Wine is just the beginning at Jack Binion's Steakhouse

Great wine and great food go hand in hand, so what better way to top a trip to a wine region than with an extraordinary restaurant? 

Jack Binion's Steakhouse is located at the Horseshoe Casino Hotel in Elizabeth, Indiana, just a short drive from Corydon and the wineries of HarrisonCounty, but the wine selection here goes way beyond the area. From the "Captain's List," which includes Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon to a Beaujolais from Louis Jadot Villages in France, you can find a choice for everyone from all over the world.  We chose to just have a bit of the Folonari Pinot Grigio as we needed to save our palates for a long tour of wine tasting the following day.

The wine list is the place to start at Jack Binion's, but the food will keep you going in true style.  There is a large offering of seafood, as well as pork chops, rack of lamb, chicken, prime rib and, of course, steak (Strip, Filet Mignon, Porthouse, Kobe Beef) made and served exactly as ordered.  Grilled portobello, carmelized onions, crumbled gogonzola and even jumbo lump crab meat are available as accompaniments.

I was unable to sample the Coconut Battered Shrimp (I have a seafood allergy), but my tablemate enjoyed it immensely, remarking on the light and flavorful batter.  We both enjoyed the Beefsteak Tomato & Mozzarella Salad (perfectly ripe, large tomatoes with lightly salted fresh mozzarella).  The Spinach Salad is made tableside with fresh raspberries, crumbled gorgonzola, red onions and a warm bacon vinaigrette.  The mixing of flavors was both perfect and unique.  I was in awe of the French Onion soup (I've never gotten it that perfect at home) in which I tasted a hint of cheddar.  The restaurant also offers a Lobster Bisque.

For a main course, I had the Beef Wellington.  It was cooked perfectly for me, someone who likes their meats a bit well and usually ends up with crispy. Not this time. It was tender and surrounded by a mushroom pate instead of a liver one inside the flaky crust.  It was served with a gently roasted garlic bulb.  My friend had the lobster tail which she said was tender and sweet.  An assortment of side selections are available, inlcuding Roasted Cabernet Mushrooms and Beer Battered Onion Rings.  We chose the Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise, which was tasty and more than enough for two.

There was no doubt we could have walked out of Jack Binion's Steakhouse full and content, but the dessert menu was a bit too good to pass up.  We agonized over the choices for quite awhile.  Tableside Cherries Jubilee and Bananas Foster were prepared on adjoining tables so we were able to hear the compliments on those and ready to try something else.  Though the Georgia Peach Cobbler a'la mode, Taste of Crème Brulee (one each of Chocolate, Grand Marnier and Espresso) and Lemon Chiffon Ravioli sounded delicious, I couldn't resist the Godiva Chocolate Souffle.  It was not a mistake as it was an indulgent dark chocolate that wasn't too sweet or rich.

As if great food and wine weren't enough, Jack Binion's Steakhouse offers a classic ambiance, with booths and soft music for a romantic dinner, celebration or business meeting. While we were eating, rocker Alice Cooper (who was performing at the casino) came in for dinner, as he had on his previous nights there.

Whether you are heading to Southern Indiana Wine Country, a weekend sightseeing in Corydon, gambling at the Horseshoe Casino, visiting Louisville (it's less than a half hour from the Kentucky border), or just want a first-class meal, I suggest planning an evening at Jack Binion's Steakhouse in Elizabeth, Indiana.

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