Bistecca Italian Steakhouse
2345 111 St.
780-439-7335
sorrentinos/bistecca.php
Price range: Mid to high
Rating: *****

Bistecca hired some darn good servers: Mariah helped us out with choices and enthused over our decisions.

She was delightful as she presented an excellent Gladstone Pinot Noir ($47) from New Zealand.

She sweetly delivered appetizers – of which the baked asparagus was king -  then my steak.

And what a steak it was! Bistecca’s signature dish is a 14-oz rib eye ($38) reposed on some root veggies.

I happily powered my way through the rich cut. Its spice-rubbed, lightly-charred exterior parted easily to yield the luscious, ruby red flesh beneath. My Pinot’s fruity first sips gave way to a dark, lingering flavour that stuck with us throughout the meal.

I rounded the evening off with a frothy white chocolate tiramisu ($9) and a Monte Cristo coffee ($6.50) with an obscene amount of whipped cream.

I look forward to our next visit, and not only to hear Mariah gush over that tempting duck duo entrée.