William S.
Yelp
In a perfect world, treasured old friends would never change--and Club Paris exists in that perfect world.
Last night, we made same-day reservations (starting at 9AM on Monday for that week only, phone only) at 9ish AM for 8PM; We arrived fashionably early, and were seated, had water and menus well BEFORE 8, in a front/side booth. The place was FULL, pleasantly dimly lit, humming with soft conversation and quiet 70s music, but not 'noisy.' As usual, the staff was super attentive, our waiter (the sole man working--curse me for forgetting his name) prompt, on the spot, and VERY sharp--the worst part about him was that he cruelly told us that they'd run out of prime rib, and had to add that it had been excellent. That's cruelty. :-)
Our mixed drinks were more-than-fair pours, and the appetizers (dead snails and shrimp cocktail) were perfect. My shrimp clearly had lived good lives and died happy, by the way, as they were firm, flavorful, and immense. The starters came with two large hot soft rolls and more than enough butter to clog an artery, if needed.
Her main was a lobster/filet combination; The lobster was just right, firm and flavorful, but it's hard to tell about the filet as she had hers cooked beyond recognition as is her wont. Mine was a ribeye ordered, and SERVED, medium rare, that was basically beef-flavored candy--juicy, tender, incredibly flavorful, the char one of the best I've ever had. The steak fries side was equally good, with crisp skins and soft centres more akin to a deep-fried baked potato than 'fries.'
We ordered the Chef's Mushrooms. Imagine cooking fresh mushrooms in French onion soup stock, adding wine, hunks of thick bacon, more onions, and then covering it with molten white cheese. . . amazing! The stock was so good that it'd make a glorious soup by itself, without the mushrooms; I'd keep the cheese, though.
Dessert: NY cheesecake and coffee with Tia Maria for her, creme brulee for me. Both were GOOD.
This place and its people deserve their reputation as a first-class traditional steakhouse; There is nothing else like it in Anchorage, and may it always stay that way. Five stars is more than fair, and no exaggeration. Go there before you die, before it's too late.