Nick + Stef's Steakhouse

I never tried Nick + Stef's Steakhouse until yesterday after seeing the play Old Friends at the Ahmanson Theater. Carrie and I walked over there, and we were lucky to get in when they opened at 4 p.m. The restaurant is part of the Patina Group, and the names Nick and Steph are from Joachim Splichal's sons.

We sat in the more informal and sunny part of the restaurant. I peeked inside to see the typical steakhouse ambiance, an extensive wine selection, and meats on display.

After we ordered our wine, a plate with two warm popovers arrived. I was going to ask for butter, but Carrie mentioned it probably already had lots of butter. I broke a piece off and tried it; it did not need anything. It was delicious. It was nice and airy and guaranteed to have a lot fewer calories because of the air inside. 

We decided to split a delightful Caesar Salad. Carrie wanted us to split a fully loaded Baked Potato, which I would have loved until I saw the N+S Mac+Cheese prepared with Gruyere cheese. A server came and asked if we would like more bread, and the answer was a unanimous yes!

For our main entrée, we decided to have the Filet Mignon, which was perfectly cooked. We both consumed everything. I was proud of Carrie, who eats a lot less than me and almost always has to take a doggy bag home. I sure wish I had a doggie bag to take home.

We had not considered dessert until our server, Kyle, handed us the dessert menu and asked us to pick one, compliments of the assistant manager, Jimmy. We chose the Lemon Meringue, which we loved because it was tangy and the perfect finale to this wonderful meal. Thank you, Jimmy. It was kind of you to offer us dessert. 

Nick+Stef's Steakhouse is located at 330 S. Hope St. in downtown Los Angeles.