SILICON VALLEY STEAK MASTERS

Introducing SVSM - Inaugural Dinner at LB Steak, Santana Row

November 18, 2015  |  Bill Baron "The Chairman" & Michael Mulcahy "Lord Mayor"

 

Bill Baron "The Chairman"

 

Overall Experience:  4/5

• A great place to host the Inaugural Silicon Valley Steakhouse Masters.  A more classic steakhouse with robust food and wine menu; good atmosphere; knowledgeable service attendants.  

 

Food:  4/5

• Although the Executive Chef and Ozzie our server recommended the Waygu beef, I just couldn’t justify the nearly $100 steak, so in lieu I ordered the near $50-dollar dry aged New York, medium, with a side of chimichurri sauce.  As with most fine steakhouses, the meat was the star on the plate with no other distractions.  It was cooked to perfection and the flavor was terrific.  Meanwhile, Jorge across from me and RonZ next to me were “oohing and aahhng” over their respective Waygu filet and bone-in lamb shank selections—sounded like they were near orgasmic states of mind—and I just didn’t get there with mine. I did not partake in most of the salads and sides on the table, so other Masters will need to provide their comments on those.

 

Bar/Wine List:  3/5

• The bar is a bit on the small side and when we arrived, there was a large group populating much of the area.  All good, but it was just overly crowded.  Initial martini was as requested and very good.  I was served a second one, however, in a cordial glass.  Apparently, they ran out of martini glasses.  Lastly, it took the Lord Mayor to clear our cocktail table as there didn’t appear to be enough staff to manage.  

 

Service:  4/5

• The greeters at LB Steak were friendly and full of smiles upon our arrival.  Aside from the modestly decent service at the bar, Ozzie, our table waiter, and his team were super, although it seemed there was quite a long wait between some courses.  Very friendly and engaging.  

 

Ambiance:  4/5

• The restaurant is dark wood, white tablecloth environment with both indoor and outdoor seating.  It is quite popular and when full, can be a bit loud.  LB Steak is set within Santana Row—a very popular retail and residential destination development in west San Jose, opposite Westfield Valley Fair, an equally popular destination.  Traffic can be a pain and parking even more so—so give yourself more time to get there and get situated.  After dinner, you can walk around Santana Row and experience a very nice environment.

 

 

Gary Christensen "Wingman"

 

Overall Experience:  5/5

• This is a good steak house, especially for an upscale shopping mall. However, the inaugural experience for the SVSM couldn’t have been any less than 5 stars no matter where the event took place. If you are just learning about this group and it’s participants then it is important to point out that you are getting a wide variety of perspectives from a genuine group of guys with very diverse backgrounds. We have collectively dined at exclusive restaurants across the world and more dive joints than we care to admit. We know the value of good food, service and atmosphere no matter what the location or price point of the meal. So please join us on a steak crawl across the Bay Area and beyond for the best reviews of people, places and food from guys that can objectively get the call right.

 

Food:  3/5

• The steak choices here are nice and the price points vary from mid range to ‘did I read that right”. I opted for the Dry aged New York ($50.00) and was pleasantly surprised,. Very nice cut of meat cooked just as I ordered (medium rare) and seasoned well. The dry aged Rib Eye was taunting me from the moment I glanced at the menu. After sharing a few bites with those that ordered it, I believe the New York was better. Note that I sampled the Waygu fillet which is double the price and the size of drink coaster. For the price it didn’t do it for me, if I’m going to leave the table hungry I should be distracted by the flavor of what I just ate. Again, nicely cooked but not enough bang for the buck for me. Salads and side dishes were ordered at the recommendation of Ozzie our waiter, portions were adequate and may have seemed on the small side to me because we were all sharing. Most were very good with my favorites being the creamed spinach and sautéed mushrooms. It’s hard to knock this place but salads were uneventful in my opinion. 

