Summer is in full swing at Capital Prime, bringing refreshing wines, seasonal experiences, and memorable evenings on the patio. Join us on July 15 for our Oyster Party on the Patio, where you'll enjoy an array of fresh oysters with assorted toppings paired with two glasses of sparkling wine as you take in a beautiful summer evening. Reservations are required, with payment taken at the time of booking. Looking ahead, we're also excited to announce an upcoming wine tasting this August, where guests will have the opportunity to sample all of the new wines now available at Capital Prime. Stay tuned for the event date and reservation details.

 

As you read on, we invite you to meet one of the incredible team members who help make every dining experience exceptional, as well as discover why rosé continues to be the season’s most refreshing wine.

 

Please note that Capital Prime will be open on Saturday, July 4th from 2–9pm. We invite you to make a reservation to dine with us and savor an explosive prelude of flavors before enjoying the fireworks this evening! Wishing you a safe and happy 250th Independence Day and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

 

Warm regards,
The Capital Prime Team

At Capital Prime Steak & Seafood, we celebrate exceptional ingredients, and few delicacies carry the mystique, history, and culinary prestige of the oyster. Whether enjoyed freshly shucked on the half shell or paired with a crisp glass of champagne, oysters offer a unique dining experience that captivates food lovers.

 

Oysters have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that coastal communities consumed oysters as far back as prehistoric times. Ancient Romans prized oysters as a luxury food, transporting them across Europe and cultivating them in some of the earliest forms of aquaculture.

 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, oysters became abundant along the American coastline and were enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Cities such as New York were once home to thriving oyster reefs that supplied restaurants and markets throughout the region. Today, sustainable oyster farming helps preserve this treasured seafood while continuing a tradition that spans many years.

 

The oyster's reputation as an aphrodisiac dates back centuries. The famed 18th-century adventurer Giacomo Casanova reportedly consumed dozens of oysters daily, helping cement their romantic reputation.

 

While science may not fully support every legend, oysters are rich in zinc, an essential mineral that plays a role in hormone production and reproductive health. They are also packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support overall wellness. Whether the allure comes from nutritional benefits, their luxurious presentation, or centuries of folklore, oysters remain synonymous with romance and indulgence.

 

Just as terroir influences fine wine, the waters in which oysters grow shape their flavor, texture, and character. Factors such as salinity, water temperature, tides, and mineral content all contribute to the unique taste of each variety.

Harvested from the Atlantic coastline, East Coast oysters are known for their bright brininess and clean finish.

Typical Size: Medium–Large

Crisp and salty

Clean ocean flavor

Slight sweetness

Mineral-rich finish

Maine

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Virginia

Prince Edward Island, Canada

These oysters are ideal for guests who enjoy a classic, ocean-forward taste.

 

Raised in the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, West Coast oysters often develop a more complex flavor profile.

Typical Size: Small–Medium

Creamy texture

Cucumber and melon notes

Mild sweetness

Buttery finish

Washington

Oregon

Northern California

British Columbia, Canada

Their nuanced flavors make them favorites among oyster enthusiasts seeking a more delicate tasting experience.

 

Harvested from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, these oysters are known for their impressive size and hearty character.

Typical Size: Large

Bold salinity

Rich, meaty texture

Mild sweetness

Robust finish

Texas

Louisiana

Alabama

Florida Gulf Coast

Their substantial size makes them excellent for grilling, charbroiling, or enjoying on the half shell.

 

Oyster size depends on species, age, water temperature, and growing conditions. Warmer waters often encourage faster growth, resulting in larger oysters, while colder waters tend to produce smaller oysters with denser meat and more concentrated flavors.

 

Contrary to popular belief, larger oysters are not necessarily better. Many oyster connoisseurs seek smaller specimens because their flavors can be more concentrated and balanced. The best oyster is simply the one that suits your palate. 

 

When tasting oysters, consider sampling several varieties side by side. Notice how the salinity, sweetness, texture, and finish differ from region to region. Some guests prefer them completely unadorned, while others enjoy a touch of mignonette, fresh lemon, or cocktail sauce.

 

Paired with a glass of Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp coastal Chardonnay, oysters create one of the most elegant dining experiences in the culinary world.

 

The next time you join us at Capital Prime Steak & Seafood, consider exploring our oyster selection and discovering firsthand why this extraordinary shellfish has remained one of the world's most celebrated delicacies for thousands of years.

 

In Good Taste,

Executive Chef

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, wine lovers everywhere begin reaching for one of summer's most celebrated pours—rosé. With its vibrant color, refreshing acidity, and remarkable versatility, rosé has become synonymous with warm-weather dining, outdoor gatherings, and leisurely afternoons on the patio.

 

At Capital Prime, our thoughtfully curated rosé selection offers guests a variety of styles, from elegant still wines to lively sparkling rosés, each perfect for celebrating the flavors of summer.

 

Rosé occupies a unique space in the wine world. It offers the bright fruit character often associated with white wines while retaining some of the structure and complexity found in red wines. The result is a wine that is crisp, refreshing, and exceptionally food-friendly.

