Just Steak

The Lowdown:

Where would you head to if you have a craving for juicy, succulent steak that's done just right to taste? In the old days, before the influx of American-style steak houses, Jack's Place was THE place to go to satisfy that craving. Now, there's such a good variety of steak houses--from family-style types like Stuart Anderson's Black Angus to top-notch ones like Lawry's The Prime Ribs and Morton's of Chicago-- where you may only be able to afford once a year during bonus time.

The latest steak restaurant to enter the local scene is Just Steak-- a new steak concept introduced in the United States where good, top quality prime beef is served in a classy ambience with affordable prices. A mid-price restaurant between the low-end steak houses and the high- end Morton's. Executive chef Jeff Weiss has been working on this concept in the US for two years before he introduces it here in the form of Just Steak. Formally opened in January 2000, it also offers reasonably priced set lunch at $29++ and set dinner at $55++. These prices may not look reasonable but they are good prices when you look at the quality and quantity that is served.

Knowing that Jeff had worked with Paul Prudhomme, one of the most renowned chefs in USA and in New Orleans where it is associated with good food and restaurants, we visit Just Steak with high expectations. And, we must say that we are bowled over by the excellent quality of the food. Though all the steak dishes are grilled, they are creatively presented with special sauces and interestingly put together. Maybe this has to do with Jeff's training in American-French cuisine.

We do not even bother with the lamb and pork dishes and happily just go straight to the beef. The portions are quite big. Our American makanmata finishes his in no time while we two Singaporeans struggle to finish ours despite loving it.

The Pittsburgh New York Strip is offered in the set dinner menu. Coated with slightly spicy herb, it is seared in high temperature such that the juices are sealed within. Due to the searing method, the meat is served almost rare but not bloody at all. The beef melts in your mouth with just a tinge of charbroiled taste. The accompanying potato pancake with salad cream is excellent, adding a light crunch to taste.

The New York Strip comes well done and does not taste powdery like most well done steaks. In fact, it is tender and chewy. The Cajun Veal T-Bone served with rosemary sauce is a top favourite, with the T-bone resting on a huge bed of finely mashed potato dripping in great tasting gravy. Tender, juicy, succulent,…we leave it to you to use any other adjectives to describe this when you eat it.

The desserts are not too enticing and you can skip them if you are too full from all the meat. The Black & White Bread and Butter Pudding is a little dry as we are used to the British version that is a little wetter. Neither are we too impressed with the cheesecake.

You enjoy all these fine dining in a classy ambience with minimalist décor in a colour theme of white, cream and wood, complemented by warm lighting. When you dine in the night, you get a good view of the Singapore River whether you dine indoors or outdoors.

I know that our comments on the service are going to sound a little contradictory as we appreciate it despite some slip- ups. The service is generally attentive with knowledgeable and polite staff though we are a little surprised that they could forget to serve our side orders of broccoli and request for extra gravy. But because the staff is so polite and attentive and is really apologetic about forgetting our requests, we are not really irritated by these slips in service.

The Black & White Bread and Butter Pudding is a little dry as we are used to the British version that is a little wetter. Neither are we too impressed with the cheesecake.

You enjoy all these fine dining in a classy ambience with minimalist décor in a colour theme of white, cream and wood, complemented by warm lighting. When you dine in the night, you get a good view of the Singapore River whether you dine indoors or outdoors.

I know that our comments on the service are going to sound a little contradictory as we appreciate it despite some slip- ups. The service is generally attentive with knowledgeable and polite staff though we are a little surprised that they could forget to serve our side orders of broccoli and request for extra gravy. But because the staff is so polite and attentive and is really apologetic about forgetting our requests, we are not really irritated by these slips in service.

Dish:	Just Steak
Where:	20 Upper Circular Road The Riverwalk #01-42 Tel: 4385522
When:	Monday-Friday     12pm-2.30pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm Saturday     6.30pm-10.30pm Sunday     Closed
Rating:	Excellent for the steak dishes.