EST. Prime Steakhouse

EST. Prime Steakhouse Restaurant Review:

About the chef: Executive chef Joseph Mills landed to open this San Gabriel Sheraton steakhouse after his stints at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel and the Westin Bonaventure. Besides focusing on a careful curating of prime meats, Mills also puts his emphasis on sourcing exclusive specialty produce from farms throughout California. He punctuates his menu with Asian and Latin American flavors for a SoCal spin on the traditional steakhouse.

The décor: With romantic dim lighting, this sophisticated dining room features dark wood and subdued hues, and arty industrial touches like a postmodern brass chandelier over the large communal table in front of the open kitchen. Semi-private rooms are adjacent; you can still see the action but dining is quieter. Chairs are comfortable, which is good since service can be a bit slow. Enter through the long, sleek bar and lounge, which is lively.

Likes: Standout Tomahawk steak; consistent, high-quality cuts of meats cooked skillfully.
Dislikes: Inexperienced service.

Food & Drinks: Business travelers and well-heeled San Gabriel locals come here for the first-rate prime cuts turned out by the kitchen. The American Wagyu Tomahawk rib-eye will set you back a Benjamin --- and you’ll spend more for the Japanese Kobe filet mignon or New York steak --- but these carefully selected and aged cuts won’t disappoint. Other choices are the 35-day aged bone-in Kansas City steak, a beautiful blackened pork chop and standout rack of lamb. Don’t miss the Salvadorian Chiltepe Chimichurri sauce (trust us). There’s much more to the menu, including a rather daunting “ultimate seafood tower” for two or four, and very good seared day boat scallops. A fine Scottish salmon fillet transcends the ubiquitous steakhouse cliché. The bar serves up swank classic and signature cocktails; the wine list is serviceable enough to find a decent Bordeaux or Chianti. Colorful macarons, served with fresh berries and flower petals, are almost too pretty to eat.