THE CAPITAL GRILLE IS COMING YOUR WAY: Elegant steak houses continue to proliferate around the country. After hearing about The Capital Grille for many months, we finally sat down to dine at their new restaurant in the Galleria Mall in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This wood paneled clubby insular space is not only beautifully designed, but the food and services are top notch. French doors, lace curtains, and historical photos of early Ft. Lauderdale surround the dinning room. There is also a beautiful bar area with tables, and an extensive wine menu for connoisseurs of worldly spirits.

Executive Chef Marc Gruverman has cooked up favorites such as dry pack scallops with mussels in a saffron tomato broth, and Chef specialties such as kona crusted dry aged sirloin with caramelized shallot butter. My favorite was the sliced filet mignon with cippolini onions and wild mushrooms, and the scallop appetizer was the best I’ve ever eaten. I don’t have to tell you that bread is not a health food, but I would over indulge any day in their homemade breads. The lobster and crab cakes were meaty and sweet without unnecessary fillers. The seafood selections were wonderful and included grilled swordfish Jardinière. Don’t forget to try the mash potatoes, and for a real treat, don’t leave the premises without tasting the flourless chocolate espresso cake.

This country club environment (that is protocol for most good steak houses these days) is inviting and comfortable with great food and excellent service. There are Capital Grille restaurants in major cities such as Atlanta, Tampa, Boston, New York City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago and others as well. Check it out; you’ll be glad you did! (954) 446-2000 or www.thecapitalgrille.com