If you’ve never been to the Hilton Granite Park in Plano, TX you need to add it to the bucket list! An absolutely stunning property with amenities galore, a resort style pool, and of course a first class restaurant on site, Carso. Kick back and relax here with a specialty cocktail in hand a while enjoying the serene waterfalls on the patio under the twinkle of the night sky.
Yes, I said specialty cocktails because after all, what is dinner without them? Cool off with a Cucumber Smash using EFFEN Cucumber Vodka, St. Germaine, lime juice, and Mionetto Prosecco. Please sir, may I have another! Not really because I was feeling mighty fine after one!
Sensing a fancy evening ahead of me I wanted to start the meal with elegance and then it happened. I spotted the Shrimp, Avocado, and Blue Crab Cocktail. As refined as this appetizer sounded I was amazed when our waiter delivered it to the table. An exquisitely plated dish with jumbo shrimp, generous lumps of crab, and chunks of avocado tossed with strawberry, orange slices, lemon zest, herb mélange, mint, and olive emulsion. Even if you’re not typically a food photographer, this is one to be documented!
Who can resist a 22-Ounce Cowboy Black Angus Rib-Eye? Clearly not me! A luscious cut of beef cooked medium rare of course, with grilled asparagus, Cipollini onion, and a pan jus de veau. As if this wasn’t already having my eyes roll back into my head, it also came with the best, yes the BEST mashed potatoes I’ve ever had! I make a mean pot of taters myself so I am quite the judge on others and I was beyond impressed. I can’t even begin to do them justice with words. So creamy, buttery, heavenly, and they disappeared as quickly as they arrived.
Why stop at the best mashed potatoes to ever hit my lips? Cold water Lobster Mac & Five Cheeses is surely to be equally mind blowing right? Well, it was! Giant lumps of juicy lobster draped over soft pasta all mixed with a cheese blend to create a symphony of flavors! Best of all, this is an entrée not a side size dish! Get ready to eat yourself stupid and not regret a single bite!
Oh the sweet internal argument of my stomach telling me to call it quits yet I’m skimming the dessert menu knowing full and well I can’t say no. Especially when my lovely Crème Brulee is gazing up at me, daring me to indulge. A crunchy top with a sweet and creamy center topped with fresh berries was the exact ending we wanted before rushing back to our room in a full fledge food coma.
**Full Disclosure: I received dinner in exchange for my review. All opinions in this post are mine.
Location: Hilton Granite Park, 5805 Granite Parkway, Plano, Texas, 75024
Phone: 469-353-5001
Hours: Call for restaurant hours
Leisurely Leah 