A quirk in the schedule led to the team’s rookie taking the mound for a milestone night in the club’s history. Faced with the task of choosing the anniversary restaurant for 10 years of steak-fueled camaraderie, and with his normal social out-pitch (Joe’s) unavailable due to overuse, he reached back and just threw straight gas. And Maple and Ash hit the mit.

This venue has fast ascended to my number one restaurant in the city. The pre-dinner bar delivers, the staff is on their game, and the center two-story dining room is top class. I thought it a worthy place to gather. Highlights of the early innings included Roddy’s appearance at the anniversary dinner (the finest of plays). It was followed by the commemoration of the arrival of Brad’s third child, and the carrying on of his family name, with a souvenir menu emblazoned with “Congratuf*ckinglations!”.

We started out with a round of appetizers: dry-aged prime meatballs, tenderloin tartare, hamachi crudo, and a lovely escargot. The wine arrived promptly and reasonably priced, and we pushed happily on into the mains.

While carried away in conversation I reflexively ordered the bone-in filet, and enjoyed a fine product and presentation. This is my fourth visit to the establishment and unfortunately the dinners have been well-fueled enough that I have been unable to hold to any methodology in evaluating the steak because I can never remember what I’ve previously ordered. This was not the finest steak that I have enjoyed here, but it was well above satisfactory.

I don’t recall dessert being involved, and I left the party before after-dinner drinks in an attempt to conserve energy for a resignation from my job the next morning (successful and amicable). Though some stalwart Steak Night participants were certainly missed on this anniversary, I think it will be remembered as a good one.

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