Chop Steakhouse and Bar

One of the restaurants in Richmond that I have wanted to try for a while is Chop Steakhouse and Bar. To be honest, the only reason for visiting is because most of the reviews are average or negative. So, I wanted to see for myself how the food is.

Walking in, we waited a while for the hostess to show up, around fifteen minutes? However, when the hostess arrived, she was friendly. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of booth seats. The interior actually resembles a "fancier" or more "unique" version of The Keg. Although on a weekend evening, the restaurant was fairly quiet as well as empty and to most, this may not be good news. As for us, we did not think too much.

The lamp shades are a bit unique, like paperclip lamp shades.

COMPLIMENTARY MULTIGRAIN BREAD AND BUTTER.

The bread is served warm and tastes soft as well as pillowy. As for the butter, despite the pipped appearance, it is not whipped and is generic butter.

DOUBLE CAESAR WITH GREY GOOSE ($13.49).

After the table bread arrived, all the appetizers followed immediately and was served by a cook. We were quite surprised the appetizers arrived extremely fast, perhaps because the restaurant was slow? As for the drink, the caesar tastes spicy and has a nice kick, it is definitely one of the better caesars I ever had. 

JUMBO PRAWN COCKTAIL, FRESH TOMATO HORSERADISH DIP AND FRESH LEMON ($13.95). 

Chop Steakhouse serves tiger prawns rather than regular sized prawns which is nice, considering that many restaurants serve smaller ones. The prawns taste refreshing with a nice bounce, and the cocktail sauce has a light tomatoey flavour. However, the horseradish flavour could have been stronger and we could not make out the taste.

COCONUT LIME MUSSELS, SHALLOTS, GARLIC, COCONUT AND CREAM ($13.95).

The mussels taste fresh as well as delicious, and have a slight hint of lime as well as cream. There is not much flavour of the coconut though which is fine, because I am not a fan. However, BF says there is a slight coconut flavour. As for the lime, the flavour is not very apparent unless dipped with bread (which is fine as well).

CAESAR SALAD, DOUBLE SMOKED BACON, SHAVED GRANA PADANO ($6.95).

The romaine tastes fresh as well as crisp, and the dressing is very light for a caesar. Furthermore, there is a good amount of bacon and a few thick shreds of grana padano.

CREAMY SEAFOOD CHOWDER, BAY SCALLOPS, CLAMS, PRAWNS, AND A VARIETY OF FIN FISH ($6.95).

The chowder has a light and mild seafood flavour and a nice consistency. In addition, there is a good amount of seafood and if anything, the chowder could have tasted creamier.

8oz FILET MIGNON WITH RED WINE REDUCTION ($40.95) AND LOBSTER MASHED POTATO ($3.99).

The filet is medium rare as requested and tastes somewhat tender as well as a bit juicy. However, the steak could have tasted more tender considering the cut and does not melt in the mouth like filet usually does. Although the seasoning does taste very flavourful! As for the sides, there are mixed vegetables consisting of green bean and red pepper, and lobster mashed potato. The vegetables taste generic, neither overcooked nor mushy.

12oz PRIME RIB, SLOWLY ROASTED IN ROCK SALT AND FRESH GROUND PEPPER WITH HAND SHAVEN HORSERADISH, AU JUS ($33.00) AND LOBSTER MASHED POTATO ($3.99).

The prime rib is also served medium rare as requested, but tastes a bit dry. Furthermore, the steak tastes tender and somewhat flavourful, but oddly dry. Chop's prime rib is not comparable to The Keg's at all. As for the au jus, the flavour is fairly light and does not taste overwhelming like a couple of other restaurants' (Sandbar, Dockside…). In addition, the hand shaven horseradish has a nice kick, a wasabi feel.

LOBSTER MASHED POTATO ($3.00).

We added an order of lobster mashed potato for both entrees and unfortunately, there is no lobster flavour at all. Our server mentioned that once you eat a piece of lobster, the lobster flavour will come out and be in every bite of mashed potato. So after digging, I found this one piece of lobster meat. Perhaps if the mashed potato tasted less dry and stiff, the lobster taste may have been apparent or flavourful. However, the mashed potato tastes good as-is, without the lobster taste and consists of real potato. However, $3.99 a portion is a bit pricey considering the lobster flavour is not there, and we would have rather ordered the regular mash.

POSITIVES
- Steaks are not overcooked
- Friendly hostess and attentive server

NEGATIVES
- Steaks are average
- Appetizers are more enjoyable than the steak

LITTLE THINGS

- When our server cleared the shrimp cocktail, he spilled the sauce on the table and my phone got sticky. He also forgot to bring a couple of side plates when the bread and appetizers arrived. However, he did everything else right. Our server followed up on us with the appetizers then again with the entrees, and was friendly. If anything, he could have mentioned the additional charge for the lobster mashed potato (which was not an issue) and we did have to walk up to pay the bill, despite not needing a machine.

Food: 2.5/5
Service: 3/5