While walking several weeks ago, on a Saturday morning while the men were at their Bible study, a friend and I discovered a restaurant at DoMo. It looked like a finer restaurant, which would be different from what we usually see around here. One cannot really tell by looking through the windows at 7:30ish in the morning, though, what a place is really like. We both agreed that it might be a treat to dine there one evening and find out.
A week or so ago, I found Epic Chophouse's Facebook page and, from there, found the restaurant's web site. Last night, for the first time that I can remember since Boy was born, Hubby and I had (drumroll, please)...an adult date night. Yes, Boy is three. By what I have said so far, you can guess where we went to dine, right? Yes! We went to McDonald's.
Not.
I do not normally do reviews on this blog, yet a bunch of my local peeps read it, so what better way is there to spread the word?
We dropped Boy off with SaraBeth and headed downtown to Epic Chophouse. We did not use it, but they have free valet parking right outside the front door. Yes, free. Is that not a pleasant perk?
We were seated immediately, and I must say that I liked our table. It was in a corner and cozy and private. The one thing that I would have liked better would have been if Hubby was able to sit next to me instead of across from me. Yes, we are those people, the people who sit on the same side of a booth together.
Terra, our serving, assured us that she would be taking "very good care" of us. I kept thinking that Terra looked like Ashley Johnson. Different hair, similar face.
From the beginning, this restaurant had even small touches down. The gentleman seating us pulled out the table for me. I imagine that he would have pulled out the chair if my seat was not against the wall. Our orders were taken without us having to wait. Our drinks were refilled even without us needing to ask. Oh, and I was only charged for one cranberry juice, not three like many places would have done. The little things are noticed. Our food arrived exactly as we ordered it.
Hubby ordered a bone-in rib eye and was surprised at how small was the bone. (That is a good thing.) I asked him how was his steak, and he said that it was, "Fabulous!" Then he added, "Succulent."
My order was for prime rib, warm and red. It has been difficult to get really good prime rib around these parts. I will now say that I believe that was the best, most delicious piece of beef that I have had at a restaurant since moving back here from Hilton Head Island two years ago. It was thick. It was tender and delicious. It was beautiful. After it was half eaten, I decided that I should have taken a photograph of it.
Epic Chophouse also serves a selection of seafood, pasta, chicken, duck, and several specialties.
While we were eating, Jim (the owner?) happened by, and we got to meet face-to-face. Since we had spoken on Facebook and on the telephone, it was one of those small treats to put a name with a face. He was friendly and engaging, jovial even.
At one point, an employee was passing our table, and stopped to tell my husband that he had dropped a $20 bill. That was honest.
The one thing about which I was not crazy was the staff wearing jeans. I am not a big fan of jeans, and, in a restaurant like that, I might have expected to see black slacks. However, that is me, and I realize that a business needs to appeal to its clientele. The attire there seemed to be nice-casual. Anyone should feel comfortable there.
By the time we finished dining, I said, "I am done. Stick a fork in me."
Hubby said, "I don't think you would like that."
Hehe.
Since the night was so beautiful, after we finished our supper, and while we were waiting for dessert, which we had to order, Hubby and I stepped outside for a bit of fresh air and to stretch and let our food settle...and we needed room for dessert. While we were outside, an employee rushed out after us, not because he thought that we had left without paying, but to let us know that I had forgotten my wallet. Another kind and honest gesture.
Back inside. Cheesecake for Hubby. Chocolate cake for me. By then, really full.
Attentive staff, but not overbearing. Prime beef. Friendly management. Reasonable prices for the quality of food. Excellent experience. It would seem to me that anyone who has anything negative to say about this place...has not actually been there. If you are within driving distance of DoMo and have not been to Epic Chophouse on Main Street, GO. Treat yourself. Savor the meal. Enjoy the experience.
Now we are trying to figure out how we could eat there every night. Maybe we shall sell the car and set up an Epic Chophouse fund. We will be back.
By the way, can anyone give us a ride?
Epic. First. Date.