Romantic Sojourn
THE DETAILS
Shula’s Steak House
1000 Riverchase Galleria, Hoover
Hours: Breakfast 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m.;
lunch 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; dinner 5:30-
9:30 p.m.
444-5750 donshula.com
Pair Shula’s Steak House with a night at the Wynfrey Hotel.
By Jan Walsh Photos by Jason Wallis
This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday—perfect timing for a romantic overnighter or weekend. Shula’s Steak House and the Wynfrey Hotel offer two packages from which to choose.“A Touch of Romance”is available during Valentine’s weekend, Feb. 12 to 14. The “Taste of Shula’s” is available year round.
Located inside the Wynfrey Hotel in the Riverchase Galleria, Shula’s Steak House maintains a freestanding atmosphere, with its own entrance adjacent to the hotel’s revolving doors and complimentary valet parking. A second entry is located in the hotel lobby. This swank steakhouse is themed after the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins team, coached by Don Shula, and its perfect 17-0 season. Dark paneling provides a warm and welcoming backdrop to the white tablecloth, candlelit tables and hunter green leather booths. The restaurant is divided into several dining spaces, including Shula’s No Name Lounge, with memorabilia featuring the number 17.
Shula’s dinner advancing presentation is action packed. After being seated in a roomy, romantic booth, a steak menu hand-painted on an official NFL game football, signed by legendary Coach Don Shula, is placed on my plate, atop a football-kicking tee. Other leather bound menus listing cocktails, additional entrees and sides and Shula’s extensive wine list are also provided. We order two martinis, a Perfect Margarita and a Cosmopolitan. The margarita is golden in color with a salty rim and a delightful sipper for those who prefer a salty instead of sweet cocktail. The cosmo is ruby red in color and balanced, fruity but not sweet.
We select the Lobster Cocktail as an appetizer. Chef Wesley Scholtz cracked and cut the chilled lobster from the shell. He then returned the lobster to the shell for a colorful and appetizing presentation. This luscious lobster is served with a cheesecloth-covered lemon and a creamy, acidic sauce that complements each tender bite.
Shula’s menu presentation continues with a cart brought tableside, boasting a beautiful, raw example each of the Shula Cut certified Angus beef steaks. From an 8-ounce petite filet to a 48-ounce porter house, eloquently describes each. Diners who finish the 48-ounce porter house are invited to join Shula’s 48-Ounce Club and are honored with a plaque on Shula’s website. I once tried to become a member but was eventually defeated and happily shared half of it. This time, we opt for an 8-ounce petite filet mignon and the 24-ounce prime rib.
Sides are portioned to be shared. But when we can’t decide between hash browns and the double baked potato, we order both. When entrees are presented, the server offers to slice the meat to ensure it has been cooked to order. Both of our steaks are perfect. Each bite of the succulent filet is tender and juicy. The two-inch-thick prime rib is tender inside and out with a classic au jus.
We select an apple cobbler, sized for sharing, from tonight’s featured desserts. A large apple tart with a nutty and golden topping is presented on a plate dusted with cinnamon, accompanied by a cup of Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream. We paired the dessert with two Chocolate Martinis in which real chocolate shines through. These deep and dark concoctions— a mix of Tia Maria Liqueur, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, dark crème de cocoa, and Stoli Vanilla Vodka—make an elegant end to the evening. Just what can beat a romantic dinner at Shula’s? Matching it with a Valentine weekend at the Wynfrey sounds like a real winner to me.
