Jan- 04
On The Boulevard: Outstanding Value For Your Money
by Kathy Theodore

Oh yea! Finally a New York style steakhouse right here in the Southland! For a restaurant open only for two weeks, word must be spreading like wildfire because the place was packed on a weekday. Owners, Michael and Marlene, bring a combination of restaurant experience, enthusiasm and charm to what is sure to become an institution in Pasadena for true steak lovers. Marlene and Chef Melquiodes Ramirez have together created a simple, yet sophisticated menu that matches the elegant and understated wood and cream decor. And — you get outstanding value for your money, because every meal is served with an abundance of potatoes and vegetables — not like those fancy schmancy places where you get a tiny piece of steak and have to order the sides separately.

"... this is truly a steak lovers paradise."

Our appetizer course consisted of a delicious tuna tartar and shrimp crepes — remarkably good in a surprising sweet sauce. The French Onion Soup didn't have enough cheese in it, but the flavor was good.  But now we come to the steak.  They do serve entrees other than steak, but I'm not sure why, because their steaks are incomparable. This is truly a steak lover's paradise. The cuts of meat are choice, and cooked flawlessly. As in New York, the steaks are served with a choice of sauces to accompany them — horseradish mustard, gorgonzola cheese, mushroom and tarragon and peppercorn. Actually, the steaks were so good, they needed no sauce (or anything else, for that matter) but the sauces were exquisite just the same.  We tried the rib-eye — beautifully marbled and as good as any I've had and I've had the best. The Porterhouse was huge, both in size and flavor. But the filet mignon would bring me back here again and again, melting in your mouth with tenderness and flavor.  The steamed vegetables were crisp and delicious and the potatoes perfect. For dessert? What else could do justice to such perfection than an excellent creme Brule?

This is a restaurant where you can kick back and enjoy a great meal in a pleasant ambience — and still walk out with a few bucks in your pocket.

If you like to combine watching some sports on TV with your steak, just opened is an annex to the Steakhouse, Michael's on the Alley, a sports bar milieu with the same fabulous menu as the main restaurant. When you're this good, simplicity is an asset.  Michael's Steakhouse is that good. Try it. You'll see.