THE STEAKHOUSE OUT BACK
July 29th 2008 09:56
Many people (especially TV chefs and food critics) tell us what we should enjoy, but that is pretty moot when you find a gem of a place. The Outback steakhouse is well-known, and probably is average in some people’s books, but it enjoys a prominent rank in my mental list of restaurants. Every time you arrive, friendly, enthused staff will show you to your table. Service soon follows, and they are more than happy to counsel you on the menagerie of items on the menu. Their queries about minor details such as your choice of salad may seem fiddly, but soon you realize they get these details because to some customers, it may be a major factor par enjoyment. Getting this kind of service is not easy, as staff can get grumpy, tired, and can lose their friendly sheen soon after the interview. That the steakhouse avoids this is testament to the emphasis on the consumer.
The ambience is well, Americanized Australian. Indigenous-styled art that seems not so authentic for example; but the feeling generated is comfort and a slightly dim interior that takes the mind off the sometimes crowded place.
Let’s get to the food, shall we, and forget about all this poncey nonsense. So how is the food? It is great. The steaks have always come prepared professionally, quality pieces, and large quantities. There was one time when the cut seemed to be average quality, but that was one time out of my many evenings in the restaurants. Rib-eye cooked medium, done. Expect a soft, fatty piece of cattle. The waiter informed me that medium rare would be very bloody for a large piece, which is the kind I always go for. Other pieces such as the T-Bone grace the menu. And it does not disappoint. Expect large sides. Steak comes with a pre-order of soup or salad; it is delicious, take my advice and try the pumpkin soup with the crusty bread. The steak itself comes with a huge serving of mash, a large baked potato stuffed with cream, or a HUGE sweet potato stuffed with sour cream. Ask for the sweet potato if you want a visual treat. Don’t like beef? Very serviceable BBQ pork ribs are present, as well as tasty chicken marinara, and a good smattering of seafood and white meat options. There are some very nice crispy starters (or stoppers from the perspective of your arteries) such as the classic Bloomin’ Onion – one whole onion deep fried if you’d believe that-, hot wings and battered squid. To wash it down there is a collection of beverages, a nice trendy offering of beers that come in large Viking glasses. Soft drinks, cocktails and a wine selection will satisfy non-drinkers, fancy boots and aspiring wine connoisseurs respectively. I hope you saved room, because desert comes in the form of large, creamy chocolate cake, and towering sundaes among other options.
The Outback steakhouse gets the job done with aplomb. Expect quality food that is there to be eaten, not stared at. They know what the humble food lover wants, large quantities in their steak, sugar in your desert, and all the accessories in between.
The ambience is well, Americanized Australian. Indigenous-styled art that seems not so authentic for example; but the feeling generated is comfort and a slightly dim interior that takes the mind off the sometimes crowded place.
Let’s get to the food, shall we, and forget about all this poncey nonsense. So how is the food? It is great. The steaks have always come prepared professionally, quality pieces, and large quantities. There was one time when the cut seemed to be average quality, but that was one time out of my many evenings in the restaurants. Rib-eye cooked medium, done. Expect a soft, fatty piece of cattle. The waiter informed me that medium rare would be very bloody for a large piece, which is the kind I always go for. Other pieces such as the T-Bone grace the menu. And it does not disappoint. Expect large sides. Steak comes with a pre-order of soup or salad; it is delicious, take my advice and try the pumpkin soup with the crusty bread. The steak itself comes with a huge serving of mash, a large baked potato stuffed with cream, or a HUGE sweet potato stuffed with sour cream. Ask for the sweet potato if you want a visual treat. Don’t like beef? Very serviceable BBQ pork ribs are present, as well as tasty chicken marinara, and a good smattering of seafood and white meat options. There are some very nice crispy starters (or stoppers from the perspective of your arteries) such as the classic Bloomin’ Onion – one whole onion deep fried if you’d believe that-, hot wings and battered squid. To wash it down there is a collection of beverages, a nice trendy offering of beers that come in large Viking glasses. Soft drinks, cocktails and a wine selection will satisfy non-drinkers, fancy boots and aspiring wine connoisseurs respectively. I hope you saved room, because desert comes in the form of large, creamy chocolate cake, and towering sundaes among other options.
The Outback steakhouse gets the job done with aplomb. Expect quality food that is there to be eaten, not stared at. They know what the humble food lover wants, large quantities in their steak, sugar in your desert, and all the accessories in between.
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