STK… I Have No Words
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
Speechless…
Actually, I have a lot of words—about 1,000, to be exact! I slipped into my favorite outfit: a chic blazer dress paired with tights and my Julia Roberts Pretty Woman-inspired stiletto boots. Feeling glamorous, I set out for an evening of indulgence and excitement. My destination? STK in Westwood, Los Angeles. I was ready to taste the chef’s menu—and spoiler alert—it was chef’s kiss in every way imaginable.
From the moment I arrived at STK Steakhouse, nestled within the glamorous W Hotel, I could feel that the night was going to be special. There was an electric buzz in the air—a perfect mix of sophistication and high-energy. My guest and I were greeted by an incredibly friendly team of hostesses who seemed as excited about the night as we were. During a quick chat, we talked about my upcoming move from NYC to LA (a big life change!) before they led us to our table.
As we walked through the space, I couldn’t help but take it all in: sleek, modern décor with a subtle glow of soft lighting, the hum of lively conversations, and the rhythmic beats of a curated playlist filled with all my fav Drake, Tems, and WizKid songs that set the tone for the night. It was the perfect blend of elegance and vibrant energy—exactly what I’d expect from dinner in Los Angeles.
The Cocktail Kick-off
To set the stage for the feast, I kicked things off with a couple of cocktails that were as inventive as they were delicious. First up was my order- Bonded & Free, featuring Jack Daniel’s Bonded Whiskey, Cointreau, réàl peach purée, and rosemary. The balanced sweetness blended beautifully with the aromatic hint of rosemary, making it a perfect start to the evening. As a typical Jack and Coke girl myself, this drink kept my true aura intact while expanding my palette to an even better alternative.
Then came the Spiced Watermelon, an award-winning cocktail that masterfully combined Patrón Silver Tequila, St-Germain, watermelon purée, fresh lime, and just the right kick of jalapeño. This drink was refreshing and zesty, like summer in a glass, and the slight heat from the jalapeño was a fun surprise. I found myself slowly savoring each sip, hoping to drag out the experience, but alas, it vanished far too quickly. What can I say? Cocktails of that caliber have a way of disappearing.
Appetizer Awesomeness
As we moved on to appetizers, I was ready to indulge my taste buds further. The Baby Gem Caesar salad arrived first, garnished with crispy herb croutons and a delightful lemon black pepper emulsion. The freshness of the baby gem lettuce paired with the rich flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano created a classic Caesar salad that was anything but ordinary.
Next, I tried the Maple & Bourbon Nueske’s Bacon. If you think bacon isn’t a game-changer, think again. This dish was succulent and smoky, served with a tangy apple cabbage slaw and pickled mustard seeds that intrigued my palate with their crunch and acidity. It was a real flavor bomb that left me wishing for a never-ending supply.
The Tuna Tartare that followed was equally mesmerizing. Served with silky Hass avocado and crispy taro chips, the soy-honey emulsion added a sweet and salty depth that kept me coming back for more. It was like summer in every bite, light and refreshing, perfectly prepared to open my palate.
Finally, I couldn’t resist the Lil’ Brgs, featuring wagyu beef topped with a special sauce tucked into a sesame seed bun. Each bite was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, heralding the arrival of the entrée course with delectable anticipation.
Entrees That Wow
By this point, I was eagerly awaiting the main event—our entrées. The Mushroom & Truffle Tagliatelle arrived, and I was instantly engulfed in the aroma of truffles. The tender, creamy pasta intertwined with braised mushrooms was elegantly topped with shaved black truffle. It was surprisingly decadent without being overly rich, and I could feel the truffle-loving side of me almost swooning.
Next was the Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, sitting atop a bed of sautéed bok choy. The fish was flaky and cooked to perfection, with a delightful miso glaze that struck a perfect balance between savory and sweet. The crispy shallots and Thai basil added a delightful texture and burst of flavor that complemented the dish beautifully. Talk about a culinary symphony on my plate!
Let’s not forget the star of the show—the Filet! This 10 oz. delight was cooked medium-rare as requested and seasoned to perfection. Each forkful melted in my mouth, and I found myself engaging in excessive savoring, reflecting on how perfectly grilled and tender it was. I paired this with the Parmesan Truffle Fries, which were crispy and addictive, and the Crispy Brussels Sprouts drizzled with a cider glaze, adding a sweet element that was impossible to resist. And of course, the Mac & Cheese was as comforting as it sounds. Traditional, creamy, and utterly indulgent, it was the ultimate sprawly comfort dish by which every other mac & cheese should be judged.
Dessert Delights
Now, if you thought the entrée course was the pinnacle of perfection, wait until we talk dessert! I could hardly contain my excitement as the options were laid before me, and we opted for a trio of tempting treats. First was the whimsical Bag O’ Donuts, which came sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and accompanied by three delightful dips: dulce de leche, raspberry, and chocolate. I felt like a kid in a candy store, sampling each dunk with sheer glee.
The Atmosphere
As delicious as the food and drinks were, it was the atmosphere that truly made the night unforgettable. Around us, stylish diners laughed, toasted, and shared bites, creating an environment that felt alive with energy and celebration. The space was a perfect blend of sophistication and fun, where every detail—from the music to the lighting—contributed to the overall vibe.
The Takeaway
As we left the restaurant, I couldn’t help but smile. If this was a taste of what life in LA had in store for me, I was all in. STK didn’t just meet my expectations; it blew them out of the water. Every detail, from the impeccable service to the perfectly executed dishes, made the night feel larger than life.
I walked in looking for a fun, delicious night out, but what I found was something so much more: an unforgettable experience filled with glamour, flavor, and connection. One thing’s for sure—I’ll be coming back to STK, and next time, I’m bringing friends to share in the magic!
