Remove ImagesMJ's Steak and Seafood
May 26, 2011
Friends steered us to MJ's Steak and Seafood, located in a fine old mansion at 620 Dolley Madison, just south of Friendly (336-852-4887). With the closing of Mark's on Westover and 223 Elm, we had been close to despair; but now, between MJ's and 1618 West Seafood Grille, our restaurant rotation is up to snuff again.
First-rate restaurants are not baffled by odd requests; nor do they get snooty about preferences and allergies. They are eager to please, and MJ's is well within this fine-dining tradition.
But the test of a restaurant is the quality of the food when it's prepared as they have planned, and on this score (as on all others) MJ's is simply superb. The service is attentive without ever being intrusive; the food is perfectly prepared and arrives at the right temperature, with a lovely presentation.
Yet the dining areas are intimate enough that you can have a quiet conversation with your companions and never have to raise your voice.
Don't get me wrong – I still miss the astonishing salads at 223 Elm, just as I miss the specialties at Mark's on Westover and its predecessor in the same space, Le Rendezvous. I miss Revival Grill. I miss the spring rolls at Park Place. It's sad when wonderful restaurants close, and new ones don't really take their place.
Instead, the great new restaurants make their own place, and MJ's is well on the way to becoming one of our favorites. Can't wait to go back. I'll see you there!