So Burlington is in the midst of an upscale steak revolution. There are a few BBQ joints opening and at least 2 expensive "destination" steak houses in the mix. Can this small liberal town support that kind of action? Well, we could not support 2 mid level ones so I am skeptical. Last night we had a work dinner so we went to check out the one on Church Street, Strong's. It has been getting solid press and much fanfare. One funny review we read mentioned the light and refreshing wedge salad. I have never equated blue cheese dressing, onions, and bacon with a "light" salad but f*** it, go with your bad self. We had a table reserved but bellied up to the bar to watch the epic U.S. Open final that was rocking. Things started poorly... the bar was packed with stuffy old guys drinking wine and acting like big shots. Big shots roll with hot girls and don't wear Van Huesen tough guys. In any event it was tough to get a drink or get the TV changed from Andrew Zimmer eating raw testicles to tennis. Finally the old guys cleared to a table in the back and we were off and running. Aaron (spelled wrong?) was a pretty attentive bar tender once you got on his good side. He did make me an excellent Manhattan w/ Bullit Rye. We started off w/ apps. The fried oyster sliders were very good. Tender and on a tasty puff pastry roll. The truffle infused fries were also pretty good but they needed more sauce. One of our guys was hoping for tartar sauce for the oysters and Aaron whipped him up a pretty acceptable stand in. He hustled for us after that... kudos. Hell yeah I had a wedge salad, it was f*ing delicious. The main course was not great. We shared a large rib eye on the bone, creamed spinach, fried asparagus, and fried calamari. See a trend? I am fat. The steak was grisly, chewy, and not particularly flavorful. The creamed spinach did not really have any cream. The asparagus was fine. Calamari was good. Pounded thin and breaded they were tender and have nice flavor. Overall it was fine. For $25 the steak would have been fine. For $50 it was subpar. The place is very expensive and shooting for something but is not nearly there. That is ok but will not be sustainable. I might go back but it will be on someone else's dime. BTW, other than the old guys and a decent bar crowd it was not very busy at all. It was only Monday though. We party.
P.S. I called it early and was home before midnight. I have somehow caught a nasty cold though and was up all night with a sore throat and stuffed nose. I will not blame steak house, but it will be in the back of my mind.
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