Sandy Zimmeman’s RESTAURANT REVIEW-

“This is the Steak you have been dreaming about!”

(Photos by Sandy Zimmeman except the ribeye steak)

Have you been searching for a steak beyond the ordinary, a steak that delights you with every bite? The Luxor Resort’s Tender Steak & Seafood Restaurant will satisfy even the most discriminating guest.

Today the public has become more health conscious seeking organic, grass-fed, and free- range meats and foods. It is good to know that Tender’s Top Chefs K. C. Fazel, Chef de Cuisine, and Executive Sous Chef, Christopher Mahoney are leading the way in the “small farm” concept. Chef Christopher proudly said, “Tender has been competing with top chefs around Las Vegas for 5-1/2 years and was named one of the top 10 steakhouses more than once. Our credibility depends on using fine ingredients from the best farms and ranches in the United States and around the world in order to make a big difference.”

A perfect steak depends on many factors. When I looked at Tender’s extensive menu, I was amazed to see the wide variety of their selections. Tender not only offered ribeye steaks, but four different cuts of ribeye steaks from farms in other countries. These ribeye steaks include natural Dutch friesan Brandt ribeye, grass-fed Durham ranch bison, organic grass-fed New Zealand beef, and natural dry-aged Black Angus Niman beef. If you desire other cuts of meat, Tender offers a choice of three strip loins, four filet mignons, three porterhouse and T-bone steaks, plus three specialty butcher cuts.

Chef Christopher explained, “When Chef Fazel and I come out to talk to our guests, we can actually tell them when the animal was born, some of our meats even comes with a birth certificate which also lists its mother, father, and the lineage. This is one of the reasons we use small farms, they are the type of people who care about the quality of their livestock.

As long as these farms are raising the cattle in a healthy manner on a proper diet, and mainly, not hurting the animals, that is the best way to go for me personally, that is the reason why I like our farms. The chef has to know exactly what he is getting in order to be a better judge of the food.

If you see a dish you want, but only want to try a little bit, just say, ‘Can I have this, this, and this?’ “No problem. We make sure the person who comes to the Tender Steakhouse has the best time they could possibly have. We want our guests to leave happy, full and with the WOW feeling,” ‘I had tenderloin and it fell of the bone.’ “That is important to us.’’

Dining at Tender is an experience to remember. I especially loved the chilled wild natural shrimp and sautéed prawns served in an individual pan accompanied by three dipping sauces- mango salsa, pesto, and cocktail sauce. This is a great sharing plate because the prawns are extra large.

Seeing the organic grass-fed New Zealand ribeye steak was startling because it almost filled the entire plate. After waiting in anticipation of a culinary feast, finally I was ready to eat. So juicy, so tender, I savored every bite. All of the efforts of Chef Fazel and Chef Mahoney were well worth it.

Price Range: First Courses: $9-24; Main Courses: $28-110; Open for dinner daily, from 5-11 pm.

Prix-Fixe Dinner

A Special three course Prix-Fixe menu is served Sunday through Thursday, from 5-6:30 pm and 10-11 pm. The dinner begins with a garden greens salad filled with sun-dried tomatoes, fennel, artichoke, radish, baby greens with black currant balsamic vinaigrette. You have a choice of three entrees, pan roasted Loch Duart Scottish salmon, organic free-range Jidori half chicken, or natural certified Angus beef filet Tournedo (6 oz.). Topping off the evening, their dessert includes either cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, or Crème Brulee. This is an outstanding value for quality three course meals at a reasonable price- $39 per person.

Look in their website to download their $20 off coupon when you spend $100 or more. You can also pick up the coupon at the restaurant.

For information, call 262-4778. Luxor Resort, Tender Steak & Seafood Restaurant. www.luxor.com

Sandy Zimmerman is a syndicated features columnist published in Dubai, Japan, England, South America, as well as other countries and in the United States;

She is talk show host of the Las Vegas Today Show programs and Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel specials taped on location in Las Vegas and around the world;

Celebrating 29 years as the longest running talk show host, columnist, and entertainment reviewer in Las Vegas, Sandy also covers dining reviews, travel, spas, health and lifestyles;

For information, please write to:  sandyzimm2003@yahoo.com