Thursday, March 18, 2010

Gus's Steak House - Sonora, CA

This is what happened: My mom and I went to the Black Oak Casino, and she started off with a lot more money than I did. It would have seemed she would have walked away the winner two hours into our experience. Then: WHAM! BAM! THANK YOU MA'AM! A quarter machine pumped out 150 cool dollar, dollar bills to me. So you know what that meant? I bought dinner! ;) I have passed Gus's for quite some time, my memory told me I had never been there but I wasn't so sure...

The Cheese Fondue. My memory came back with this bland cheese, I had been there before. Probably when I was too young to determine if food tasted good yet... They serve this complimentry when you arrive. What is most sad, I was so starving at this point for waiting for 40 minutes to be seated, I thought it actually tasted pretty sufficient.

My Mom's salad. Very basic, in fact - she said, "It wasn't worth the calories."

One of the worst cups of Clam Chowder sampled ever. Nothing about it tasted like Clam Chowder. I am sorry for sounding so mean, I really am sorry. :(

The Chicken Marsala. My Mom's order - she actually said it wasn't that bad. I had few bites, some were tastier than others, but for the most part it was edible. Good order!

That is supposed to be the Calamari Steak - It may look like a pancake with that dollop of butter or maybe an egg frittata but, no... All you tasted was egg! The calamari was so lost under the egg batter that the true taste unrecognizable. The fries were well, fries.

I sound really critical after this post, don't I? I always find something nice to say. Our server was friendly, I think she knew something was wrong though. Our plates, everyone, went back with only a few bites eaten. Poor girl, we tipped her well - it wasn't her fault. I know this place is an institution in Sonora but I was not impressed. I feel bad saying that because there really isn't much up the mountain. Try it for yourself and get back to me, maybe your experience was better.

5 comments:

JustinM said...

This looks and sounds like the kind of place Gordon Ramsay shows up at and says something along the lines of "You've quit trying, haven't you?" to the owner.

It looks like the kind of place that caters to old people whose taste buds are almost gone.

SkippyMom said...

I have to say you usually can find something complimentary to say but there isn't a single thing you were served that looks even close to appetizing.

And on top of it - is was served so sloppily - I hate when chefs can't take the time to wipe the edges of plates, etc.

Sorry you didn't like it.

Melissa Good Taste said...

This place needs Gordon Ramsey. Maybe I should nominate them. I do try to point out the good aspects of my experiences - even if the food is bad... but this place. I don't know how they do it! People have to leave there upset but then again, the place was packed!!! Selection is limited in this part of California - it doesn't even seem like your in California when your there though...

Taryn said...

Hi there! I stumbled upon your blog here when googling "Gus's Steak House Menu." I'm a local here in Sonora and I've only eaten there two or three times. It really does feel like a different world here in Sonora when I go to "the city," (aka Modesto). I imagine people coming to visit are wondering when the creepy guy from Deliverance is going to make an appearance. Anyway, Gus's isn't exactly what we call fine dining here, he's kind of mediocre, but gets a lot of business for some reason. Since you visit our little corner of the mountains every so often, might I recommend the 5-star restaurant upstairs in Black Oak Casino? My husband and I just went there for our anniversary and it was FANTASTIC! For a less costly route (about $200 for two of us, yikes) might I recommend The Great Wall in the Junction Shopping center (chinese), Sonora Thai downtown, or Applebees behind the Timberhills shopping center (prolly dime a dozen where you're from). Or you could go here: http://www.mymotherlode.com/living/dining/ and pick something that strikes you. But yea, as far as "Gordon Ramsey" quality food, I think The 7 Sisters is the best you'll get for miles. Great work on your blog here, take care!

Anonymous said...

Maybe you should have ordered a steak. It is a steakhouse after all. Chicken Marsala? Calamari steak? Who goes to a steakhouse for those things? I've never had to wait for a table when eating at Gus's, the food has always been good and the wait staff extremely polite. Gus is a delight to speak with and loved that he personally comes around to check on you.