once a year my husband, Doug, and I escape to Iowa to enjoy a lazy day cruise with friends on lake Okoboji…eventually the pontoon ends up tied to a restaurant dock, time to cool off over a cocktail and enjoy dinner with a view…this time we were introduced to a charming place located in Arnold’s Park…we wandered through the old Emporium filled with shops, until at the end of the second-floor aisle we were welcomed by the filtered sunlight coming through the door of Prime Boji
we arrived a little early for our reservation, but they happily took us to our table located along a wall of large windows that allowed for unobstructed views of the lake…still a little flushed with heat, they suggested we start with a French75, a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of champagne, it was the perfect refresher as we perused the menu
the staff was so friendly and very knowledgeable about all the dishes they offer, never having to “go ask” with any of the questions we threw at them…our server, Ryan, was attentive with a great sense of humor, gladly helping us to make the difficult decision of what to order…it may be a small menu, but everything sounded delicious
the seafood tower was one thing we knew we’d be enjoying; Doug thought about devouring this all day…6 oysters each from both the east and west coast, 8 huge shrimp, a lump crab “martini”, tuna tartare and 3 king crab legs, what a feast that was…we balanced it off by sharing the beet salad with crunchy pear slices, candied pistachio, and goat cheese crumbles, all drizzled with a honey lemon dressing and topped with a frisee cap, a delightful accompaniment
the name “Prime” is appropriate for this seafood and steakhouse…USDA Prime is considered the top tier of beef; it is described as “melt in your mouth”, “the ultimate in tenderness”, “the juiciest” beef you can buy…and their steaks fit the bill
our boat captain, Don, devoured his ny strip that was smothered in mushrooms, served with a huge twice baked potato, fluffy on the inside, crisp cheesy crust on the outside…his wife, Tammy had a perfectly cooked filet with truffle fries and a bright pesto aioli…the plates were calling out for a big cabernet to put the finishing touch to a perfect meal and I loved the wine list, it was not filled with fruit-forward reds that seem to be so “popular” on menus lately, the Charles Krug couldn’t have been a better pairing
the dessert offerings are hard to pass up on…how exciting to see a baked Alaska on a menu, they change up the versions, but this one was chocolate cake with what I believe was crunchy toffee ice cream, so rich and luscious…I didn’t think I could possibly take another bite, but I did
just as I waved the white napkin, I am told about the grasshopper martini, heck, mint is a digestive, so for medicinal purposes I had to finish the evening with one…what a great choice, it brought back great memories…my gramma did not partake in alcoholic beverages, BUT, every once in a while she would sip on a small grasshopper ice cream drink, this doesn’t count, she would say, it is dessert…so I am sure she was smiling down with approval
this was a wonderful dining experience: cozy atmosphere, great view out the windows, fresh ingredients, beautiful presentations, all served up with a friendly staff! whether you get there by land or sea, it is worth the journey…