By Katie Sterling
Is there anything better than a martini shaken tableside? One with blue-cheese stuffed olives? How about one that comes with a caviar bump? Served as chilled as the jumbo shrimp cocktail emitting wisps of icy smoke, this aperitif is just one sampling of the abundance of riches that BLVD Steak has on offer. From cocktails to the culmination of dessert, and any course you desire in between, the latest establishment to join The Commons at Calabasas is definitely making its culinary mark.
BLVD Steak is certainly not your average steakhouse, despite sharing many of the delicious dishes you have come to expect from a restaurant that boasts beef in their namesake. Yes, there are an array of meat cuts to satiate your cravings. Yes, there are the classic creamed spinach and mashed potato sides. But, much like its interior décor, this is a steakhouse that is sexier, chicer and much more aligned with what patrons are looking for when seeking out a dining establishment that offers both delicious food and great ambience.
Emerald velvet booths allow diners to cozy up over shared dishes, while sleek black tables adorned in gold accents pepper the floor, perfect for larger groups and families. Surrounded by foliage and plants that envelop the ceiling, it’s hard not to be impressed by a restaurant that in such a sleek minimalist style, manages to pack quite a maximum punch.
While the décor entices you to walk in the door, the food will keep you staying long into the night and definitely returning for more. Kicking off with the aforementioned shrimp cocktail, a majority of the starter options lean on the surf side of things, including a varied raw bar that even includes some sushi options. The jumbo shrimp cocktail accompanied with mustard aioli and cocktail sauce was immensely fresh and served as a perfect foil for the warm melt-in-your-mouth crab cake with a zesty remoulade. A dichotomy of light versus richer starters (yellowtail crudo or wagyu meatball, tuna tartare or a heartier pretzel bread with BLVD butter, etc.) gives diners the ideal options whether they arrive starving or simply want a small taste of something before their main course.
There’s no doubt that as an elevated steakhouse, meat is front and center, both literally on the menu and figuratively on the minds for the majority of diners seeking out a reservation. From classic cuts to more elevated Wagyu options, there are nine varied choices to satiate your cravings. A perfectly seared and seasoned 6 oz petit filet certainly showcased that BLVD steak, well, knows its steak. While delicious in and of itself, like building a perfect sundae you can mix and match sauces, butters and toppers to build your own unique concoction. While you can never go wrong with the classic peppercorn sauce or blue cheese topping, a personal favorite was the bearnaise sauce.
However, the menu does not stop at steak and you would be remiss if you didn’t explore the other options on offer. Once again, seafood does steal part of the show for the main course and an order of half-pound king crab legs will have you in a state of gluttony that others will envy. Rich crab meat soaked in their special BLVD butter with just the slightest drizzle of fresh lemon. Steak who?!
Those looking to explore outside of the traditional surf and turf options will be pleased to find a variety of pasta dishes, chicken options and of course, a myriad of salads if you’re looking to add a little greenery to your agenda. After all, this may be an unpopular opinion, but you can judge a lot about a restaurant from their Caesar salad. Yes, it’s on almost every menu, but if you can deliver one with the perfect ratio of creamy dressing to crunchy lettuce, crispy croutons and a generous sprinkling of parmesan, it can give you a pretty good insight into how the rest of the dishes will be. Safe to safe, the BLVD Steak Caesar got full marks.
With whatever entrée may speak to you, just be sure to order an array of sides to fully round out what will only be a delicious meal. Traditionalists may go for the mashed potatoes or creamed spinach, but personal standouts included the crispy broccolini and mac & cheese so decadent, it could be a meal by itself.
If you still have room for dessert (and you absolutely should always have room for dessert), hands-down order the salted caramel pot de crème topped with carmelized popcorn. Thank me later.
While BLVD Steak reimagines familiar favorites that are no doubt delicious, the restaurant also succeeds in large part thanks to its ability to offer a complete dining experience for their guests. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted by a friendly face and each server’s attention to detail in being both accommodating, but never overbearing, makes for a truly enjoyable meal. Their suggestions are incredibly helpful, their knowledge of the menu is top-tier and their attitudes are infectious.
As the latest dining hot-spot, there’s no doubt that locals will flock to this restaurant for dinners, brunches, celebrations or simply to grab a drink at the bar after a long workday. After all, the bar is a show-stopping piece that impresses guests the moment they walk in and frankly, draws customers in as its infectious energy radiates out the front door.
While BLVD Steak has an original location in Sherman Oaks, it’s hard not to feel as if BLVD Steak is so quintessentially Calabasas; elevated but approachable, secluded yet inviting and frankly, a true treasure trove.
For reservations, and to view the full menu, visit blvdsteak.com.
