The restaurant- Paul's American Steak and Eggs- Several years ago, fresh from selling his diner in Florida, Canadian native Paul and his wife Yang Yang decided to take an extended 6 month vacation in China. They had plans to return to the U.S., probably California, and open a new restaurant. While in Beijing, Paul began craving the western food he missed from home. He realized he couldn't find it in China and what western food there was here was only in hotels and was overpriced. He saw a need for an American style diner restaurant that offered good American comfort food at reasonable prices. After finding an old bar in the Jianguomen foreign embassy area that was for sale and renovating it, Paul's American Steak and Eggs was born. While it is not the only game in town anymore (competitor Grandma's Kitchen is just next door), Paul keeps packing in hungry expats looking for a taste of home and Chinese people looking for western food at a decent price now in two locations. When Paul is not barking orders or working in the kitchen, you can find him chatting with his customers. He is also an accomplished dessert chef serving up the best western desserts you will find in Beijing. If its western food, chances are Paul has it on his menu. He obviously specializes in hearty breakfasts (steak and eggs, country fried steak and eggs, ham and eggs and the heart attack special: eggs, biscuit or toast, with ham, sausage, AND bacon.) Beyond that he has an extensive menu of appetizers, steak and chicken entrees, pastas and pizzas. Rounding this out is a full bar with cheap cocktails and imported American soft drinks. (Yay Dr. Pepper!)
Here is a picture I was able to find on the internet. Yes that is Paul's face on the sign.
Ambience- Picture your favorite home owned restaurant in any small American town and you know what this place looks like. Everything is simple here: decor, chairs, etc. Clanging of plates and dishes can be heard from the kitchen. People are smoking and the smell of fresh coffee is in the air. It reminds me of Hometown Cafe in Bruce or Martha's Menu in Corinth, in other words, Perfect!
Service- Service here has never been lacking and is always quick. Paul works his staff hard and it pays off in satisfied customers who never have to wait long for anything.
Food- After church on Sunday is the perfect time for a late breakfast. I opted today for the pancake breakfast with blueberry and whip cream topping. The meal came with three large cakes covered in blueberries and what tasted like homemade whip cream. On the side were 2 scrambled eggs and 2 thick pieces of bacon. My only complaint would be that it would have been nice to have the eggs on a separate plate. When the blueberry syrup runs off the pancakes and mixes with the eggs, they turn green. Maybe I should have had ham instead of bacon? The pancakes were large but fluffy, the bacon greasy, and the eggs cooked well. A Dr. Pepper on the side helps me to cope with being away from home. The food here is basic comfort food. It is not fancy, but it tastes good and fills you up.
The Price- My total bill came out to 70 yuan, about 10 dollars, a small price for such a filling meal. Paul's is the best deal in town.
Total Sweet Potatos- 5/5 I have never been disappointed here, definitely my favorite restaurant in Beijing.
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