Went last night at the last minute with friends. Glad we did. I know there has been discussion that the idea of a steak house with a high price point will be challenged to succeed in Central. I understand that perspective, but sincerely hope it does stay around. They seem to have a pedigreed team, with chefs from LA Lagniappe and Le Creole, and Kevin Kimball as GM. I think the Denham/Central area can support this type of restaurant. I live in Denham and enjoyed being able to drive 10 minutes and be at that caliber establishment. If last night was an example -- I am thinking the restaurant will do well. There was no wait, but the place was full. The outdoor patio was full as well.

It is an attractive restaurant. Two levels inside and out. A nice bar which opens to the patio. In good weather, the patio will be a good place to enjoy dinner or an LSU game. It has the big fiery fountain which always reminds me of Pat Os. The inside is very open, with exposed beams, brick archways and ironwork. We sat right next to the bar and the wine cellar, so I did not see the back part of the room or the upstairs. There were patrons seated upstairs, which is why I have the impression that they were fairly full.

We began with cocktails. They were strong and tasty. I got a Pimm's cup which was very refreshing. Hubs got his usual Old Fashioned. He said it was fine, but he's had better. Friends got a gin and tonic which was quite strong, and a pear and rosemary martini which was said to be very good. I was interested to see that they offered "old school" cocktails like a Sazerac, Pimms Cup, Ramos Gin Fizz and the like. We did wait longer than I thought was optimal for our drinks, but the bar was doing a brisk business from the patio.

We eschewed appetizers, which was not my ideal, but others at the table were ready to get on with the main course. I was wanting to try the boudin spring rolls, since that appears to be a specialty, and uses local Jerry Lee's boudin. They also offer grilled oysters, which I LOVE, and like to compare from place to place. Notably, they use Leidenheimer bread with the oysters.

We all got salads -- two Sensation, two bleu cheese wedges. I had the wedge, and it was one of the best I have had. Not huge in portion, very cold and crisp, large chunks of bacon, a few grape tomatoes, and lots of blue cheese. There seemed to be balsamic in the dressing as well, which added a nice flavor to the salad. The sensation salad was presented in an unusual and attractive way -- a thin slice of cucumber surrounded the salad ingredients, and the greens were topped with a pepperoncini pepper and what appeared to be sun dried tomato? I dont know, as I did not have it, but both guys who had it were pleased. The one error in our service was the failure to bring turtle soup ordered by a member of the party, but this was not even recalled until we were on the way home.

Two members of the party got the six ounce filet, and two got the Cajun-rubbed NY strip. I would have liked to try the strip since it is their signature steak, apparently, but I believe it was 16 oz, which I can just not do. My husband got it and said it was the best strip he has had in a long time. The added spice appealed to him. It was cooked to his liking, and offered with grilled scallions and a melange of corn,roasted tomato and spinach which he said was a good accompaniment. I had the filet, which was tender, cooked medium as medium should be done, and had a good sear. It was topped with a few crispy onions which I enjoyed. They serve the steaks in cast iron skillets, which keep the steaks warm, and add a bit of ambiance to the presentation. The bread offered with the meal was very good as well. We had a side of steamed asparagus which was cooked properly, and did what asparagus does. Not floppy, not raw -- seasoned properly.

We had bananas Foster and cheesecake for dessert. The cheesecake is apparently shipped in from Carnegie in NYC. I had it plain, altho chocolate, caramel, raspberry and strawberry toppings were offered. It was dense, tangy and what cheesecake should be. My dinner partners had bananas Foster and LOVED it. One patron said it was far better than Brennan's, and was among the best he's had anywhere.

The service was good. I think our waiter was relatively new, but was very genial and took good care of us. Kevin Kimball asked how things were during the course of the meal, and was very much involved in operations throughout the evening, it appeared, which is nice to see. As to the price -- it is expensive. Very expensive. The strips are more than $40, the filets $32. Wedges $11, Sensation salads $9. I did not see the check, but it had to have been formidable. It will be a good special occasion or splurge option. However, some of our party noted that they would be pleased to have a few appetizers and dessert on the patio more regularly.

I hope they make it. It is a good addition to the outlying retaurant scene, the product is good, and the experience pleasant.