 

Bar/Wine List:  3/5

• I grade hard on the bar area, you gotta know your strengths. Like a kid on his first day of school I was excited to attend this first meeting of the SVSM so I arrived over an hour early. The bar was pretty empty when I walked in. The host was quick to check the reservation and escorted me to the bar. The bartender was attentive with only a few people being served at 5:30. By 6:00 the bar was packed and the bartender was swamped. It took a little eye contact to get his attention but to his credit we all got served timely even with the crowd. I suspect the mall atmosphere contributes to a full bar here nightly. Drinks were good and the staff was pleasant but a little overwhelmed when the crowd hit.  Important to note that we brought our own wine to this inaugural event and the staff was happy to accommodate us by opening it. We poured most of it ourselves. We also didn’t thoroughly review the wine list for selection or pricing.

 

Service:  4/5

• The greeters and service personnel at LB Steak were outgoing and friendly. Just like the bar scene we saw less of them as the place filled up to capacity. I particularly liked our waiter Ozzie who was engaging and helpful. Our wait time between ordering and being served was excessive. It took over an hour to get our food. If we had not had so much to talk about in between I think I would have been a little annoyed. 

 

Ambiance:  4/5

• Santana Row is definitely San Jose’s premiere shopping environment. For an upscale mall restaurant LB Steak is very clean and easy on the eyes. The restaurant is dark wood, white tablecloth environment with both indoor and outdoor seating and they have done a good job with their layout. Doesn’t seem like shoppers pass by examining your meal through the window. Outside seating is right on the street so be prepared for the occasional jackass to roll by with music too loud or missing exhaust pipes. Outside seating is far less formal, most inside were dressed nice or in professional attire (myself excluded) If you’re a single guy looking for a hangout it might be important to point out that the crowd was predominantly male.

 

 

Patrick Quinn "The Dictator"

 

Overall Experience:  4/5

• Silicon Valley is not blessed with a plethora of world class steakhouse, so we are fortunate to have LB Steakhouse in our inventory. LB Steakhouse is lively and well lit, yet our table still had the feeling of having our own space. Though I cannot say that for the other tables around us due to our lively conversations and toasts. It was great to be with the gang before the Holidays and LB Steakhouse provided a great location. Would plan on returning for the Bone-In-Rib Steak I saw being served at another table that looked to be 2-1/2 inches thick and could feed at family for four.

 

Food:  4/5

• I did not order any food, but enjoyed a few bites of New York steak and Lamb Shank that were both cooked perfectly.

 

Bar/Wine List:  4/5

• I enjoyed LB’s finest bottle of sparking Foss. Served at the correct temperature.

 

Service:  3/5

• I arrived late from another event, so I was surprised to find that the group had not yet been served. They were seated at 7pm and dinner arrived at 8:30 to a hungry and boozy crew.The gentleman who served us was very attentive and friendly. Not sure if he had any control over the extended wait time, but he did not offer up much of an apology for the wait. The Chef visited our table for a few awkward moments. Usually, if the Chef comes to a table, you would expect a measure of engagement, there was little if any and he quietly returned to the kitchen without a goodbye or salutation.

 

Ambiance:  4/5

• Great vibe, comfortable chairs and table. Located on the main drag at Santana Row, it provides plenty of atmosphere and people watching. The only glitch was walking into the men’s room to find the waste container over flowing with paper towels. They need to tighten that up.

 

 

Michael Mulcahy "Lord Mayor"

 

Overall Experience:  4/5

• Well located, handsome décor, definitely looks the part. But to be called a steakhouse, and to compete with the great steakhouses of the US, and yes even in little San Jose, California, operators need to step up in every way to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning, well-traveled population. As we embark on this endeavor to opine about steakhouses, our experience must also take into consideration comparisons to the class of being a steakhouse. When “Steak” is in the title, you put your restaurant out there to be compared and contrasted with prior experiences.

