I expected to get some flack for picking Rosebud Prime after Rosebud on Walton was picked just two months prior. However, there was nary a complaint – of course the two Rosebuds are very different, it’s not like picking another Morton’s or Ruth’s Chris.

I walked in at about 7:30 to see the Brothers Ray, Scotty and Cizzle nestled up to the bar speaking with my good friend Zach the bartender. Jevon and JG were close behind. Because Zach is the bartender at the bar across the street from my work, needless to say I know him very well. Also, providing witty banter and tipping 30% four times/week for the last two years paid off – Zach gave us good cheer, a free round and topped us all off on the way to the table. Best bartender in the city.

We were escorted to our table and greeted by our waiter Mino, who also introduced himself as “the Captain.” We ordered a nice Flowers Pinot Noir to start despite still working on our top-offs from Zach.

We started off with good but not phenomenal appetizers, but the coconut shrimp and ahi tuna did not disappoint. In fact by the time the tuna got to me, there was only a little runt piece left.

At that point, we also told Mino about the club and he took genuine interest. He asked what was our best and worst experiences and provided some thoughts of his own that seemed to come from deep industry knowledge – of course maybe he was just speaking confidently and I was easily fooled after 12 oz. of Bulleit Rye and a couple glasses of Flowers Pinot. He did however provide some feedback to our choices, including his thoughts on Bavette’s and some initial thoughts on the Chicago C which replaced Keefer’s.

We then ordered the steaks. The most curious order was BRay and Cizzle choosing to order the Cowboy and Cowgirl cuts and split them. The Cowboy won out apparently – Every Cowboy sings a sad, sad song. I ordered the Kansas City Cut, which had a peppercorn crust and was in a demi-glaze, that gave it a certain Asian flare. I loved mine but Jevon didn’t care for the demi-glaze. Also, Scotty sent his back claiming it wasn’t medium rare. At Mino’s suggestion we also had a nice full Cabernet in the Mt. Brave with BRay acting as consigliere on the wine selection.

For sides we had creamed spinach, asparagus and some Buffalo tater tots. As a nice touch, individual portions of the asparagus and cream spinach were brought out on side plates for each of us. The Buffalo tots were also scooped up quickly. As an odd aside after Scotty got back his steak, he chose to bet Rick the price of dinner that American Pie did not come out in 1999. As anyone knows, you don’t bet against Rick in sports or pop culture trivia, especially when he confidently states the answer. Needless to say, Rick walked free.

For dessert we celebrated Crenshaw’s birthday. I can’t quite remember the dessert, somebody throw me a bone here….

When we threw in our credit cards, I ended up throwing in a Banana Republic credit card. Instead of being mocked, I saw a genuine look of concern from Mr. Glick that I was having money problems. I received some good natured mocking from the rest of the crew. My financial situation aside, I had simply misplaced my credit card and had to use the backup.

As an additional treat, Mr. Cartwright showed up at the very end of dinner and assisted in the reverse credit card roulette. After the meal, I went back upstairs to do some work, not the finest output of career….

In summary, the food was great, but the service was spectacular. Mino did a great job and Zach took care of us at the bar and checked on us throughout the meal, real class from Rosebud Prime.

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