KO Prime: A Total Knock Out

Rating: 5 forks

After all the chatter and the hype, we finally made it to KO Prime for dinner last Friday evening; it lived up to our expectations, and in fact, it actually exceeded them. Upon arriving at the entrance to the Nine Zero Hotel, we were greeted by a friendly valet, who offered-up a couple of his personal favorite dishes as recommendations as he opened the door for us to enter. We ascended the staircase, to what used to be Spire restaurant, to what now is Ken Oringer's (Chef, Owner) modern steak house. The hostess greeted us with a smile, graciously took our coats and, although we were right on time for our reservation, she asked us if we'd like to enjoy a cocktail before dinner. And so we did. We both enjoyed our simple favorite: a Chopin martini, up, dry, with olives. Yum. The bar area hasn't changed much from Spire: the crescent-shaped bar seats about 10 or so, facing a comfortable lounge area accented with cow-skin seats, leather cubic stools, and cocktail tables. The light was dim, which set the perfect mood.

Upon finishing our cocktails we were led back through the romantic, yet modern & chic, dining area to our table for two. An energetic and very friendly waitress approached us, welcomed us, and informed us of the pre-appetizer for the evening: an Asian style app of crispy seared shrimp (full head and all) served with sauteed Japanese peppers, of which 1 in 10 is "spicy". We ordered it, and I was on the receiving end of that lucky pepper. Yikes! It was tasty though. We then received a miso soup spoon of ceviche with "foam", compliments of the chef. It was interesting to see, and heaven on the palate.

From the menu, we enjoyed 4 oysters, 2 Island Creeks and 2 Kumomotos ($3/each) as...well...the "post-pre-appetizer", and then I enjoyed an appetizer of refreshing Hamachi Sashimi ($16), and Mike feasted on the decadent Seared Fois Gras, with rhubarb, Reisling, and laurel ($18). Our bottle of 2003 Elyse "Morisoli Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, California) was breathing, and opened just in time, as the waitress delivered our entrees: for me, the 10oz filet served perfectly medium-rare, with Chimichurri sauce on the side, as I like my quality meat unmasked and straight-up ($44); for Mike, the 14oz New York Strip Steak, 28 Day Dry-Aged served with Cippolini Onions ($44), also served medium rare; and for sides, Jumbo Green Asparagus, Hollandaise ($8), and Mixed Mushrooms ($8).*

Wow. The entire evening was an A+. The ambiance was spectacular, romantic, yet upbeat. The service was fabulous, friendly, and authentic (note, we went with low expectations of the service as friends have told us, and we have read numerous online reviews, of terrible service experiences. I think Ken listened?). And the food- oooh, the food - was sublime. What more can you ask? I guess that your neighboring party picks up the rather large tab ;).

KO is not your typical steak house, so don't go expecting the mahogany, brass, and attitude. Its modern. Its sexy. If you haven't been... you should, and please share your experience(s) with me.

KO Prime
90 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-772-0202
http://www.koprimeboston.com/
Valet Available @ The Nine Zero

KO Prime is also green!

* Note: prices listed above may not be exact; prices on the KO Prime Web site are lower than the actual menu prices.

Comments

[Kate Beaton]

Thanks so much, Melissa! Great to hear from you!

[melissa]

this has nothing to do with KO -- I've never eaten there.

just wanted to let you know your new photo is fantastic!