Norm K.
Yelp
When COVID closed the casinos, the SC Prime steakhouse at the Suncoast did not reopen. After a few years, they have remodeled the area where the Italian Via Veneto was located on the first floor.
I decided to give the new place a go. I made a reservation for a Wednesday night and was greeted when I arrived. I was shown to a banquette set up for two people in the dining area behind the bar. I had the corner booth and sat in the Wild Bill Hickok seat facing the door. It also gave me a view of most of the restaurant which as a solo diner is interesting and fun.
My server, Brenda, came over and asked about water. She also showed me a small cocktail glass. The bar was making a special complimentary cocktail for the glass. I explained I don't drink and I ordered my iced tea which was promptly brought.
I ordered onion soup, an 8 ounce filet, and street corn. Shortly, a gentleman came with a basket with 6 or so choices of bread and rolls. I chose a pretzel bun and an onion roll. Along with this, I was brought butter rounds topped with black salt.
In a short time, the onion soup was brought. It had a rich broth. It was topped with gruyère and a thin piece of Parmesan flavored bread. The soup was very hot and the plate was also.
My steak arrived along with the street corn side. The side was enough for two people but I did finish it as it was so very good! I asked for the steak to be cooked blue. AND IT WAS!!! This chef is not afraid to send out a steak with no char for looks but instead sends a steak that is brown on the outside and is cool and rare inside!! I asked Brenda to give him my compliments for doing that! The street corn had lime crema and cotija cheese. Even though the corn was large enough to share, somehow I managed to leave little behind.
After ordering a double espresso, I looked at the dessert menu and chose the banana cream pie. I was blown away when it arrived. It was a thin slice, but it was huge. I took a photo with a regular dinner fork to show the length of the pie. With freshly sliced bananas, rich pastry cream, and whipped cream, it was an excellent way to finish this meal along with the espresso.
The ambience of William B's is semi-dark--not so you need the light from your phone to read the menu, but not bright to be too bright! The music was at a decent level so as not to interrupt with conversation.
The staff was absolutely wonderful! From the front of the house to my server, Brenda, everyone was welcoming and pleasant!
I made a good choice and it will be a place to which I return. It now gives MRKT at Aliante a run for their money in my mind!