Review of Mark's US Prime

We went to Mark's US Prime, woo-hoo! But, while I tried to tell both dh and FIL that I figured dinner would run about $150 without drinks, they decided to indulge anyway. Total bill with drinks and dessert came to $210.00. =:-0
Cast of Characters: Paul (dh), Dick (FIL), Beorn (9 yo ds), and your narrator, moi.
Location: Mark's US Prime, Gainesville, FL

We arrived at 7:30 pm without reservations. But, a Wednesday night during Summer A term in a college town is pretty quiet, and we were greeted and seated right away.

The first thing you notice is a beautiful free standing wooden bar in leopard mahaogany. According to a placard attached to it, it was originally in the historic Hotel La Concha in Key West prior to it's remodel, and they have a photo of Ernest Hemingway enjoying a drink at it. It is gorgeous.

Once at our table, Paul and Dick each enjoyed martinis. Dick had three (!) Tanquerey martinis, and Paul had one specialty martini they called a Creme Brulee (Paul's favorite dessert as well). The Creme Brulee Martini consisted of Van Goghe Vanilla Vodka, Creme Brulee Liquer (I didn't even know there was such a thing), and fresh berries.

I asked to bring home a menu, and was given a stained menu insert that they felt they could no longer hand out to patrons when they sit down at the table, so I'll use their descriptions for each dish. :-)

Paul and I split what was called Mark's Baby Blue, a small version of a $10.00 salad called Mark's Big Blue. "A generous mix of romaine, spring greens, red pepper, tomatoes, Granny Smith apples, toasted almonds and dried cranberries. Served with Mark's unique Big Blue (blue cheese) dressing."

They did not have a children's menu at all, but when asked they offered either chicken fingers or grouper fingers and french fries. Beorn got the chicken.

Dick and Paul both ordered delmonico. "16 oz. The best example of USDA Prime Ribeye, with the most marbling for peak flavor." After five minutes, our server returned chagrined, and said they were sold out.

Paul then switched to the porterhouse. "24 oz. USDA Prime King of Steaks, combines the rich flavor of a strip, and the tenderness of a filet." Paul gave me a bite of the strip side, I'll order the NY Strip next time we go.

Dick and I both got Bone In Ribeye. "20 oz. Huge Frenched bone in version of this USDA prime cut." It was cooked in a cracked pepper rub, all I can say is yummy!

All of these entrees were a la carte, so Paul, Dick, and I each ordered a side vegetable (at $4.95/each!). Turns out each side is enough for a party of four. Paul's broccoli consisted of two whole crowns lightly steamed, Dick's mashed potatoes was a mounded casserole (like the elongated dishes some pasta restaurants cook lasagna or manicotti in, and then put on a platter to serve) of mashed potatoes with butter and sour cream, and I must have gotten at least 3/4 lb., if not a full lb., of steamed asparagus cooked crisp tender.

For dessert, Paul ordered their Creme Brulee (of course), which was one of the best he's had. I ordered their Chocolate Paradise. "Rich chocolate mousse (about 5" diameter and 1-1/2" high, it was enough for all of us to share) with Oreo Kahlua crust on a bed of Hazelnut cream, raspberry (coulis) and toasted almonds." It also came with whole fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

I finished the meal with a Mark's Coffee. "Coffee with Bailey's, Frangelico, Dark Creme de Cocoa, topped with cream and cinnamon. Dick order a plain cappucino. Paul and Beorn sipped on their water.

We all waddled out of there, extremely satisfied. :-)

Pam
"Stressed is desserts spelled backwards!"

E PLURIBUS UNUM

Eventually
Peace Love Unity and Respect Inevitably Blossom
in the Understanding Spirit:
Universal Nexus Underlying the Matrix
A Dh original!

Meddle thee not in the affairs of Dragons, for thou art crunchy and wouldst be tasty with ketchup.