You know you?re in for a great meal when the hostess comes running out into pouring rain to offer you an umbrella. And a great meal is exactly what Greystone Grill in Ellicott City served.
Expectations were high ? we went on Mother?s Day, when every restaurant from Applebee?s to Ruth?s Chris is hopping. Greystone did not disappoint; service was impeccable, food was delicious and the meal was capped with a vow to return.
n The scene: Dressed in dark woods and stone accents, Greystone offers a modern, contemporary feel without seeming pretentious. Service is immaculate ? dirty dishes are whisked away, glasses are always filled and the wait staff is knowledgeable about the menu.
n The pour: Although we didn?t partake in the restaurant?s extensive wine list, there are enough choices to satisfy any wineaux. In addition to offering the Innkeepers? private cellar selections, Greystone also holds personal and corporate wine vaults for those who like their private collection only.
n The taste: A Greystone specialty, the blue crab and artichoke fondue came out bubbling hot, a variety of cheeses melted on top of chunks of crab and fresh artichokes. The dip was tasty, but the highlight of the dish was the crostini it came with. The crispy bread triangles were lightly dusted with some type of Parmesan-spice blend and were a delicious treat by themselves.
Ordered medium, the 16-ounce New York strip came cooked perfectly ? dark pink in the middle with a tender crust. A huge portion, the steak was juicy and delicious, topped with the signature chef?s butter and served with roasted onion mashers.
The glazed short ribs are also a house specialty ? two large beef ribs caramelized with molasses and spicy brown mustard. Even your mother couldn?t make ribs this tender ? the meat was practically falling off the bone. The molasses offered a sweet little kick to the dish. Unfortunately, the chef?s daily side selection, sautéed asparagus, was practically raw.
The finishing touch: The Molten Chocolate Lava Bomba ? a chocolate soufflé with warm ganache topped with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis ? was tempting but takes 20 minutes to bake, so we settled on the creme brulee. The caramelized sugar crust was paper-thin, which is exactly how you want it. The vanilla bean egg custard filling was warm and silky. The dessert was plated with fresh berries drizzled with raspberry sauce.
Why you will go: Greystone is the perfect place to impress your date ? not too pretentious but just classy enough that you won?t be called cheap.
Why you won?t: If you?re looking for a bargain night out with friends, you?ll be sorely disappointed. Entrees at Greystone are priced from $25 to $39.
IF YOU GO
Where: 8850 Columbia 100 Parkway, Ellicott City
When: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday; 4 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday
Prices: $25 to $39 per entree
Info: 410-715-4739
