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I like it a lot, especially when taking someone that doesn't know about it....
Dressing up, as best you can for an ABQ restaurant, and going into a somewhat seedy liquor store, knocking on a door in the back and having to know the password to get it. Door opens, you can hear the piano, see the bar, it's just... fun.
The password changes... last time I was there it was "Bob's tickling the ivories." They'll give you the password when you make a reservation, or if you're walking in, the guy at the front counter of the liquor store will tell you.
Their peppercorn brandy sauce is excellent on a medium-rare ribeye, and the wasabi mashed potatoes are subtle, but good. The staff leans towards condescending, but... whatever.
Biggest problem I have with them is their Thursday-Sunday schedule. Events (anniversaries and birthdays, etc.) happen early in the week too...
I was very unimpressed with the food, steaks were very overcooked, sauces were ok. I can think of a dozen less expensive restaurants with better food. Ambience is nice except that the servers attitude kind of ruins it.
Calico Cafe was replaced by 'Prime' I believe.. it's owned by the same guy as Vernon's... they make upscale sandwiches. They seemed good, I guess, but I'm not an 'upscale sandwich' guy.
On a good note, they use the prime rib from Vernons (which, in turn, comes from a local rancher) for their roast beef sandwich, so... that's cool.
Waitress at Prime told me that the other corner of the building will be a butcher shop where they are going to sell the same steaks they use at Vernon's, again from said local rancher.
-Z
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