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A 2012 Elite Welcome Reception at The Capital Grille
Category: Local Flavor Local Flavor [Edit]
310 W Wisconsin Ave.Milwaukee, WI 53203
Neighborhoods: Westown, Downtown
- Good for Kids:
- No
22 reviews for A 2012 Elite Welcome Reception at The Capital Grille
22 reviews in English
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Review from Pamela M.
1/27/2012 3 photos
Seriously, this was the BEST. I can see why we couldn't bring guests... this was too special for guests!!!
Ok, the lobster rolls, the tuffle fries, the tenderloin sandwiches, the shrimp size of sharks, and the nice cocktails... ok you had me there. But then, a tour of the kitchen where dry aged beef develops and that gift bag?!?! Stop it! It's too much! Just kidding, it wasn't too much - it was perfect and just great.
Can't wait to go back to this place to eat, it is Classy, Classy, Classy. They know how to make food and treat guests at The Capital Grille!!! WOW - SHOCKER!!
Thanks Rachel!!! -
Review from Jessica O.
Milwaukee, WI
1/25/2012
I don't know what else to add - the other reviewers were all spot on.
This venue was amazing. I admit, I thought this place was just another chain - but I couldn't have been more wrong. Capital Grille supports local ingredients, celebrates legendary Milwaukeeans, and really cares about providing out-of-this-world service to their guests.
The samplings from the new "Plates" menu were outstanding. Three courses were served...the shrimp cocktail featured shrimp so large that calling them "Jumbo" simply doesn't do them justice. The lobster roll was a creamy, savory lobster delight served on a toasted, buttery roll. And the tenderloin sandwiches with duxelle mushrooms and a Boursin cheese fell apart in your mouth.
GM Paul was an outstanding host, he took us through the wine cellars and allowed us a sneak peak behind the scenes at the restaurant. We toured the kitchen, where Chef Mike knocked our socks off with his perfectly cooked cuts of meat...seasoned to perfection and drizzled with food-gasm inducing sauces...then educated us on the cooking process.
The signature cocktails are also not to be missed. Scott the bartender treated us to the Bohemian, which was a sweet, crisp mixture of raspberry syrup, Absolut Peach, and champagne, and the Stoli Doli - which was a martini made with vodka infused for ten days with pineapple slices.
Rachel F did an AMAZING job coordinating this event - and - in my opinion - did not get to enjoy nearly enough of the tantalizing delights presented to her - because she was too busy making sure everyone was having an awesome time.
We're going to need to do this again. Don't make me beg.Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012!
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Review from Richard S.
Oak Creek, WI
1/25/2012
Man...The Milwaukee Elite Group is fast! 19 reviews already??? All the Funny, Cool and Useful stuff has already been written, so I'll just add my voice in confirmation of the obvious.
This was a fantastic event!
It is always a blast getting the chance to meet my fellow Milwaukee Yelpers in person!
Rachel is an amazing CM!
The Capital Grille is a Meat Lover's Paradise!
GM Paul, Chef Mike, Scott The Bartender and the rest of the Capital Grille Staff were Wonderful Hosts!
The Food and Drinks were out of this world! My personal favorite had to be the Lobster Roll.
The Kitchen and Wine Room Tours made me feel...well... I have to say it, very...ELITE! ;)
Thanks Again Rachel. With you leading the way, Yelp Milwaukee is going to have a phenomenal 2012!Listed in: 100 reviews in 2012!
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Review from Nishan P.
I am so overwhelmed by this event that I'll just list what made it one of the greatest ever:
C hoicest cuts of dry aged beef. Overheard, "OMG, this is the best meat I've ever tasted!"
A wesome tenderloin sandwiches: so juicy, so tasty!
P ineapple infused vodka drink of the gods: the amazing, and dangerous, Stoli Doli.
I nformative tour of the kitchen with executive Chef Mike. I love the Kona rub!
T rip to the wine cellar with the very knowledgeable manager Paul. 5000 bottles, people!
A bundance of delicious lobster rolls. So much that an entire tray was left over!
L arge platters of jumbo shrimp. How big do they have to be before we call them prawns?
G enerous collection of parting gifts for each Yelper: Truffles, free lunch, and spice rubs.
R ed meat, red meat, and more red meat! Did I mention red meat?
I nteresting and friendly Yelpers. And some funny ones too.
L uke, the hardest working photog in the house.
L ovely Rachel F, CM extraordinaire, who coordinated this outstanding event.
E xemplary service: professional, polite, and polished.
I know I've bandied about several superlatives but they are well deserved. This event was that good!Listed in: Why I Yelp
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Review from Brian M.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow.
