Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

While it is fun to check out all the new restaurants in Detroit, I also love having restaurants in different parts of metro Detroit that are outstanding.  Whether I am heading to an event (as I was this night) or just want a change of scenery, exploring all parts of the area is important to me.

My parents had met some friends at Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse in Birmingham several years ago and didn’t have the best experience.  When I decided to go to an event at Neiman Marcus (more on that Friday), I wanted to eat near the store.  A good, classic meat and potatoes meal sounded good, so we ventured to Hyde Park to give it another go.

Because we ate early, only the bar was open, though the hostesses seemed open to finding a waiter to take care of us in the main dining room.  The bar was perfectly fine with us.  In the front of the restaurant, natural light was streaming in and we could watch the action in downtown Birmingham from our table.

Our waiter Nick greeted us promptly and impressed all evening long with an extensive knowledge of the menu and a good personality.  He checked on us the perfect amount and made just enough conversation.  The restaurant also did a good job of getting us in and out.  Because most restaurants don’t open until 4:30 or 5:00 and we wanted to get to the event, having a comfortable but prompt meal was important.

We placed our orders and before long the manager brought out my raw Japanese Wagyu steak for my approval.  I have ordered Japanese Wagyu at other restaurants but never experienced this.  It was a nice touch, along with the certificate of authenticity that reminded me of a classic steakhouse move.

The food arrived hot and tasty!  My steak was cooked to perfection and served with a rich pan sauce on the side, another nice touch since nothing should mar the taste and texture of the Wagyu.  I ordered the mushroom and garlic accompaniment to go along with the steak and would highly recommend it.  Not only was it packed with flavor, but at only $4 it was the best value on the menu.  I was surprised at how generous the serving was and enjoyed every bit, down to the garlic flavored oil at the bottom of the dish.

Alongside my steak, I had the heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad with a super flavorful pesto mirrored by basil chiffonade and just the right amount of balsamic vinegar.  I would eat the salad again and again.

Mom had the Australian Wagyu filet aka the Zetterberg.  This was a really fun touch on the menu – each of the steaks was named after a famous Detroit sports personality.  I have never seen anything like it before and really got a kick out of it.  A nice conversation starter.  And more than a nice steak.  Mom loved it, and both steaks were cooked perfectly.

She also had the fries (and okay, I had a few as well, but I promise I shared the salad and mushrooms!), which were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without being oily.  The tartar sauce like dipping sauce was another hit.

For dessert we shared crème brulee, and it was one of our favorites.  The custard was silky smooth with great vanilla flavor.  Oh, and that crunchy sugar top – it was heaven!  With almost a butterscotch or caramel vibe, I am still thinking about it.

I highly encourage a visit to this Hyde Park or one of their other locations in various parts of the country.