Very enjoyable first experience at Varanese

Went to Varanese this Saturday with my wife and a few friends. Without turning this into a full-blown review, we all had a wonderful dinner and we will be back. The room, which formerly housed a service station and a funky bar has come a very long way! It was quite nice, and for someone who frequented the Red Lounge a bit, the comfortable lighting, white tableclothes, and expansive open dining area was a refreshing suprize. We had a reservation for 8:30, and allthough the restaraunt was packed and a few people were waiting on tables, we were seated immediately. I did not catch our server's name, but service was excellent. Never once did we feel rushed, nor did we ever lack attention if required. This staff member was a nice mix of cordial, informative, and professional, while not hovering around our table excessively. Appetizers of lamb empanadas (sp?) & crab cakes were tasty, albeit protion size was a bit small here. The warm and fragant lamb inside the perfectly browned pastries were so good, we needed a second order! The crab cake seemed OK, allthough the highlight was the cilantro-lime creme fraise topping and not the actual appetizer. Salads were crisp fresh and were just being finnished as entrees were served. Check out the Varanese version of a Ceaser...the polenta croutons were awesome, even though my wife limited me to just one delicious bite of here salad! Everyone in our party enjoyed their mains very much. The grilled salmon was flaky and grilled nicely. The sauce that topped it was light and complimented the fish very well. I had the special hickory smoked grilled strip steak with tomato and chipotle sauce. It was served with a side of creamy white beans with manchego cheese. The steak was everything I hoped for and more. The smokiness of the meat was perfect, and bite after bite practically melted in my mouth. The sauce, while possesing chipotle peppers was not over-powering and it complimented the steak pefectly. I let everyone at the table take a bite of my dish, and everyone comment on how good it was. There was ever and debate between which dish was better, the strip steak or the grilled prime rib. Trust me, I tasted both and I would other either again and again! Additionally, chef / owner John V, with whom I had made my reservation and insured the strip steak would be the special, made it out to our table in order to see how the meal was and especially how I liked my steak (he had saved me one based on our early conversation). Thanks John and everyone @ Varanese. If I didn't state it then, we had a very nice meal, service was just as it should be, and we will definitely return. Thanks. DD