Another great Saturday night with Vegas24Seven.com and family enjoying an exquisite meal at TJ’s Steakhouse in the LVH Hotel Casino. It’s nights like this that make us love our what we do. It’s been a while since we’ve been to the Hilton so we thought we would see what the LVH is all about. Sure am glad we did. TJ’s was highly touted by everyone we asked and had a lot to live up to. Could they be as good as everyone said they are?????
We found out that they sure could. We arrived right on time as usual and were promptly greeted and introduced to TJ’s manager Iralee. She was very nice and arranged quite an evening for us. We were seated at a large table where we could take in all that was going on. The entire restaurant is of the “old Vegas” style with pictures of all the great entertainers, celebrities and dignitaries hanging on the wood panelled walls. I was never in Vegas during the “good old days” but could get a feel for it and a vibe from the place just from the atmosphere and decor.
We met our server Sonia at this point and ordered our drinks. The men ordered the fresh brewed ice tea and Sonia set off to make the ladies some lemonade. “Make us some lemonade” we asked and were happy to know that even lemonade is important enough at TJ’s to be made right there. Sonia was delightful, very helpful and answered all our questions about the menu and our evening. We had several breadbaskets with their Sourdough and Cranberry breads and tasty butter. For appetizers we chose the hot seafood platter with their signature Calamari Steak and Crab cakes. It also included Cajun Shrimp. When it arrived we knew right away we were in for a great evening. The Calamari steak was unlike any that I had ever tried before. Thin pan fried strips in a unique macadamia nut sauce. Just awesome. The Crab cakes were bursting with flavor and topped with a chipotle sauce that complimented it well. The shrimp would have made Louisiana proud as the cajun spices added just enough zing to awaken our taste buds for the next round. Salad time – now who gets excited about salad besides me. I love salad. We ordered Caesar salad, chopped salad and of course I had the signature TJ’s salad. TJ’s salad was a great blend of California greens, lightly glazed pecans, orange segments and a TJ’s only dressing that worked well with everything else. All this made for a great introduction to our meal.
For side dishes we chose the Au Gratin potatoes and sauteed mushrooms. We ordered an impressive assortment of beef for the entrees. The 12 oz. Filet Mignon, the 16 oz. slow roasted Prime Rib, the 24 o.z Porterhouse, and the signature 22 oz. bone-in “Chicago – Style” Rib Eye steak. Now that’s a lot of cow. When they brought our meal out I regret to say that we did not pay a lot of attention to the two great side dishes. Yes we sampled them and yes they were very good, but our table seemed covered with beef craving our attention. Psst don’t tell them but I think TJ’s scales are off. Each portion of beef seemed much larger than we are accustomed to. We had the Filet Mignon butterflied and it was still very juicy and tender. The Maitre’d butter was a nice touch as well. What can you say about the Porterhouse. It’s our favorite cut because it’s over the top just like us. This Porterhouse was melt in your mouth fantastic. I had the “Chicago-Style” Rib Eye and wow it was seasoned and cooked to perfection. This was probably the biggest Prime Rib I’ve ever seen served. It was thick, super tender and tasty. All the steaks were prepared with great “rubs” and broiled over an open mesquite flame. What a great smoky seasoned taste. It all just worked so well together.
We were just finishing up these terrific meals when Chef Rafael came out to see how our meal was going. The chef is from Columbia and has been in Vegas over 20 years. We complimented him on his menu preparations and his special touch on our meals. He chatted with us a while about all the VIP’s and celebrities that have dined at TJ’s. He wanted everyone to know that dining at TJ’s was an experience and that all the little details of the meal make it a package that most will not soon forget. He shared a few secrets about how they broil the larger cuts of meat over mesquite to be sure they are cooked exactly as ordered. Finally he told us about all the special desserts that can be made to order for guests. We asked him to prepare one of those dessert assortments for us.
We were just finishing up these terrific meals when Chef Rafael came out to see how our meal was going. The chef is from Columbia and has been in Vegas over 20 years. We complimented him on his menu preparations and his special touch on our meals. He chatted with us a while about all the VIP’s and celebrities that have dined at TJ’s. He wanted everyone to know that dining at TJ’s was an experience and that all the little details of the meal make it a package that most will not soon forget. He shared a few secrets about how they broil the larger cuts of meat over mesquite to be sure they are cooked exactly as ordered. Finally he told us about all the special desserts that can be made to order for guests. We asked him to prepare one of those dessert assortments for us.
A double espresso later and our desserts began to arrive. And what a display. The Strawberry Tree with white and regular chocolate was beautiful and tasted fantastic. The Chocolate Fantasy was just that with numerous chocolate textures and flavors. And the Creme Brulee was out of this world. Even though we were pretty well stuffed from all the other great food we managed to put away all of the fine desserts as well. We’ve been full before but never have all of us been this full of such wonderful culinary delight.
Chef Rafael also wanted us to tell everyone partaking in alcoholic beverages that the wine list there was custom selected to highlight each part of the meal. They will be glad to help you pick out fine wines and spirits for your meal selection.
This was truly a great dining experience and we were more than satisfied with each and every part of the evening. We hope that everyone with give the LVH Hotel Casino and TJ’s Steakhouse a try and compare results. I think that the next fine dining in LVH Hotel Casino will be Casa Nicola Italian trattoria or Benihana Japanese cuisine.
About TJ’s Steakhouse in Las Vegas
Nostalgic Vegas Meets Choice Cuts
Slip into a classic dining experience at TJ’s Steakhouse in Las Vegas, set against a backdrop of rich mahogany and nostalgic images of old Vegas in an intimate, relaxing atmosphere. Exquisite starters include the Assorted Seafood Platter, Blackened Ahi Tuna, or the famous Calamari Steak. For entrees, TJ’s uses only the finest USDA beef, each hand-cut steak broiled to perfection over an open mesquite flame. Choices of steak include both premium and prime cuts, making us an exemplary choice among Las Vegas steakhouses.
Yet, we don’t only carry great steak. TJ’s also offers Organic Herb Roasted Chicken, Herb Encrusted or Steamed Halibut, Filet of Salmon, Sea Bass, or Colorado Lamb Chops. And indulge a little longer as our desserts include luscious Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, New York Cheesecake, and Chocolate Soufflé to name a few.
About LHV Hotel Casino
A Picture Perfect Las Vegas, Nevada Hotel
A Hidden Jewel Among Off Strip Hotels
Experience the exclusive gem that is the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (formerly Las Vegas Hilton), the iconic place to stay and play in the electrifying city of Las Vegas. As a world-class hotel and casino, our Las Vegas Nevada hotel offers a unique blend of sophistication and excitement with incredible restaurants, endless entertainment, and the world’s largest Race & Sports Book in town. Among off Strip hotels, the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino boasts the most alluring variety of luxury rooms and suites in a relaxing atmosphere, while still maintaining easy access via monorail to the excitement of the Strip, just one block away.
Written by: Jay Reppart
Photo credit: Judy Reppart
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