Day 11: Los Ranchos Liquors???

We wanted to go to the Monte Carlo Steakhouse that was on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, but we found out it was closed for the holiday weekend, so my aunt and uncle suggested another steak place, and we agreed. As we rode to the restaurant, my uncle told me to memorize the phrase “the cat’s whiskers.” We pulled up to a parking lot with a liquor store called Los Ranchos Liquors and a big black door that was locked when you tried to open it. My uncle instructed me to knock, so I did, and a voice from the other side hollered, “hold your horses, I’m busy.” After a few brief moments, the voice again came through the door asking for the password, so I said “the cat’s whiskers” and he checked to be sure that I wasn’t a cop and wasn’t wearing a wire before letting us in. We were given instructions not to bother the other guests or ask anyone for an autograph, and we were told that if anyone bothered us, to let him know and he would make sure it was taken care of. We were then led to a fancy table and given a fancy menu for “Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse.” The prices were higher than your normal steakhouse, but the food was delicious and had definitely been cooked by a well-trained chef. I tried to get pictures of the food discreetly, but it was much to dark in the restaurant to see any of it without using a flash. I got the small filet mignon with new potatoes and shared a chop salad with my husband. The meat was tender and juicy and cooked perfectly, and the salad and potatoes were a nice addition to the meal. I was stuffed when we left. Michael ordered a ribeye with peppercorn and covered in a brandy cream sauce and served with loaded mashed potatoes, and he tried his best to finish his meal but was unable. As we left, the man that let us in the door told us to be sure to come back so he didn’t have to whack anyone we knew. It was definitely expensive, but a fun experience.