Carver's Steakhouse

Going to a steakhouse in Richmond may not be the first thing that comes to mind, considering the amount of Asian restaurants available in the city. As for the steakhouses in Richmond, there are only three which includes Carver's, Chop Steakhouse and the good ol' reliable Keg.

As for myself, I have made it a goal to try every steakhouse in BC and because there are not many, it can be easily done. Also, conveniently, Social Shopper was offering a voucher for $45.00 which includes a three course dinner; one appetizer, two entrees and a dessert to share. Who can pass on a great offer considering the visit was bound to happen anyway?!

After circling the parking lot for ten minutes looking for a spot, we called the restaurant and asked where else we could park. Turns out, the manager mentioned we could park anywhere and if we get a ticket, the restaurant would reimburse us! So we ended up parking in the staff section. 

Walking in, we waited at the front for a while and a friendly server came over to seat us. At the end of dinner, one of the staff mentioned there was a last minute large party so the service was a bit slow. However, we felt the service was great and everyone was friendly. As for the interior, there is a black and red scheme rather than the traditional white linen tablecloth, and every table has a floating candle along with a red napkin.

COMPLIMENTARY BREAD, OLIVE OIL AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR.

After seating, a server asked if it was our first time here and using the voucher. He then proceeded to explain the menu as well as what the voucher includes. So far, the service has been professional and inviting.

The table bread arrived warm and the selection includes white as well as brown with raisin. The brown slices have a hard as well as chewy crust, and a nice sweetness from the raisins. As for the white, the crumb is a lot softer and the bread has a soft but crustier crust, which the both of us preferred more.

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER, TRADITIONAL NEW ORLEANS BAKED DISH ($15.00).

The first appetizer is the oysters rockefeller. The oysters are well rinsed (except one had a bit of sand) and do not taste fishy. There is a creamy flavour along with spinach, and the oysters taste a lot better with the addition of sea salt. This may be nitpicking, but I would have preferred a seasoning with bacon as well as parsley.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SEAFOOD CHOWDER, WILD BC SALMON, CLAMS AND SHRIMP ($7.00).

Second up, this is my favourite appetizer. The chowder has a creamy seafood bisque flavour and tastes very rich. Furthermore, the plentiful amount of seafood is just cooked and tastes moist, neither dry nor boring.

SALT AND PEPPER TIGER PRAWNS AND MANGO SALSA ($12.00).

Finishing up the appetizers are the tiger prawns. The prawns are lightly floured and have a hint of salt n' pepper. Furthermore, the prawns are just cooked, taste juicy, and have a nice snap. However, the exterior is slightly too gooey and lack that nice charred flavour. As for the mango salsa, corn along with red pepper is in included and there is a hint of spiciness.

10oz CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF RIB EYE, MASHED POTATOES, SEASONAL VEGETABLES AND VEAL PORT WINE REDUCTION ($29.00).

"An example of Certified Angus Beef at its best, richly marbled, intense flavours".

His choice is the rib eye, cooked to a medium rare as requested and is well marbled. The steak tastes fatty, juicy and tender. However, I personally prefer a smaller but thicker cut rather than a thinner slice. Furthermore, the steak has a saucier flavour and in a poor example, resembles a marinated piece of beef that is about to be used in a stir fry. There is no nice steak flavour, a nice steak seasoning, or a charred taste. However, this is just a personal preference.

12oz CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF NEW YORK STEAK, MASHED POTATOES, SEASONAL VEGETABLES AND VEAL PORT WINE REDUCTION ($33.00).

"Centre cut strip loin, full bodied texture".

As for myself, I ordered the New York and like the rib eye, the steak is perfectly cooked to a medium rare and tastes juicy. The steak is well seasoned (before additional pepper was added), there is a natural beefy flavour and the meat tastes tender. Furthermore, the au jus tastes very light and slightly sweet; not overwhelming one bit. If anything, I would have preferred a nicer crust and that chargrilled flavour is missing.

As for the sides, the selection of vegetables include red pepper, snow pea, squash as well as zucchini, and are just cooked with a soft crunch. Following, the mashed potato (which is not a premix) tastes smooth and not dry. However, there could have been more butter as well as milk.

CHEESECAKE FOR TWO, THREE DIFFERENT FLAVOUR (12.00).

The dessert was dropped off without a description of the flavours, but we were able to make them out (which is a good thing).

The trio includes salted cappuccino, banana chocolate and lemon cheesecake. Every slice of cheesecake is perfectly cut and has a smooth, stiff (in a good way) as well as a creamy consistency. As for the flavours, everything tastes like how they should and neither too sweet nor bland. The cappuccino has a light cappuccino flavour, the banana cheesecake is topped with chocolate and tastes like banana, and the lemon does not taste too tart or weak. If anything, the crust could have been sturdier with the use of more butter but in no way was it powdery.

Voucher price: $67.20 + Voucher $45.00 + Service charge (15%) $16.20 = $130.00.

Regular price: $108.00.

Overall, our dining experience was positive. Carver's Steakhouse is one of the few restaurants to make use of their promotion. There are no short cuts or restrictions, and the restaurant serves the food as-is; with or without the promotion. In addition, the highlights are definitely the chowder, New York steak and the selection of cheesecakes.

As for the service, the staff was attentive, professional and inviting. Our main server followed up on the appetizers as well as the entrees, and asked if pepper was needed when the food arrived. In addition, my cup of hot water was practically never empty and let me say… it is extremely rare to have more than two cups of hot water at a restaurant. Actually, out of every restaurant I have been to, only Le Crocodile and Carver's has refilled my hot water numerous times. Also, Carver's is not even a fine dining restaurant! Furthermore as we were leaving, a server rushed to open the door for us. This is definitely worth mentioning considering once a manager accidentally closed the door on me (Black + Blue) and at West Restaurant, the manager did not bother opening the door for us while standing right next to it!

POSITIVES

- Above average food

- One of the few steakhouses in Richmond

- Fine dining service and people who care (even better than many fine dining establishments!)

NEGATIVES

- Steaks lack that nice crust

- Some appetizers are average

LITTLE THINGS

- Parking spaces are limited

- Classic example of how good food and great service lures back clientele

- Reasonable prices (entrees + $8.00 includes a starter and dessert!)

- Will revisit, but I do prefer The Keg's seasoning and charred steaks more

Food: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5