My husband Bill and I visited the new Mastro’s Steakhouse in Palm Desert recently. We would have preferred to dine in the expansive lounge area but as we walked in with no reservations, the lounge tables were fully booked and the long bar was standing room only.
Being seated in one of several elegant dining rooms, Bill and I looked at each other and commented on how dark the room was. We asked our server about the light level and were told that it’s part of the vibe at Maestro’s and she proceeded to give us two flashlights.
Mastro’s Pink Paloma
I started with one of Mastro’s featured cocktails, The Pink Paloma with Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka, Thatcher’s Elderflower Liqueur, fresh mint, ruby red grapefruit juice and a splash of Sprite served tall over ice. Refreshing and light! Bill enjoyed a glass of red wine from the extensive wine list.
Next the Mastro’s breadbasket arrived! Hands down this was the best house baked bread that I’ve experienced in a long time. A lot of variety and every bite was quite simply delish! I told Bill I could of eaten nothing but bread, wine and a bit of cheese. Bill was off carbs for a couple of weeks so he enjoyed me enjoying the bread.
High Marks & Perfection
For our first course we ordered two salads that were both exceptionally good. For me the warm spinach salad is highly recommended. Bill gives high marks to the beefsteak tomato and onion salad–a perfect combination. Next course for me was the Scottish salmon fillet (wonderful) while Bill; keeping in the steakhouse theme of things, enjoyed a bone-in fillet that he said was perfection.
The service was very good although at times it seems there are almost too many bus persons moving through in the room. More space between the tables likely would have helped but this is a very busy place so space is likely at a premium.
Regarding the dark room lighting? It was so dark that we didn’t recognize a long time-server friend of ours that previously worked at Arnold Palmer’s in La Quinta for many years. Priscilla must have walked by our table dozens of times before we connected. We also discovered business acquaintances at the very next table after about 20 minutes.
A Little Pricey, But Then You Get What You Pay For
We will definitely return to Mastro’s. Yes it’s pricey but in this case I’d say you get what you pay for. Reservations are highly suggested including tables in the lounge. Mastro’s Steakhouse is located at 73-405 El Paseo, Palm Desert. (760) 776-6777
