prices on the menu, I expected. It had a casualness that I did not expect, however, my formal attire did not stand out like a sore thumb either.
     DJ and I sat at the bar and ordered very reasonably priced drinks, a mojito for myself and the signature DJ cosmopolitan. They were served with a very helpful and friendly attitude and delicious. A typical cosmo, well presented with an orange garnish.
     We were seated in a lovely dining room, a little more compacted than expected, yet comfortable. The piano player allowed music to be listened to, or simply just heard in the background, depending on your level of conversation. The atmosphere was very dim and that came with a plus and a minus. The lighting made it seem as if our table was one of only a few, my view was of my family and no others. It created an intimacy of sorts....until you opened the menu. The lighting caused a need for neon-like menus, that when opened, lit up very brightly. It caused a distraction, as I am one to flip my menu open and shut until I actually place my order.
     The server was very knowledgeable of the menu and was appropriately upbeat. She warned us of portion sizes and suggested that at least two people share a side, as to not outdo ourselves and filled us in to the house favorites on the menu. The menu was simple, readable and to the point, but not lacking variation. It as more of a "build-your-own" experience. Our appetizers were a wonderful start to what was to be a mouthwatering meal. The calamari was light and uplifting. The texture was not chewy, nor greasy/soggy. The hint of lemon was just that; a hint, that complimented the dish well. Roasted cherry peppers came along, which were equally as yummy. The appetizer that I chose were the  Surf and Turf Tempura Rolls. The center was a hearty portion of steak, lobster and cream cheese, but none of which were overbearing. The outside had a toasted taste of sesames and poppies, which lightened the dish and gave it a nutty taste and crunch.
     Now, for the reason I had dreamt of this day for over a year; my main course. I had done my research ahead of time about the cuts of steak. It was a pretty easy choice for me, as I was not worried about fat and more concerned about getting the most taste in my once-in-a-lifetime meal. Well, at least my first 677 Prime experience. I ordered the cowboy steak and did not hold back there, I also ordered from a side menu of toppings; The Oscar, which is a saucy combination of chopped blue crab and bearnaise, served over a bed of asparagus. The portion lasted me 3 meals. The steak melted in my mouth. The tastes were like none I have ever experienced and the texture was juicy, meaty  (but not too chewy) and rich. My mother ordered the same cut of steak, but without a topper, she was equally as satisfied and did not regret her choice of "going naked,' as I would call it. Each dish was accompanied with a side of garlic that was roasted so well, that it was able to be picked out by each clove and either eaten as is, or spread on some bread with ease. The "Yum-factor" was almost as high as the appetizers. DJ went a different route and ordered the sea bass. The dish was cooked to perfection, able to be cut wit such ease, it was like cutting through warm butter. Portion size filled me up to a perfect level. The truffled edamame puree was light, fluffy and paired exceptionally with the sea bass itself.  Our sides that we all split included the hazelnut brussel sprouts which were the best I have ever had. They made a vegetable that I do not particularly like, into something that I craved with each passing bite. You could feel each layer of each brussel sprout unfold in your mouth. The hazelnuts gave them a wonderful, soft crunch and a warming taste. The lobster risotto was good but I would not suggest ordering it. It had a simple Velveeta-ish taste to it and kind of stuck together in a mush. Although I forgot to try one, the parmesan and white truffle oil steak fries were a hit to some but DJ can't seem to remember what they were like, so they must not have left that great of an impression on him. On the contrary, my brother, who has ordered them in the past, wanted them again, so that speaks for itself. They were very large and could be split by 3 people. 
    With all this said and done, I would suggest this restaurant without a doubt. If you are not feeling a sit-down dinner per se, I did see steaks being eaten at the bar and the bar menu does offer and caviar deviled egg that I would like to taste-test. The restaurant was a wonderful place to  feel fancy without the stereotypical snob-like attitude and of course encounter the art of steak.

Ratings:
Appetizers: A/A
Drink: C+ /B
Main Course: A/ A-
Atmosphere: B- /C+
Service: B+ /B+
Price: Steaks= $$ however, all other dishes were more reasonable, especially since you will be sharing them.
Overall Experience: B+ /B+