I confess, I was ignorant. This definitely changed my uneducated opinion of what the Capital Grille is. I had no idea. I'll admit, I was wrong. Please forgive me, please accept my apologizes.
We were privy to a tour of the kitchen and the basement meat locker. Truly meat porn. I asked that my fellow tour goers excuse me and give me a few moments alone with all the aging sides of beef. Probably best that request was denied....
I learned a lot today about aging meat from Chef Micheal. I truly appreciate the lesson. I've always appreciated good beef, now I feel closer than ever before. Great place to get your meat on. The rarer the better. Just knock off the moo and put it on my plate..
Thanks to Rachael F. (of course), and thanks to the GM Paul and the awesome staff at CG. I'll see you soon for lunch, dinner, drinks, and various other times in between..Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012…
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Review from Joanna T.
1/24/2012
Because this was a classy event, I'm going to skip the jokes about meat rubbing....
Seriously, this was a top notch evening full of giant shrimp, plentiful steak, cool people and dee- licious drinks (big ups for the champagne cocktail action). If you are reading this and thinking "hmm...those Elites are snobby a-holes who are currently full of free steak"...please get active, write a bunch of reviews and JOIN us!
Thank you Rachel + Capital Grill for a great time. Everything was delicious, your servers were awesome and your kitchen tour refedined food porn for me!Listed in: Anno Centum
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Review from Caley C.
1/24/2012 1 photo
Anytime I can go in the basement of a fancy restaurant I've been meaning to try, and watch a guy rub meat, I consider that a success.
Hence, tonight's Elite '12 welcome reception was a great success!
Had such a blast hanging out with Yelp friends old and new.
Mowed on delicious truffle fries (so good I had to abandon the tongs and just shove them in my mouth, no need for plate), glorious cuts of meat (the one in that shallot sauce, dear lord, yes) and some monster-size shrimp.
Was thoroughly impressed with the excellent drinks selection. Though I'm preggo and stuck to the yummy grapefruit soda, I was envious of the pineapple vodka thingy and yummy looking champagne/berry concoction. Very nice spread, from the food to drink. Not that I'm surprised. It's Yelp + one of Milwaukee's swankiest. It had to impress, and it did!
So appreciative of the awesome gift bags the Grille so graciously bestowed upon each of us. Can't wait to return with a lucky friend for lunch. And meat rub??!! Heck yes.
A hearty kudos to all the staff, who were so kind and welcoming. The chef that posed so sweetly with the meat downstairs? Total champ. The general manager was super sweet, and the random kitchen staff member who found Kyle and I wandering around looking for the rest of the crew was a wonderful help as well.
Glad I finally got to try the Grille in such a fun way, will definitely be back! -
Review from Nicole H.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Despite all of us looking fancy in our pretty clothes, I couldn't help but hear Homer Simpson going "Mmmmm, Meat!" in my head all night long.
So clearly, I'm not one of the classy people everyone else is talking about.
Not going to lie, if you all wouldn't have judged me, I'd have taken that platter of rubbed tenderloin for my very own.
Chef Mike said some of my favorite words when he drizzled the steak with a "12 year Balsamic," but the winner of the night was that shallot butter reduction. Paula Deen wishes she could make something so buttery and delicious.
Capital Grille hasn't really been on my radar in terms of steakhouses, but I was way impressed. The food was decadent and delicious. The steak melted in your mouth. The staff was helpful, informative and completely unobtrusive. They were also incredibly generous. Even if they hadn't offered a free lunch, I'd go back. It's clear the GM and Chef Mike are passionate about serving great food.
Thanks so much - what a way to kick of Elite '12 -
Review from Colin A.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Did someone say incredible?
Yes! Yes they did. Wow. Huge kudos to Rachel for hooking up the first elite event of 2012; if the time at Capital Grille is any indication, it is going to be a great year!
Tour of the wine cellar? Un-Check (whoops, I missed this part). Tour of the kitchen and dry rub aged steak? Double check. Meeting so many awesome elite friends face-to-face? Triple check!
I'll be back for lunch (and dinner) soon...yum city in downtown MKE. -
Review from Jeff J.
I was just blown away by this event. It's the first elite event I have gone too and as soon as I got in my car to leave, I had to call my wife and tell her all about it before I could even get home. I'm half tempted to ask if we can just have it here every month. Just an amazing place.
The food was just amazing. I know I'm sounding like I am overselling it, but it was really some of the best food I've ever had. The mini tenderloin sandwiches just melted in your mouth. It was the best sandwich I have ever had. They had some fresh, light, buttery lobster rolls that were exceptional. First time I have ever had them, but they were wonderful. Some giant shrimp that were so fresh, firm, and tasty. They had some Parmesan fries that were very good. And there were steak. Lots of steak.
