Peter M.
Yelp
There was constant buzz about their warm butter cake and how it ranked on the top of similar concoctions elsewhere. Thus, on Saturday night, we drove 30 miles to Thousand Oaks, to dine at Mastro's Steakhouse. After valet parking (reasonable $6), we entered the establishment at the reception area to be greeted by one wall full of wine bottles. There is also a dress code sign at the reception :) The place was packed, both in the bar area (where there was a vocalist singing and playing on the piano), and the dining spaces. All the patrons were dressed up, but not as sharp as the servers, all of which, were well groomed, with white coats and black bow ties. Poshness was in the air and you could smell success, everywhere. There was dim lighting, black cloth napkins, white table cloth and elegantly appointed table settings.
It was no surprise that the menu was pricey. Fully expected, in this classy and electric ambiance, that welcomed you to be a part of their evening dining service. The Lobster Bisque arrived at the right temperature, creamy, with a rich seafood taste, containing very small pieces of lobster meat. The crab cake for one of our party was stringy, and ordinary. However, the magnet at Mastro's is their steaks. We had the 6 oz Filet Mignon (medium rare for me, medium for the other diner). For accompaniments, there was the Lobster meat (4 oz) and the Dungeness Crab meat (5 oz). Both these seafood selections were de shelled and steamed. Nicely done.
Drawn butter and Béarnaise sauce was on the side.
The Filet Mignon was sensational. Prepared to perfection, cut well with the knife, had firm texture and satisfying taste. The grand finale was the dessert, the real reason we came here. Alas, the Signature Mastro Warm Butter cake. We ordered two of them !! An exceptional dish, a large portion in each, tastefully dressed, marrying well with the ice cream. It came with sides of huge portions of cream (really). We could not finish either butter cake, and brought the left overs home. For those who are wondering about cost, the whole meal (for 3 people, including a glass of wine and an old fashioned cocktail), with tip, came to $450. Clearly, an amazing evening, fully worth the visit, and a night to remember, in its own category of food, service and culinary excellence.