 

Fresh strawberries and raspberries

Watermelon and peach

Citrus zest

Floral aromas

Bright, refreshing acidity

Served chilled, rosé provides a cooling counterpoint to summer heat and pairs beautifully with seafood, salads, grilled vegetables, steaks, and lighter seasonal fare.

 

While rosé may seem like a modern trend, it is one of the oldest styles of wine in the world. Early winemakers in ancient Greece and Rome often produced wines that were lighter in color than today's red wines due to shorter skin contact during fermentation.

 

The modern rosés we enjoy today gained popularity in southern France, particularly in Provence, where rosé has become a cultural staple and a symbol of relaxed Mediterranean living. Over the past several decades, rosé has evolved into one of the fastest-growing wine categories worldwide, beloved for its elegance, versatility, and approachable style.

Featured Rosés at Capital Prime

Produced in California's renowned Paso Robles region, DAOU Rosé captures the

essence of summer in every glass.

Strawberry

Watermelon

White peach

Citrus blossom

This beautifully balanced rosé offers bright acidity and a clean finish, making it a perfect companion for oysters, shrimp cocktail, and fresh seafood selections.

 

For guests seeking something sparkling and celebratory, M. Lawrence Sex Brut Rosé delivers both elegance and excitement.

Strawberry

Watermelon

White peach

Citrus blossom

Its lively bubbles and crisp finish make it ideal as an aperitif or alongside shellfish towers and lighter appetizers. The playful name may spark conversation, but the wine's quality keeps guests coming back for another glass.

 

Known for its striking presentation and luxurious character, Luc Belaire Rosé has become a favorite among rosé enthusiasts worldwide.

Fresh strawberry

Black currant

Raspberry

Floral notes

This sparkling French rosé is vibrant, fruit-forward, and festive, making it an excellent choice for celebrations, special occasions, or simply enjoying a beautiful summer evening.

 

Crafted in France's famed Loire Valley, this elegant Sancerre Rosé showcases the sophistication and restraint that make French rosés so admired.

Wild strawberry

Red currant

Citrus

Delicate minerality

Its crisp structure and refined character pair beautifully with oysters, lobster, salmon, and other seafood specialties. For guests seeking a classic European rosé experience, this wine offers exceptional balance and finesse.

Did You Know?

Rosé comes with a few fascinating surprises:

Whether you're enjoying fresh oysters, chilled seafood, grilled fish, or a perfectly prepared steak, rosé offers a refreshing complement to summer dining. Its vibrant fruit flavors, crisp acidity, and approachable character make it a wine that effortlessly transitions from afternoon lunches to elegant evening celebrations.

 

This summer, we invite you to discover the beauty and versatility of rosé at Capital Prime. From the bright elegance of DAOU Rosé to the sparkling charm of M. Lawrence Sex Brut Rosé and Luc Belaire Rosé, to the refined sophistication of Domaine Romaine Reverdy Sancerre Rosé, there's a perfect glass waiting to accompany your next unforgettable meal.

 

Raise a glass to sunshine, great company, and the season's most refreshing wine—rosé!

 

Salute!

General Manager

When dining at Capital Prime, you witness a variety of roles from the host to the server and the bartender, but most often you do not get to meet our creative staff in the back of the house. Amy Kacsor has been with the Capital Prime family for over a year now. She comes in every morning to prep all the food items for the day, including all our delicious bread we serve to every table.

 

Amy says her favorite part of working at Capital Prime is, “working with the collection of big

personalities we have.” Amy always comes to work with a smile on her face and a wonderful attitude that radiates throughout the kitchen. Her dedication to quality is evident in every item she makes, ensuring that each guest experiences the warmth and care she pours into her craft. “It might surprise people to know that I was in dairy farming in a previous life. That background taught me the true meaning of hard work and resilience.”

 

Outside of working at Capital Prime, Amy loves to spend time with her family, “another thing that keeps me grounded are my grandkids. I am so proud of them and the unique perspectives they bring into my world.”

 

Thanks Amy, for bringing your hard work and resilience to our team, and for being such a wonderful part of our family!

Whether you're unwinding after a long day or kicking off an unforgettable evening, Capital Prime's Happy Hour is the perfect place to gather. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, curated wines, rotating draft beers, and chef-crafted appetizers in our lounge or on the patio, where every sip and bite is crafted to elevate your weekday. We look forward to welcoming you!

Members of Capital Prime’s Wine Club enjoy a complimentary bottle of house-selected wine each month, 30% off bottles on Sundays, 30% off retail wine to-go, priority seating for wine dinners, and 20% savings on wine dinner tickets.

Private Dining With Capital Prime

Choose one of four fabulous Private Dining Rooms for a lunch or a dinner your guests will never forget! Peak events and times fill quickly, so make sure you call us at 517-37-PRIME to reserve the date for your event. 

HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 4pm-10pm
Friday: 4pm-11pm
Saturday: 2pm-11pm
Sunday: 2pm-9pm
Call (517) 37-PRIME for reservations