It seemed appropriate for a pre-birthday dinner to celebrate in a restaurant that was also established 50 years ago, so we went to Mr. Paul’s Chop House in Roseville. Owned by the same family since 1968, it is a Roseville icon that has been serving steaks and seafood as long as I have been alive.
The restaurant has not changed much over the years and because so now seems a bit dated and aged. The decor itself could use a remodel, but as we were discussing, the place is always packed, and the patrons always seem satisfied, so why change what is clearly not broken?
With simple table clothes, understated decor, the melodic sounds of the piano player and a parade of servers with their tableside display of Caesar Salad or Chateaubriand for two preparations, your experience is sure to be relaxing and pleasant.
We started our evening with a couple cocktails. Mine, a Tito’s and soda, with a splash of cranberry and a squeeze of lime and Omar ordered a Tweak beer by Avery brewing company, an American Imperial Stout, with a generous 16% APV. Brewed in bourbon barrels, and packed with coffee flavor. Omar found the beer very bitter, with IPA overtones, and not an easy drink.
For dinner, we obviously had to start our evening with their famous caesar salad. Presented tableside, the pageantry of the preparation lends to the charm of this salad. Carefully broken romaine lettuce, dressed with minced garlic, egg yolk, anchovy, olive oil, and other magical ingredients, topped with homemade croutons, the salad is exceptional.
For our main courses, Omar opted for prime rib, while I chose the Tournedos Henry IV which was twin filets, with artichokes, one filet topped with béarnaise and the other bordelaise sauce. The filets were atop a piece of toast, with a tomato separating the two. The filets were cooked perfectly, but I found the bordelaise sauce a bit salty and the accoutrements a bit pedestrian, the tomato out of place and the bread unnecessary. Fortunately, the stars of the plate, the filets were very good. Omars prime rib was cooked exceptionally, with little fat and very tender.
A visit to Mr. Paul’s Chophouse is always a good experience. Good food, nice ambiance and professional staff, the visit doesn’t disappoint. They wouldn’t be celebrating their 50th anniversary of they weren’t doing something right. Go for dinner, you won’t be disappointed.