Lenore and Amador Solis
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- A staple in Los Angeles for more than 40
years, the foothills version of Taylor's Steak House opened in La Canada
Flintridge five years ago.
The dimly lit, comfortably overstuffed booths, linen tablecloths and
friendly staff contribute to a pleasurable dining experience.
This is not the typical commercial steak house. This menu is a beef
lovers dream, offering top-quality, generous cuts of top sirloin, rib
eye, New York, porterhouse, filet mignon and prime rib.
If you're looking for pork or chicken, this is not the place for you.
There is an offering of fish on the menu for those who do not eat beef.
Our meal began with a generous appetizer portion of giant prawns
delicately sauteed in a perfect balance of garlic and butter. This was
followed by a broth-based mushroom soup with sliced, not diced, mushrooms
that was light, fresh and flavorful.
At the suggestion of our friendly waitress, we sampled the popular
onion soup and were not disappointed. The oven-baked, Jack
cheese-smothered serving was lightly browned just enough to create a
delicious cheese shell. We quickly understood its popularity, but be
careful, it's hot.
The most popular cut is the house special filet mignon smothered in
sweet caramelized sauteed onions. The portion was generous and tender
with a flavorful charbroiled taste served "pink," just as requested. At
$14.95, this is an unbelievable bargain.
The top sirloin and porterhouse steaks were generously portioned but
both had to be sent back for more fire. The porterhouse was returned to
the table sizzling hot, juicy and broiled medium as requested. The top
sirloin was returned charred and dry.
Our patient waitress explained the correct wording for ordering rare
to well done and what to expect. We suggest that if you are ordering
anything other than well done, you use red and pink to describe what you
expect. The waitress returned with a freshly charbroiled cut.
Don't miss a taste of Taylor's own steak sauce. It features a blend of
vinegar, tomato paste and molasses.
The perfect finish to this meal was a light, creamy textured, better
than average creme brulee.
Taylor's features a full-service bar, a moderately priced wine menu
offering servings by the glass or bottle, and an outside dining patio
perfect for smokers.
Open seven days, reservations are a must for this popular restaurant.
On the midweek night we were there, the place was filled with couples and
families.
The search continues for a restaurant critic. This week's contestants
are Glendale residents and mother-and-son team Lenore M. Solis and Amador
C. Solis. Lenore is an entrepreneur and ombudsman. Amador, 15, is a
10th-grader at Hoover High School.
IF YOU GO
WHERE: Taylor's Steak House, 901 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge.
PHONE: 790-7668.
LIQUOR: Full bar.
HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for lunch; open 4 to
10 p.m. seven days a week for dinner.
PRICES: Lunch entrees from $4.95 to $10.95; dinner entrees $10.95 to
$19.95.
