well, after all the insanity that broke out on this thread last Tuesday, I decided the time was right for our maiden voyage to Ray's - called and got a reservation at 6.30 for myself, wifey, my folks (including my notoriously picky mother) and our 3 year old. First off, this place is really, really great. Its definitely utilitarian in form and function but we had a fabulous time. The service was top notch, most of it from Jared, who guided us to a great new red he had just received, when we told him we really liked Franciscan Cabs but wanted to try something different. For apps, we had the crab bisque which was divine, a tasty chowder, and the blackened scallops - the scallops are pretty special and worth every bit of the praise accorded them on these boards. My Dad also had a Caesar salad. For mains, I had the hangar, my mom a filet, my dad the diablo and my wife the entrecote. I have to say, with everything I had read about the hangar steak, I was expecting angels to start singing upon my first bite That didn't happen, its was a good steak but not a transporting experience. Maybe I'm not a hangar steak person. The rest of our party unanimously declared their steaks to be among the best they've ever eaten (and when dining out my parents almost exclusivley eat steak so that's really saying something). The garlic mashed potatoes were to die for, the spinach was excellent (and they continued to be excellent the next day after reheating - nice touch getting fresh portions w/ your steak to go). We had five desserts, one for each of us. I had the key lime pie, the little one had the chocolate mousse and everyone else had strawberries and cream - all were top notch. Heres the thing - 4 apps, 4 steaks, sides, and FIVE desserts and a $50 bottle of wine came to only $200 - just an incredible value in my book........oh, and we were out of there in 90 minutes without feeling the slightest bit rushed