 

Food:  3/5

• This restaurant was well recommended by its local meat purveyor, and there was absolutely nothing missing in the beef selections. The quality and finish of the beef dishes I tasted was outstanding. My choice was the Prime Angus-Dry Aged Rib Eye, prepared medium rare, charred, with a side of the LB Steak Sauce – but my Green Peppercorn sauce never arrived. As a starter, I shared the LB Caesar, it was good, not special. Ozzie our affable and attentive waiter recommended several side dishes, including Rosemary and Garlic Fries, Creamed Spinach, and Foraged Mushrooms – the mushrooms rocked it, both in quality and preparation – a perfect accompaniment to a great steak. The creamed spinach was good, but I prefer mine thick and creamy versus wet and runny. Let’s be real though, to distinguish a steakhouse, the sides and starters have to be perfection – from how they are prepped to how they are plated. The sides were tasty, but not superstars.

 

Bar/Wine List:  3/5

• Located just off the main entry on the north end of the restaurant – with several seats at the bar and a series of cocktail high-boys – the bar experience was serviceable. My martini, stirred and served up with olives as requested, was very good. My second was unnecessary, but again it hit the mark of very good. The bar experience, which for us lasted about 45 minutes, got suddenly awkward. There was no bar staff on the customer side of the bar. It was really no big deal to approach the bartender for orders, and granted we were there on a Wednesday night, but the bar could benefit from at least a bar back or busser, if not a cocktail server. We had to buss our own table at least twice and ask for cocktail napkins with drinks – a serious foul in my view. Also awkward was that the bar ran out of martini glasses by 6:30 – Martini’s served up in a coupe glass does not fit steakhouse protocol.

 

Service:  4/5

• We made a big deal about our reservation, with full disclosure on Open Table – and in a follow up phone call with the on duty manager day of – that we were there for the inaugural dinner of our newly formed group. The host desk staff were nice, but they really didn’t grab the moment like I might have expected. The bartenders made very good drinks, but forgot cocktail napkins and seemed genuinely embarrassed by our clearing our own glasses. But the second time we cleared, they could have been better prepared by borrowing what seemed like several bus boys, hosts or managers milling about. Ozzie was the service highlight. Soft spoken, patient, and knowledgeable, he was top notch and between Ozzie and the steak, I will make a point to go back to LB Steak.

 

Ambiance:  4/5

• Well located, handsome décor, definitely looks the part - it’s true and worth repeating. It was a lively night at the restaurant and in my opinion, lots of action gives rise to a better steakhouse experience. The lighting is right on, and works to bring to life all the warm hues of the restaurant. The outdoor sidewalk seating is really hip and while we didn’t sit there, a large party seemed very comfortable despite the colder temps. Off the dining room, sliding glass panel doors open to an incredibly appointed kitchen, with added windows at the restroom corridor to peek into the exhibition kitchen.

 

 

George Reilly "Jorge"

 

Overall Experience:  4/5

• Other than the service at the bar when we arrived, LB was a great experience both in service, food and libations. Experience was more than good and met my expectations. Like the location and setting inside Santana Row. I normally experience parking issues, but this night could park right in front of restaurant. LB was what I thought it was going to be and didn’t disappoint in our first get together as a group. Thanks to the LB staff and chef for a great environment to share food, drink and time with good friends!

 

Food:  4/5

• Chef came out while we were cocktailing before sitting down to dinner, introduced himself and made some suggestions from the menu, nice move. I had Wagyu Greg Norman 6 oz filet, spectacular and melted in my mouth. Expensive piece of meat, for the portion but, value was there and wish I was eating another one as I write this blog!

 

Bar/Wine List:  3/5

• When I arrived 3rd of our group of 9, at a bar table just out in front of the bar, I had to order my drink from the bartender myself as opposed to a bartender coming around to take the order or a cocktail person. Additionally, no server came over to clear our table on 2nd round order. There was another large group there and may have had them busy but balance of restaurant wasn’t busy at that time and given our group was growing by the minute, a little more attention was in order. Martini was cold and crisp, the way I like it. Wine at dinner was our own, glad we were able to bring our own selections, but LB had an extensive list to choose from had we not.

