Restaurant Highlight: RARE Steakhouse

FeaturedTravel

Mar 2

I love restaurants, I really do. Taking a day off from whipping up meals at home (and often concocting recipes to share on my blog!), gives me the balance I crave. It’s a moment for me to dress up and kick back at the bar or in a booth while someone waits on me. Doing that with a loved one or close friend is even better. I’ve been pestering myself to share more restaurants on here, both local to my area, and around the world in honor of all the places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. So, let me introduce you to a restaurant that’s going to make your mouth water.

RARE Steakhouse consists of three locations, of which we’ll be focusing on the Madison, Wisconsin location in this restaurant highlight. It’s one of the most well-known restaurants in the city. One visit in, and you’ll understand why. From being a step above the rest with their steak offerings, to featuring a classy yet lively bar scene, and the perfect dining room for an intimate occasion, RARE has it all — and then some.

THE VIBE

Situated in the square of downtown Madison, RARE Steakhouse features beautiful views of the capital. The moment you step inside RARE, you’ll know you’ve entered a classic steakhouse. The atmosphere is romantic with its cherry wood walls, leather seating, and dimly-lit chandeliers that offer a moody hue. The staff makes each guest feel like they’re the only person in the restaurant, so expect to leave feeling like you’re a celebrity.

THE STEAK

Locals flock to the restaurant for its hand-cut steaks. RARE is “rare” in the sense that it has its own beef flown in from Japan. They age all the meat in house — something you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, especially in Madison.

THE SEAFOOD

I’m a seafood gal, and I particularly like my filet at a steakhouse. For some reason, that turns people’s heads, but any chef who knows how to perfectly cook beef knows all about how to achieve that fabulous flakiness in a piece of fish.

Standouts include the Seared Scallops with parsnip and butternut squash puree, candied butternut squash, and bacon; the Crab Pasta Al Diavolo featuring house made pasta, jumbo lump crab, roasted tomatoes, Fresno peppers, and roasted garlic; and the Seared Salmon with turnip, parsnip, granny smith apples, and candied butternut squash.

THE SIDES

It’s ALWAYS the sides for me. A meal is only as good as the parts that make it up. The Glazed Carrots with pistachios and tarragon, and the Lobster Mac & cheese with herb panko are major standouts.

THE APPS

If you get one appetizer on the menu, make it the Ahi Tuna Poke. It’s an unsung hero on the menu that will make you lick your plate clean. The menu item features ponzu reduction, Sriracha, avocado, sweet chili-sesame aioli, lettuce cups, and crispy rice.

THE HAPPY HOUR

If you’re anything like me, you love happy hour … and you seek it out at a topnotch restaurant. RARE has you covered, offering happy hour drink specials and half off shareables in the bar area Monday through Friday, 4-6pm.

THE SECRET MENU ITEMS

I’m guilty of not digging deep into what each restaurant has for off-menu items, but it’s surely part of the allure! RARE often has a limited supply of special premium steak cuts that you have to ask about when you come in. Think: American wagyu ribeye.

THE UNIQUE MENU ITEMS

So what should you come for if you want something so pretty, so unique, you just have to take a picture of it? (That’s pretty much everything for me!) In the case of RARE, the golden ticket is awarded to the Bananas Foster. Made tableside, the dessert sends a ripple effect across the dining room. Once one order comes out of the kitchen, not many can resist ordering for fear of missing out. Each order comes out with a show and it is one of the favorite desserts that guests can’t leave without having no matter how full they are.

THE COCKTAILS

When it comes to a steakhouse, sign me up for the classics. At RARE, the smoke infused old fashioned hits right. The drink features Elijah Craig bourbon, simple syrup, and Angostura Bitters. Another must is the Cran Rita, a cranberry martini complete with Milagro tequila, Grand Marnier, simple syrup, lime, and cranberry.

THE WINE

In-house sommeliers will whisk you around the world and back as they cover the extensive offerings. RARE also hosts educational events that are entertaining and leave you one step closer to your next favorite bottle of wine.

FAN FAVORITES

It feels like I’ve already rounded up what hits the spot, but why stop there? The lobster bisque stands up to even the toughest of critics. There are several signature cuts of steak, from unique to rare, that make guests swoon as well. The capital cut and the rib cap capture the flavor and tenderness so many steakhouse guests desire. The Kobe beef is a melt-in-your-mouth must.

Have I activated your taste buds yet? Whether you live in the area, are stopping through for work, or planning a vacation to the city, you’d be remiss not to make RARE Steakhouse a must.