[Shanghai Girl Eats] Roosevelt Prime Steakhouse (3)
Roosevelt Prime Steakhouse 罗斯福顶级牛排馆 | Dianping
Address: 160 Taiyuan Lu near Yongjia Lu / 太原路160号太原别墅(近永嘉路)
Date visited: 2014.09 for dinner
Price: Steaks RMB¥395-1295 (please note: 10% service charge)
Will return: Definitely
Virgo month has come. I had a great early (and unintentional) birthday dinner this year at Roosevelt Prime with a few friends, ironically as the only American at the table at an American steakhouse.
I like American beef and I like a nice crust on a steak. Under these conditions, I consider Roosevelt Prime steaks to be the best in Shanghai because they are USDA Prime and they are cooked to perfection in a custom 800-degree stone oven.
Some of the steaks are big so they can be shared (make sure to check the weight of each steak, which is listed on the menu). Although I know a few lads who are capable of eating entire steaks on their own, our party of 6 easily shared 3 steaks and a whole lot of sides.
“The Delmonico” Ribeye Prime and “The Cowboy” Bone-In Ribeye Prime tend to be my (and most people’s) favorite steaks here and the verdict is usually split down the middle between the two. We also wanted to try the 28 Days Aged Porterhouse Prime (RMB1295) but it had run out at that point during the night under a very full house so we settled for a T-Bone, which did not disappoint.
“The Delmonico” Ribeye Prime 16oz/454g/1.5″ thick (RMB695)
“The Cowboy” 28 Days Aged Bone-In Ribeye Prime 24oz/680g/2.0″ thick (RMB1095)
T-Bone All Natural Angus CAB 20oz/567g/1.25″ thick (RMB550)
Roosevelt’s Famous Black Truffle Mac & Cheese (RMB95) x 3 because self control is not in our dictionary
Recommend: definitely
It is not an overly cheesy mac & cheese, which works allows the subtle truffle oil to come through. This is what Roosevelt Prime is known for: their steak and truffle mac & cheese. I tried to order 2 and then someone suggested 3 and that was when I knew I was in good company.
George’s Onion Rings in a Skillet (RMB75), covered by perfectly crispy batter, are also at the top of the list of sides. They are exactly what good onion rings are supposed to be. These escaped the table before my lens caught them.
Robuchon’s Styled Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Leeks (RMB75)
Recommend: yes
Whipped and airy mash potatoes with some meat never hurt anyone.
Classic Bacon Creamed spinach (RMB80)
Recommend: no
Mostly cream and not so much spinach. I don’t fancy this much cream so not for me.
Garlic Fries (RMB75)
Recommend: maybe
I like that these are crispy matchstick fries (as opposed to thick cut fries). I think garlic lovers would really like these but personally a tad too garlicky for me. I don’t need to ward off any vampires tonight.
Steamed asparagus (RMB120)
Recommend: it is what it is
Only because someone complained we did not have enough vegetables.
Maple Cured Thick Slab Bacon with Beefsteak Tomato & Onion (RMB95)
Recommend: definitely
You might be wondering: a slab of bacon, a slice of raw tomato, and a cross section of raw onion. What gives? Owner George says this dish was inspired by his experience at Peter Luger Steakhouse in New York, which serves a tomato/onion salad with bacon strips on the side. During a visit to Peter Luger, guests at the next table told George this seemingly unremarkable combination of bacon, tomato, and onion was a must order and that all three must be eaten together at the same time. He tried it, he liked it, and made his own version with thick bacon stacked on the tomato and onion. Slice it like a cake and get all three in one bite.
Something about that raw onion crunch coupled with soft bacon and sweet maple glaze is just so delicious.
Chocolate fondant (RMB80)
Recommend: yes
Rich chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate center is obligatory after-steak dessert.
Banana Rum Souffle (RMB80)
Recommend: yes
Rare to meet a soufflé balanced in texture and taste. Like the touch of bananas.