We took a tour of the wine cellar where Paul talked to us about their collection of over 5,000 bottles. We went through the kitchen, which is really like 2 kitchens. We went to the meat section that was down a level and had a wonderful time. executive chef Mike walked us through the dry aging process, why it is used, how they prepare some of the meat, what rubs are used, and all kinds of great info. They then had samples down in the kitchen area and then brought up a few platefuls to the dining area and we had more. It was just wonderful. Some of the best steak I've ever had.
Capital Grille even had a gift bag for everyone at the end of the night that contained 2 truffles (best I have ever had), 2 packets of their steak rub, and a gift certificate for 2 free lunches there.
The service was outstanding. The GM and the chef were very outgoing and talked to everyone and made every attempt to answer any questions. The chef even went over the drying process 3-4 times because only a small group could get in the drying room at a time. The wait staff was spot on with their duties and kept the plates and empty glasses cleared and were helpful with anything you needed.
I need to thank Rachel, our wonderful CM, for putting on such an awesome event. It was my first elite event and defiantly won't be my last. She did a great job getting thing organized, keeping things moving, floating around talking to everyone and making them feel welcome, and even giving out some goodies.
Overall, it was one of the best restaurant experiences I have ever had. I'll be going back there for sure.Listed in: 100 in 2012
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Review from Heather C.
Milwaukee, WI
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I will make this short and sweet!
Rachel F is a Rock Star! In so many ways!! She does all of the hard work, finding the venue, setting up the event, keeping it running smoothly, making everyone comfortable, making sure our bellys are full and our palates quenched! All we do is show up and have fun!! I tip my hat to you (although I don't usually wear a hat!)
The Capital Grille and their staff are just as Amazing! Friendly and inviting!! They welcomed us into their establishment with open arms and sent us on our way with a bag full of the best goodies around!
What better place to try a lobster roll for the first time and take a chance on a piece of steak that isn't cook well done! The White Truffle fries were Delicious! But, nothing beats that Sweet Pepper Soup! I would have taken a gallon or two home with me if I could.
Thank You Again and Again! To Rachel F and the entire staff at The Capital Grille. You have outdone yourself this time, as you always do!Listed in: Yelp 100 Challenge, Yelp Elite Events
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Review from Melanie B.
Milwaukee, WI
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
After I got done reading everyone's awesome reviews here, I don't know what else I can add.....you guys said it so eloquently. The food and drink were all a slam dunk- everything that was offered just was amazing. The Lobster Roll, JUMBO shrimp, the meat cuts, but especially those fries- are they called Crack Fries? Cuz they should be.
This was my favorite Elite Event (nothing to do with the fact I won the raffle, even tho when I got home I screamed with JOY; my husband was a little bit frightened however some of that joy may have had something to do with the Stoli Dolie I was slippin' on...) and I have only missed one so I feel like I have a lot to go on. I feel like Capital Grille and Rachel pulled out the red carpet for this one.
I loved meeting all the new Yelpers I interact with online in real life as well as reconnecting with my old Yelpers. (We missed you TKozy!!)
I think what is really cool about this event is it was someplace I probably would never have gone- and that is why Yelp is so awesome. Yelp brings you to places that are outside of your wheelhouse ---I'm really glad Yelp brought me here.
Capital Grill has a warm, handsome, sophisticated (without the 'tude) vibe going on and I was really diggin' it. I love the large portraits of local famous people. From the bartender to the waitstaff to the managers, everyone was "Top Drawer"- as my Dad would say.
I had to take advantage of the FREE Valet Parking since there was a Marquette Game. That was sure a life saver.
Thanks to Rachel--you threw a great event last night! I'm honored to be a part of the 2012 Elite Squad!Listed in: Yelp 100 Challenge
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Review from Ellie B.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
A classy event for some classy people! The Capital Grille is a really awesome place and everyone was so gracious and welcoming. It was cool to get a mini tour of the place.
It was great to chat with new friends and old!
I look forward to coming back for lunch and took note of the complimentary valet.Listed in: Elitist
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Review from Cassie D.
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was an ah-mazing time! I had never been to the Capital Grille before, and honestly wasn't sure it'd really be my scene. I was so wrong about the place! The staff was so down to earth and friendly. The kitchen tour and meat demo was a nice addition. Specialty cocktails and a huge amount of delicious food-Yes please! I'm not the kind of person who expects free stuff, I was totally shocked by their generosity.
As always, I love my Yelp community and give huge kudos to Rachel F for not only putting on such awesome shindigs, but for putting up with us :) I'm looking forward to the next one!Listed in: Cassie's 100 (Yelp 2012…
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Review from Kelsey S.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
A-MAZING. In all caps. This is such a great spot for private parties. In talking with the bartender, he shared that they have private groups there on nearly a daily basis, which is generally a good sign. Hors d'oeurvres included a lobster roll, mini tenderloin sandwiches (to DIE for), roasted pepper soup, and gigantic shrimp. Add in some delicious cocktails, and you've got yourself an exceptional event.
