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Health & Fitness

MASTRO'S STEAKHOUSE IS READY FOR YOU NOW!

Here's what the over-the-top VIP Pre-Opening Cocktail Party last night was like! The doors will officially open this afternoon at 5:00.

The economic downturn slowed the construction of the Mastro’s Steakhouse on El Paseo for a couple of years, but once they got going they sure didn’t cut any corners. They opened their doors during the Golf Cart Parade last month so that curious citizens could take a peek, and last night they threw a high-energy VIP
cocktail party for more than 700 people that was jaw-droppingly fabulous. The red
carpet was so long it ran from the sidewalk on El Paseo around the corner on
Lupine, and there was a herd of valet parkers to whisk the cars to safety.

It was one of the most memorable restaurant openings I've attended in ages. The handsome/beautiful ever-smiling black-clad staff did an exceptional job of squeezing between the guests while holding trays of glassware (empty and full) over their heads – often with just one hand! The lighting was just low enough
to add a touch of romance and mystery, and to show off the sophisticated interiors of the various rooms. There were several food stations in accessible locations,
offering tons of seafood (really!) acquired through Santa Monica Seafood piled high on a huge mountain of ice. The shrimp were enormous, the lobsters were large and meaty, and the delicate crab claws were delicious. Of course, since Mastro’s menu is famous for its prime hand-cut steaks, seasoned  with a secret dry rub and served on sizzling 400-degree plates, there was plenty of meat to be had. Everyone had a great time and I especially got a kick out of the moment when our local Mr. McDonald’s (Dick Shalhoub) met Mr. Mastro (General Manager Patrick Barrett). Talk about opposite ends of the dining spectrum!

By the way, their libation offerings include almost any cocktail you can think of (including trendy and classic) and 500 wines, 50 of which you can get by the glass!

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Mastro’s Steakhouse opens to the public today and plans to serve dinner from 5 pm till 2 am, so stop by for a drink, dinner, or just a look-around. You can connect
with them on Facebook at MastrosRestaurants, on Twitter @MastrosOfficial,
and on the web at mastrosrestaurants.com. Dan Aykroyd will be guest bartending this Sunday, November 4, from 6:00 – 6:45 pm. He’ll be making his favorite Clementine Martini featuring his Crystal Head Vodka. The address is 73-405 El Paseo and the easy to remember phone number is 760.776.6777.

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