Sundance the Steakhouse

A couple of friends and I visited this Palo Alto institution on a recent Monday night, and were surprised to find a jam-packed parking lot and bustling dining room filled primarily with businessmen. Amid the dark mahogany-paneled walls, fireplaces and upscale hunting lodge décor, the whiff of Silicon Valley deals being done over slabs of meat and martinis was in the air.

We were given a warm greeting and taken immediately to our table, where the obligatory sourdough bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar magically appeared. Grace, our poised, professional and knowledgeable waitress quickly followed, and we ordered made-for-summer lemon drop martinis, then dove into the meaty menu.

Front and center is the slow-roasted prime rib in sizes ranging from the petite 8 ounces ($25.95) to the shareholder's 14 ounces ($32.95). Other beef cuts include prime top sirloin ($26.95), prime New York strip ($38.95), prime filet mignon ($34.95/7 ounce and $42.95/11 ounce) and a bone-in rib-eye ($Mkt).

A variety of seafood and chicken dishes, including seared ahi tuna sashimi ($26.95), fresh Pacific swordfish ($25.50) and chicken piccata ($18.95), rounded out the entrées, which are all served with a choice of steamed seasonal vegetables and a choice of a baked potato, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf or sliced tomatoes. But let's face it, we didn't come here for the broccoli.

A couple of soups and several steakhouse-style salads are on the menu, as are an ample listing of mostly seafood-based appetizers. We chose panko-crusted calamari with chipotle aioli and classic cocktail sauce ($11.95) for the table. The mound of crunchy-chewy goodness—enough for three to four people—was flawless, and came with a small mango-based slaw that could have used a bit more dressing.

Our table ordered a prime rib, filet mignon and the fish of the day which was halibut in a sundried tomato and citrus beurre blanc. All three were such melt-in-your-mouth perfection that the side dishes, although well-prepared, were almost superfluous. The prime rib and halibut were spectacular, but I'm still trying to pencil in a date when I can try the filet mignon again. It came with a Cabernet Bordelaise sauce which was delicious but unnecessary, as the steak was so incredible on its own. This is why I come to a steakhouse, and Sundance is now on my radar when the craving hits.

Speaking of cravings, the dessert menu runs the gamut from decadent Sundance mud pie ($7.95), to New York cheesecake ($6.95) which was too sweet for me, to berries served with a Grand Marnier cream sauce on the side ($6.95) – my idea of a perfect ending.

Sundance pays attention to the details that make dining out an experience to relish and remember. The service was impeccable, the food perfectly prepared, the wine list extensive and thoughtful and the atmosphere inviting. In fact, on the way out, we were tempted to grab a seat in one of the leather wingback chairs in the lounge and watch the game on the big screen. Maybe next time.

Sundance the Steakhouse is located at 1921 El Camino Real and is open for lunch Monday through Friday form 11:30AM to 2:00PM, and dinner Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00PM, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 10:30PM and Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00PM. Call 650-321-6798 for reservations which are recommended. They accept all major credit cards.