It’s all about the beef. Looking at the menu you could kid yourself that the Sundance Steakhouse was more than just a temple for the worshipping of hunks of meat, but you’d be wrong. Now, I’m not saying that the rest of the food is sub-par — far from it, in fact, but more about that later — no, my point is just that the meat is very, very, very good. And leaving here without sinking you teeth into a bloody hunk of goodness... well, it would be like going to Full Moon on the Quad just to watch.

Sundance is not really a place for casual dining. It’s a great place to drag either parents or dates — both will be impressed by the transition from the dreary depression of the El Camino strip to a world of dark wood, subdued lighting and understated elegance that looks like it’s been pulled from the set of a Scorsese gangster movie.

The diverse selection of appetizers includes several house specialties, from calamari to crab cakes to clam chowder. The latter two are particular standouts. The crisp and crunchy crab cakes come with a mouth-wateringly divine chipotle aioli and, despite my not being a fan of soups, the multiple award-winning clam chowder is a rich, luxurious treat that made me switch from reluctant sampler to exuberant scoffer after a single mouthful.

Then, there was the meat, which was scrumptious. Carnivores can choose from either the house speciality prime rib (I recommend the Shareholder’s Cut — 14 oz. of slow cooked, bloody goodness) or the fine selection of steaks (accompanied by a multitude of sauces — try the whiskey green peppercorn). Should you shy away from beef, Sundance also boasts an impressive seafood selection, with swordfish carrying a solid recommendation from our waiter. Vegetarians might find themselves a little starved for choice, but quite frankly a steakhouse is not the place to go for goat food.

Signature desserts include the white chocolate creme brulee and the Mud Pie. The former was a suitably light finish to a serious meal. The latter, on the other hand, well that was a more serious dessert. And damn fine one at that. Chocolate and biscuit base, with coffee ice cream and lathered in whipped cream. Mmmmm...

For those on a budget the Sunset Dinner Menu (appetizer and entree from a limited selection, but including the signature clam chowder and slow roast prime rib) is yours for a mere $17.95 if you’re seated between 5pm and 6pm. You would be hard pressed to do much better for the money.

So there you have it. For the full deal, it ain’t cheap. But it’s damn good. Put the Sundance Steakhouse on your list of places to visit before you leave Stanford and you won’t be disappointed.

Sundance Steakhouse

1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

$$$$

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2

Dinner: Mon-Thu 5-10,

Fri-Sat 5-10:30, Sun 5-9