I got a great deal on Reader Steals for a gift certificate to the Riviera Supper Club, so we went to dinner last night with our friends Jill and Mario. I've eaten both here and the Turf Club, and I like this one better.

For one thing, they make ridiculously good drinks.



I don't order mixed drinks very often, but my Art Snob was the perfect libation for the night. The place has a retro feel to it, just like whiskey, ginger ale, and bitters do.



Heather's only pretending to turn her filet mignon, when I'm at a grill I take over. The communal cooking station is a nice place to socialize with the people next to you. You do see some people who obviously have no idea how to cook a hunk of meat. I watched a guy attempt to squeeze all the juices out of his steak by flattening it with a spatula. That sizzling sound your making? It's an announcement to everyone around you that you are a clueless cook.



My ribeye was a perfect medium rare, just how I like it. I'm pretty proud of my criss-crossed grill marks too. The sides were pretty standard (and huge) but you can actually get sides here, unlike at the Turf Club. I've seen some bonehead grill moves there too, though. Last time I ate there, I had to explain to a fellow griller that he needed to remove the plastic wrap before putting his steak on the grill. I guess that's one way to seal in the flavor.



Dessert was some sort of S'mores creation with a craham cracker crust, chocolate mousse, and mashmallow topping. We all shared it and were surprised that it's served cold, not hot as you'd think it should be. After two Art Snobs though, it was sweet, which was all that mattered. Next time that Reader Steal comes around, I'm stocking up!