35 Steaks serves classic cuts with modern flair

If you know steakhouses, Hard Rock Hotel's new 35 Steaks + Martinis, 4455 Paradise Road, won't be unfamiliar territory.

Though it has a bit of edginess to it, in decor and attitude, it's still a classic steakhouse, says general manager Linda Sim.

"We're targeted to a different demographic" than other casino steakhouses, she says, referring to fans of rock music.

Instead of the typical piano/easy listening music you might hear in a steakhouse, diners will hear rock music while they eat. And though they do serve classic cuts of steak, the food and drinks usually have a distinctive twist, such as the cotton candy garnish on some cocktails.

The dining room, which seats 170, also is traditional with a modern touch. Chrome and silver elements are a main theme of the decor, along with warm browns and soft earth tones, all of which is offset by the intricate lighting.

The restaurant strives to provide a fine dining experience through the food and service, which is provided by a team in tuxedo shirts and dresses. But staff tries to relate to diners in a contemporary way, Sim says.

But the overall concept of the restaurant is to give diners an array of quality steaks, featuring several cuts that have been dry-aged for 35 days, Sim says. The dry-aging method inspired the restaurant's name, too. And to round out the name, there is a menu of 35 martinis, such as the spicy serrano martini.

Reservations are not required, but Sim recommends them. The restaurant is open from 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. The lounge opens at 5:30 p.m. daily.

Specialties: 35-day dry-aged Kansas City strip steak, 16 ounces, $58; whole artichoke dip, $10

Appetizers: shrimp cocktail, $16; crabcake with Thai-spice red curry cream and mango salad, $15; surf-and-turf skewers with beef and Alaskan king crab, $16

Soups and salads: French onion soup, $10; mixed field greens with candied pecans and tomatoes, $11; wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon, $11

Entrees: Colorado lamb with white cheddar potato gratin, $42; spicy tuna with field greens, $32; porterhouse steak, 24 ounces, $88

Sides: fresh-cut salt and vinegar fries, onion rings, macaroni and cheese, all $8

Desserts: "The King" with caramelized bananas, crunchy peanut crust, peanut butter ice cream and chocolate-covered bacon, 35 cheesecake, apple tart puff pastry, all $10

Information: 693-5585.

By SONYA PADGETT