NOTHING is as seductive as a heavy hunk of perfectly prepared steak—those grill marks that hint of flavor seared into a crust, the way it’s flecked with just salt and pepper to bring out the decadent beefy goodness, the intramuscular fat glistening and the bright pink meat revealing itself when you cut into it.
And when you finally take your first bite, there’s that satisfaction that makes you slump against your seat.
Great for date nights and get-togethers, steaks are a luxury. But in this city, it’s no longer a rarity. Sitting within the FLC Center on Hernan Cortes St. in Mandaue City is Fat Jim’s Steak House, another new player in town. Three partners are involved in this venture and “Fat Jim” is a combination of their names. Even at midday on a weekday, the place is never without diners who come in pairs or in groups. Since it opened in June 2018, it has earned a following as it plates up prime cuts without pretension.
Take your pick from USDA Angus ribeye, USDA Prime Angus ribeye, USDA wagyu ribeye and USDA tenderloin steak. What you get is meat that’s nicely charred and seasoned, offset by the crunch of the crisp veggies on the side. All orders come with your choice of plain rice, garlic rice, mashed potatoes or French fries. Though gravy is also served and is made in-house, the steaks here can do without it.
“Our customers tell us they always get their money’s worth when dining here. We have the same quality steak as the more expensive restaurants but our prices are lower, and our service is personalized,” says Abigail Young, Fat Jim’s co-owner.
Even the non-steak entrees are worth coming here for. Some of its bestsellers are the Fat Jim’s Chop, a thick-cut pork chop grilled and served with mushroom sauce; the smoky, sweet and tangy baby back ribs; the seafood pasta in a garlic and white wine sauce; lamb shank that’s cooked in red wine and fresh herbs for three hours; and the baked salmon en papillote with white wine and aromatics. “Our dishes are really simple but we make sure to use the best ingredients,” said Young. Fat Jim’s also has an impressive wine list and a waitstaff that can give recommendations for pairings.
Fat Jim’s is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Sunday. Reservations are encouraged especially on Friday and Saturday.