That’s a big question. We’d like to answer it in the depth requested, but there’s one problem. The Keeper of the Prime Rib Flame, so to speak, is Anthony Curtis, who conducted the survey you’re referring to, which was published in the July 1996 issue of the Las Vegas Advisor.
To complete it, Anthony ate every prime rib special in Las Vegas for $7.95 or less, plus a random sampling of higher-priced offers. In the end, he consumed 58 prime rib dinners in Vegas, plus one each in Sacramento ($16.99) and San Diego ($15.99) for price-comparison purposes.
We asked Anthony about doing another survey and his response was immediate. He didn't hesitate. He didn't equivocate. He didn't prevaricate. In fact, the force of his answer surprised even us.
He said, and we quote: "NO!" He added, "It was the worst research I ever had to conduct."
So a big prime rib round-up is out of the question, but here are a few leads from recent taste-and-tenderness and value tests, direct from the prime ribmeister himself.
Our top pick at Downtown Grand was recently discontinued, so looking around, the best value is now at Klondike Sunset, with three choices: $5.55, $8.99, and $12.99. All three are very good for the price, but the $12.99er could well be the best prime rib deal in Las Vegas currently. I’m sure it was at least 16 ounces, it was cut right off the rib, and it came as rare as it could’ve been, which is how I like it. Highly recommended.
The Klondike Sunset slab replaces the previous best play, which is served Thursdays only, at Little Tony's at Palace Station, for $18.95 the last time I was there.
Another good bargain pr is at the El Cortez for $10.95.
And speaking of the El Cortez, several meals that were served in the old Flame gourmet restaurant there remain on the menu in the new room, Siegel’s 1941, including prime rib. A 12-ounce cut goes for $22 and a 16-ouncer for $28, both down $1 from their Flame prices. I tried the 16-ouncer, which is prepared with a crust on top (more like a steak). It’s good, but I preferred the traditional preparation at the Flame.
Along the same vein, the new Cornerstone steakhouse at Gold Coast replaces the Cortez Room. It’s located in the same spot and is laid out the same way, with a big dining room and a bar area where you can eat watching sports on the TVs, but prices are significantly higher. For example, the 14-ounce prime rib that was $20 is now $28 and the 22-ouncer that was $25 is now $32. Plus, everything’s a la carte, with soups, salads, and sides running $6-$8. While not the bargain it used to be, it’s still reasonable compared to most steakhouses in town and that prime rib is still a banger.
Higher end, Lawry's is always excellent, but much more expensive.
Thank you, Anthony.
How about it, QoDers? Who has a good prime rib recommendation for this answer?