 

Service:  4/5

• Our waiter introduced himself (Ozzie) while we were having a cocktail. Very personable. He hustled all evening and did a great job making sure food and libations flowed. The bar should take some lessons from Ozzie and would have then earned a 5 star here instead of a 4.

 

Ambiance:  4/5

• Traditional, upscale, businesslike ambiance. I like the fact they have indoor and outdoor seating. Only wish they had a private room for our size group. On a Wednesday night there were almost all male dinners looking like everyone was doing or celebrating business.

 

 

Ron Zraick "RonZ"

 

Overall Experience:  5/5

• Any “overall experience” has many components. Good friends can eat at a NYC sidewalk hotdog stand or share an afternoon at a world class museum without saying much, and each time have a memorable experience. In my book, first and foremost to any memorable experience is who shares that experience. The inaugural Steakmasters Dinner overall experience was exquisite, because of the people who shared it.

 

Food:  4/5

• This restaurant is a "sister” restaurant to Left Bank Restaurant also located in Santana Row. I’ve enjoyed many meals at both restaurants and have never been disappointed. The menu at LB Steak is not necessarily a “classic steakhouse menu” (where’s the veal, lamb and pork chop?). However, their selection of beef is excellent, and includes a number of dry aged steaks and True Japanese Wagyu, which you won’t find in every steakhouse. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The appetizers were very nice, especially the Oil Poached Spanish Octopus. So often appetizers are muted by breadcrumbs then drenched in hot oil. The octopus was delicate and the Espelette added just a hint of spice. The salads were not memorable. I chose the Braised Emigh Ranch Lamb Shank. Emigh Ranch is a family run Bay Area ranch that raises delicious free range lamb. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good steak and was fortunate enough to taste Jorge’s Wagyu Greg Norman filet and it was tender and, for a filet, flavorful. But, like all of the Steakmasters, I can buy and cook a pretty good steak. A braised lamb shank takes time to cook so the that the tender meat just falls off the bone. And this shank was excellent. It was on a bed of soft polenta which absorbed the juices and was surrounded by baby carrots. The lamb and was accompanied by a gremolata, an Italian “chimichurri sauce”, which is typically served with ossobuco. The gremolata married well with the slight gaminess of the lamb. Overall, an excellent meal that I would order again!!!

 

Bar:  4/5    Wine List:  5/5

• I really like this little bar!  Most of the time when I eat at LB Steak, we never leave the bar.  It’s located off the main entry and is a little narrow, but that just adds to the ambiance.  In a real bar, you bump into people.  It’s a steakhouse bar, so I kept my drink order very simple.  Jack Daniels on the rocks.  I had two of them and the pours were adequate and I was never kept waiting.  Yes, we did have to go up to the bar and get our drinks…but it was just a step (see “narrow above”) and the bartenders were attentive. The wine was outstanding.  Of course it was, Bill and I brought it.  We started with a magnum of Duckhorn Merlot (2004 I believe) then moved on to a vertical of 2003/2004/2005 Brandlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.  Owned by the classic Carneros Region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grower Cuvaison, the Brandlin Vineyard is located on Mount Veeder at an elevation of about 1,500 feet on the south west side of the Napa Valley, dividing the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.  The wines of Brandlin reflect the classic Mount Veeder terroir — rich fruit and great tannin structure (ok, I stole that from their website).  The 2004 stood out as the best of the bunch.  My after dinner Balvenie 12 was a sweet and smooth Speyside scotch. 

 

Service:  4/5

• Our server Ozzie did a very nice job keeping up with 8 drunk guys and PQ…it’s not easy to serve a table like ours. He was attentive and patient, and the pace was just right for the type of event we held. We were dining, not eating. It takes longer to dine. There is nothing I hate more than spending good money in a restaurant only to have them bringing the next course right after they cleared the last one. Give me time to relax and reflect on what I just ate, and anticipate what’s next. And the service that evening allowed for just that. The only hiccup in Ozzie’s service was the wine glasses seemed to empty quicker than he could fill them. Good thing we’re all experienced wine servers (and apparently drinkers)! The highlight of the evening’s service was Diana, the lovely brunette hostess in the pretty fit and flare dress…What a delight. When I asked where the men’s room was, she escorted me and opened the door. Must have been my tie…take note fellas.

