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Arnie Morton's Steakhouse
By Lark Aldrin-Clement
In 1978, Chicago native Arnie Morton opened the first Morton's Steakhouse with his partner Klaus Fritsch. Flash forward to present day, Morton's Steakhouse has grown to over eighty locations in the United States, Asia, Canada, and Mexico. With USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, and an enjoyable table-side display, Morton's prides itself on being one of the leading steakhouse chains in the nation.
As part of the "Morton's Experience", you will start off your evening with a warm and flaky onion poppy seed loaf as your server comes by with a rolling cart of neatly wrapped cuts of beef, fresh vegetables, and even a live Maine lobster. With an extensive presentation, all cuts are described in great detail to ensure that you order the most appropriate one to your liking. As a visual enhancement, whole tomatoes and Idaho potatoes are shown to exemplify freshness.
As you ponder whether to choose the bone-in filet or the prime rib, start with a scrumptious appetizer. The "Baked Onion Soup" ($10) is full of generous slices of stewed onions and hint of bay leaf in a toasted bread bowl crusted over with Swiss cheese. If you like a touch of seafood, order the "Lobster Bisque" ($14). With a creamy consistency, splash of brandy, and a shaving of chives, you will be asking "May I please have some more?" The "Oysters on the Half Shell" come beautifully presented on a white platter with horseradish and Tabasco sauce. For more traditional fare, the "Sliced Beefsteak Tomato" is topped with vinaigrette and perfectly complemented with lightly seared red onions ($11).
Moving on to the main course, it is a tough choice between surf or turf entrees. Shipped directly from mid-west farms, the "Single-Cut Filet Mignon" ($39) is ideal for those who love a very tender piece of beef.
For the heartier of appetites, "Porterhouse" and "New York Strip" cuts are available, and even a "24 oz. Porterhouse" for those whose eyes are bigger than their stomach. Morton's not only has the freshest beef, but fresh and succulent seafood as well. The "Sea Bass Special" ($37) is topped with red onions and a delectable pineapple salsa. For lobster lovers, "Maine Lobster" ($24/lb.) is flown in fresh from the coastal waters of the Atlantic and baked to perfection. The "2006 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz" ($13/glass) is a perfect red wine with an aroma of black cherry and spice to pair with either fish or beef.
The side dishes at Morton's are large enough to split between two people. The "Lyonnaise Potatoes" ($10) are reminiscent of gourmet home-style hash browns. The "Steamed Fresh Jumbo Asparagus" ($11) are seared with a charbroiled finish and a balsamic vinegar glaze. A fantastic side is the "Sautéed Mushrooms" ($9) that are braised with beef stock gravy. Equally as delicious are the "Sautéed Garlic Green Beans" ($8) infused with a delicate white wine reduction, butter, and minced shallots.
It is a must to finish off the evening with a fine dessert. The "New York Cheesecake" is flown in daily from S & S Cheesecake in Bronx, New York, and a wonderful way to experience a true slice of the East Coast. For the truly decadent, you can order from the selection of hot desserts thirty to forty minutes in advance. The "Upside Down Apple Pie" is sprinkled with nutmeg, golden raisins, and a dollop of Haagen-Dazs vanilla
ice cream. For chocolate lovers the "Morton's Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake" is mouthwatering. Accompanied with a Cappuccino or an after dinner drink such as Sandeman port or sherry, your senses will be satiated.
As Morton's has grown over the last thirty years, the overall ambiance of dark wood and dim lighting has been retained. However, each location lends a different vibe. In Woodland Hills, celebrities such as Dr. Dre, Mekhi Phifer, and Oscar nominated Terrence Howard have all dined there. Downtown Los Angeles has an enclosed bar area adjacent to the cushy dining area with sports games broadcasted on small flat screens. Although maintaining an individual identity, Morton's is consistent across all locations with spectacular food and excellent service.
For more info:
Arnie Morton's Steakhouse
www.mortons.com
Woodland Hills
6250 Canoga Ave., Suite 111
818-703-7272
Burbank
3400 West Olive Avenue
818-238-0424
Downtown L.A.
735 South Figueroa Street, Suite 207
213-553-4566