The staff was utterly fantastic, engaging with guests and taking us on tours of the kitchen (which included mouth-watering steak samples). The door prize goodie bags were also awesome, and I can't wait to go back for lunch. All in all, an outstanding event and a great opportunity to meet some friendly Yelpers in person. Thanks to Rachel and The Capital Grille staff!Listed in: The Yelp 100 Challenge
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Review from Becky H.
1/24/2012
She swings...and it's a homerun!!!!!!!!!
Who needs Prince Fielder when you have a CM like Rachel and establishments like the Capital Grille??
This event was amazing! The special martinis and champagne drinks? Delicious. The samples from their lunch menu? Scrumptious. Kitchen tour and explanation of their dry rubbed steak? Informative and mouth-watering. The gift bags? OMG-thank you!
What a fantastic event to start off 2012! Great hospitality from the Capital Grille! Can't wait to come back! Nice seeing everyone and meeting some great new people!
Thanks Rachel and Capital Grille...5 stars without a doubt!Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012!
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Review from Shane H.
1/24/2012
This was such a blast. Got to meet some eilte yelpers in person for the first time and chat in real time!
The food was rad! And the hosts from Capital Grille were super friendly, and now I have some places in Philly to check out on my upcoming work trip.
Can't wait to see what the rest on 2012 has in store. -
Review from Lindsey O.
Bay View, Milwaukee, WI
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Swanky. Absolutely. The general manager, Paul, and other staff were fabulous hosts. A tour of the meat room - who knew so much went into it? Wine collection - missed it but will see if Paul's up to sharing when I come in for my free lunch for two! Lobster sandwiches, filet sliders, truffle fries and filet, filet, filet.
I really enjoyed my first Yelp event. Great people and great teasers to sample. Now I know where to go for a really fancy meal. Oh and complimentary valet. Did I read that right? Why yes I did.
Special thanks to Rachel - you're tops girl.Listed in: Yelp 100 Challenge 2012
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Review from Nick K.
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had a great time at the Yelp Elite 2012 party. The food was absolutely fantastic, shrimp cocktail, tenderloin, lobster rolls all beautifully presented and tasted great. It was great to meet fellow "Elitists" and Rachel did a great job putting this event together.
The staff at the Capital Grille was amazing. They were extremely personable, but knowledgable and professional! Great event!Listed in: 2012100
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Review from Sally M.
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
The first Elite event of 2012 was superb for many reasons. Firstly, the cozy, old school country club/steak house feel of Capital Grille set the tone. While I initially didn't consider this place a "Yelp" type of spot, the service and atmosphere of the establishment made up for its lack of local-ness-ness.
Upon entering our private room, I noticed an amazingly stocked bar (wine, beer, champagne cocktails, martinis, grapefruit soda) and did not hesitate to imbibe.
Although I wasn't able to try the tenderloin sandwich, the lobster rolls were delicately delicious and the truffle fries hit the spot! The big hit was the pieces of filet, grilled up with two different sauces just for us. A carnivore's dream.
A mini-tweetup (hellooooo #TCGYelpMKE), fantastic raffles and giveaways, and tours of the kitchen rounded out the evening.
Three cheers to Rachel F.! Looking forward to many more wonderful events this year. -
Review from Brian P.
Updated - 1/25/2012
Alright, so I didn't eat their in the traditional sense. I was there for a Yelp Elite event. But I just wanted to say that everyone went above and beyond to cater to our group. We spoke with members of the staff, saw a chef demo in the basement, and got a private tour of the wine rooms.
Even though I haven't eaten at the Capial Grille yet, I feel confident that when i do, it is going to be great.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/25/2012
I always give these events five stars. Because well, Rachel does a kick ass job.
But if I could, I… Read more »
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Review from Kyle K.
1/24/2012
This is one restaurant that has altered my view of a chain. Honestly, ignorance had led me to believe that Capital Grille was going to be some generic, glorified TGI Fridays. Could I have been more wrong? The place is absolutely gorgeous. The food we sampled was wonderful, highlighted by the freshly rubbed meat (grow up!) right off of the grill, only a few feet from their dry aging meat locker. The other businesses that have hosted the elite events I have attended did a great job of selling themselves, but Capital Grill takes the cake. Awesome food, great drinks and as always the company of our fellow Milwaukoholics! Great to meet some of the newbies and finally get to talk to the old hands. Thank you Rachel, this event topped all others!
Listed in: 2012 Yelp 100: Yelp hard.
