I'm Only Here for the Food!

Brave Bull’s House of Steaks
1298 E Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC

After our visit to Alvin Garden, I “volunteered” to organize the next food bloggers outing. But, I will say it right away: boy, I really messed up this time. I mean, who suggests an outing in the middle of summer? Add a last minute communication snafu and failure was only steps away (*). But, thankfully, Jenny (My Secret Eden), Jessica (Yumorama) and Frank (Vanfoodies) were able to make it… And the place for this gathering? Brave Bull’s House of Steaks.

Edit: Jessica’s post is up! Check it here!
Edit: Jenny’s post is up! Check it here!

(*) OK, Drea, feel free to blame me for all the epic fails we have had so far…

Now, this is not my first time here. I blogged about it late last year. I mentioned that, despite food wasn’t spectacular, you get more than what you paid for and it was a lesson of humility. Why choose this place as a location for a food bloggers meeting? Well, we don’t always have to go to the fanciest, most popular, places, should we? With that said…

It is obvious the restaurant has seen better years. As Linda, our host, told us, they have been there for since 1985 and prices have not changed since 1991 (!!!). But, let’s face it, this restaurant is not located in the fanciest of the neighbourhoods in Vancouver: technically part of the infamous Vancouver Downtown East Side, it is a long walking distance from both Commercial Drive and Main Street. And, nearby, well, there is not much nearby after 6:00 p.m., as it is mostly an industrial area. (Actually, there is an Ethiopian restaurant across the street but…).

Since I called ahead of time, a table in a separate section of the restaurant was set up for us. It was quite different from the area I had my meal last time: In a way, it was more private. And, decorating the walls, were different cuts from different articles and awards, some of them over 10 years ago. But, despite these were old, let me assure you, what was written still holds true…

In total, it was six of us and Linda told us in advance they were quite busy that night, as there were customers on the other side of the restaurant as well. I couldn’t see how many walked in during our 2+ hour stay, but I think there were at least three other tables when I walked in. Now, you might say, how it is possible you call it busy? Well, you must keep in mind this is not The Keg, Morton’s or any steak house where you have a large front house staff plus a dozen or so cooks in the back. This operation is really small, with Linda in the front house and her grandson helping that night plus the cook (probably a single cook) in the back. But, it was the fact we were told in advance. And, then, there was the really good company… Eventually, our dishes started to arrive.

Chowder

Beef barley

Pan fried oyster. Normally an order would be four pieces but, given our “patience”, the cook gave us the half dozen.

Some garlic bread. I wished it was more garlic-y but otherwise, it was OK.

T-bone steak (13~14 oz), ordered by three of us.

Sirloin steak

Pork chops

Veal

I myself did not try the oyster; however, though the general consensus was the exterior being slightly chewy, everybody seemed to enjoy it. As for the different dishes, I will only comment on mine, hehehehe. In my case, while the meat was not melt-in-your-mouth or the most tender piece of beef I ever had, it was quite enjoyable. Aside from the pieces next to the bones, it was plump and juicy. Again, while not the most tender piece of beef, the knife did not have to work overtime either. But, let’s face it, you are not paying a premium for the steak – it was just $15… In fact, the aside from the T-Bone steaks, the other dishes were under $10. Did I mention the soups and the bread, along with the small side of veggies and the baked potato are included?

After we finished, Linda stopped by and entertained us a little bit. She told us about the history of the place, how things have changed and, interestingly, printouts collected by her grandson of other blogger visits (check here and here). Hey, she even posed with us for some pictures! Overall, a really gracious, charming host. And the meal? Everybody agreed it was a good meal. As for myself, I think there is more I wish to say but I simply can’t. It is one of those cases it is better for the reader to experience it by visiting the restaurant. No, I am not setting you up, instead, it is an experience on its own.