 

Ambiance:  4/5

• I love the ambiance of LB Steak. It has a great balance of “old school steakhouse” with rich wood coupled with a lively feeling that reminds me a bit of its sister Left Bank. Or table was well located, right in the middle of the room yet it felt as if we were dining privately. The kitchen is visible, but not “front and center”. As I said, been there many times, had another great meal and can’t wait to return.

 

 

Case Swenson "Mozyington"

 

Overall Experience:  4/5

• The company was really rambunctious due to this being our first Steakmasters journey. Thankfully this is my favorite type of crowd, and my favorite friends so this was a match made in heaven. The Bar at the entrance was a a great space to meet up beforehand, and the service was great. 4...only because I need some room to move as we test other establishments.

 

Food:  4/5

• My choice was the Greg Norman, Outskirt Steak.  It was out of this world and the horseradish was just the right blend.

 

Bar:  5/5

• I am not a wine drinker so the wine list I will have to leave to other Steakmasters.  On the Vodka front I do have a comment.  The bartender had a heavy hand and, coincidentally, I like a strong drink, so LG gets a 5 on the beverage front.

 

Service:  5/5

• As a waiter myself I am very conscientious of service and noticed their attention to detail, their timeliness of service, (bringing all of our meals at once so that we could eat them hot), and the frequent refills for those of us that do not drink wine.  Top Notch.

 

Ambiance:  4/5

• After you enter, you would never know you are in a shopping mall.  It has a great feel from the inside with the see through wine cellar making up the back wall.  The build out was clearly done with a tremendous amount of taste.  The dimensions, and the way they break them in the main room, make for a great feel.

 

 

Mike Johnson "MJ"

 

Overall Experience:  4/5

• A convenient place to get a good steak in San Jose. Staff was friendly and accommodating (We added an extra diner when we showed up). The overall atmosphere isn’t truly old school steakhouse but it is in line with the location (Santana Row). Good food and wine selections.

 

Food:  4/5

• Starting with appetizers, the Oil Poached Spanish Octopus was very good as was the lightly breaded Monterey Fried Calamari. LB Steak has many choices of steaks including Prime Angus and Wagyu. They have a Bone In New York on the menu which is always one of my favorites. I’m sure it was every bit of the 16oz. listed but I was a bit disappointed at the thickness of the steak. I’m always looking forward to a thick, juicy steak at a Steakhouse and this cut was in the 1-1 ¼” thickness range. It was cooked to perfection and was very flavorful as a good New York should be. The only side I tasted was the Creamed Spinach which was one of the best I’ve tasted. The spinach wasn’t chopped too fine and there was a nice layer of cheese on top.

 

Bar:  3/5

• The size of the bar is good for when you’re waiting for a table but wouldn’t be a place I’d go just to have drinks. I started with a draft beer of which they have 4-5 choices of. The beer was cold and the glass, while not frosty, was certainly chilled enough. I then went to a mixed drink and appreciated the free pour method. Usually the prices of drinks in steakhouses can be up there and that’s fine as long as they pour a good drink. It was certainly a good drink!

 

Service:  4/5

• Everyone was very friendly and greeted ne with nice smiles. The bartender wasn’t busy when I arrived and got my drinks quickly. Our waiter, Ozzie, and his team did a great job and were patient with us as we ordered one course at a time.

 

Ambiance:  3/5

• The restaurant has made a good attempt at the “steakhouse” feel but I just didn’t get the authentic feel, more like a good, clean and modern version of a steakhouse with the lights just low enough to provide a good ambiance.