Center Cut New York Strip
The Federal Grill Shepherd

The Federal Grill Shepherd

510 Shepherd DrTX 77007, Houston, United States

Steak • Burgers • American • Bar-lounge


"I'm leaving this review because my first dining experience was GREEEEAT!! I met up for our Best Friend Catch Up dinner last night. I wasn't sure about this location, but I'm so glad we chose it. I arrived and the valet driver wasn't readily available so I just kind of pulled in and sat there for a few minutes...I figured he was probably just one person parking all the cars since the restaurant didn't seem to be very busy. The night was beautiful and breezy. In fact, I was shocked not to see anyone sitting outside on their beautiful patio... It's a very serene and classy set up. Someone from inside opened the door for me as I walked up and directed me to the host stand where I was quickly seated in the cocktail area. I loved it over there! All the tables have white tablecloths and it's just a very pleasant and mature atmosphere. Not too dark but lit beautifully with soft white string lights added for calming ambiance. Our server suggested the meatballs as an appetizer and they did not disappoint. This appetizer could literally be a meal. It's probably six meatballs on a hot Skillet plate with mashed potatoes and fried onion straws on top. The swedish meatball gravy that it comes with was not too thick and was deliciously seasoned to perfection... A yummy sharable. The bar is close by so we had to have a couple of adult beverages to toast our best friend's dinner. I had prosecco and he had a glass of wine. After that filling appetizer we ordered our entrees. He had the scallops and I had the braised short rib (half order).... I didn't think we could add anything else, but our server insisted on allowing us to taste their signature dessert, bread pudding. He gave us a small sampler serving and I have to say it was perfect Delicious...Whoever made it really put their heart into it! See you soon Federal Grill!"

Sam & Gabe's at The Lyon

Sam & Gabe's at The Lyon

600 E 5th St Des Moines, IA 50309, 50309-5454, United States

Steak • Italian • American • Ice Cream


"I had dinner with my wife and two teen daughters. We all enjoyed an appetizer of Italian nachos, I had a good Greek salad and everyone was very happy with our entrees—lasagna for my wife and oldest daughter and a pasta dish with penne that I can't recall the name of for my other daughter and Asiago encrusted Halibut for me. My daughters can be quite picky, but both were impressed with their food. My halibut was fantastic. Sadly, our dessert experience came up short. They were out of the dutch apple cheesecake my girls both wanted to try so we got creme brûlée and white chocolate bread pudding. The creme brûlée lacked the creamy smoothness it should have and was a bit custard like. The crystalized sugar was slightly too burnt. While you can enjoy creme brûlée even when it's subpar, the bread pudding wasn't worth the effort. It was very bland—the most flavorful part was the whipped topping. While most of the food was excellent and the service was good, the overall experience didn't quite live up to the $150+ tab. In retrospect, I wish I'd asked for a better table; ours was in a busy intersection close to the kitchen and away from the wall of windows overlooking downtown. Instead of a great westward view of the city, I had a candid view of the working side of the bar. While the location and space are good, the ambiance seemed lacking. I have no idea how long this location has been open, but I came away with the feeling they have some kinks to work out before they can offer the experience of the Urbandale location. Despite the great food (desserts notwithstanding), I'd need to have a better overall experience on a second try before I could recommend Sam Gabe's at the Lyons."