Hy's Steakhouse

For the bosses birthday, I took her out to Hy's Steakhouse in downtown Ottawa. I've heard that this place was where you'd go for the best steak in town. We went on a Sunday night and easily found street parking not too far from the local. The outside of the restaurant was unimpressive. As we walked into the place, it was night and day. The place was decorated in an older style decor, with dark woods, high ceilings, low lighting and painting from the 1800's. The place was very classy. We got seated and were handed our menus and a very thick wine menu. I ordered a very tasty beer and the boss had her martini. We also had a glass of house wine each for dinner. They had a very nice selection of wines to pick from. In the middle of the room, there was a big glass encasing with a huge grill in the middle. This was exciting for we would be able to watch our steaks being cooked. Our server was very friendly and professional. We ended up ordering the same thing, The "only" New York Strip with Hy's special sauce. We also ordered crab cakes, ahi tuna and a Cesar salad for an appetizer.

We got the crab cakes and the tuna very soon, and it was VERY well done. the portions were not skimpy but not too much. The flavor from both were delicious. As we were eating there, the server came by and rolled out a cart by our table. At first, I thought it was just to help him serve. Soon he returned with some bowls and ingredients, and started to make our Cesar salad in front of us. You can't get any fresher then that. As we sat there, we watched him crack the egg, mix in the oils and anchovies, and then served us a excellent, hand made, and very fresh salad. The steaks soon arrived from our glass grilling box. The first cut was perfect. The steak was not dry, but very juicy and full of flavour. The seasoning was well proportioned and the Hy's sauce added a perfect amount of kick. The meat itself was cooked perfectly, but the cut wasn't perfect. By no means was it horrible, but I've had a better cut of steak, and this one had some tendons in it that I was not expecting to see in a higher quality steak. On the side, I ordered a twice baked potatoe. This means, after the first bake, they add the works to it, and bake it again. It was one of the best mix of baked potatoes I have had.

This was a special meal at a fancy place, and Hy's is by no means a cheap place to go. The average main course is about 30$ each. Appetizers range from 7$-15$. The service was perfect, and non-intrusive. The atmosphere would be perfect for a romantic dinner, or a fancy night out. Maybe because it was a Sunday night, or the bad economy, but the restaurant was virtually empty. There seemed like there was maybe 3 or 4 other tables on top of us.

I would go back, and I would recommend other to go here if they are looking for a nice fancy steakhouse. Order the Cesar salad, the novelty is pretty cool.

Review (out of 5):

Food: * * * * 1/2

Value: * * * *

Atmosphere: * * * * *

Service: * * * * *

Price range (dinner): $30-$80

Website: http://www.hyssteakhouse.com/