A Non-Food Critic’s Delight: The Fat Cap Ribeye and More at The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon

When it comes to a truly indulgent dining experience, The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon in Temecula delivers in spades. Known for its Western charm and top-tier cuts, this steakhouse transports you back to a simpler time, while treating your palate to modern-day culinary perfection. And while the entire menu is a meat lover’s paradise, two dishes in particular steal the show: the fat cap ribeye and the sea bass paired with lobster mashed potatoes.

Let’s start with the star of the steak selection—the fat cap ribeye. Yes, it’s a bit on the pricier side, but once you take your first bite, all thoughts of the price melt away with the butter. This ribeye isn’t just any steak. It’s crowned with a glorious fat cap that renders down into pure beefy goodness. The steak is beautifully seared to create a crispy, caramelized crust while leaving the interior tender and juicy. Cooked to your preference (though I highly recommend medium-rare to let the fat and meat harmonize), the fat cap ribeye is finished with the Chophouse’s signature in-house butter blend. This isn’t your everyday butter—this is a rich combination of herbs, garlic, and a hint of salt that melts into the crevices of the ribeye, making each bite a divine experience. The butter infuses the steak with a velvety smoothness, enhancing the juicy, marbled beef and making each bite utterly melt in your mouth. It’s indulgence on a plate, but worth every penny.

Now, as if the ribeye wasn’t already a knockout, let’s talk about the seafood option that’s just as impressive—the sea bass. This perfectly pan-seared fish has a buttery, flaky texture that feels almost ethereal, with a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the richness of the lobster mashed potatoes. The sea bass is served golden brown on the outside, with a moist, tender interior that practically melts on your fork.

But the real showstopper on the plate? The lobster mashed potatoes. This isn’t your typical mashed potato side. Creamy, velvety potatoes are infused with chunks of fresh lobster, creating a luxurious bite with every forkful. The combination of the sweet, succulent lobster meat with the richness of the potatoes makes this dish a standout. It's the perfect counterpart to the lightness of the sea bass and can easily stand on its own as a reason to visit The Gambling Cowboy.

Whether you’re indulging in the rich, buttery fat cap ribeye or savoring the delicate, flaky sea bass alongside lobster-infused mashed potatoes, The Gambling Cowboy delivers a culinary experience that is nothing short of spectacular. Yes, the price tag might make you hesitate, but once you’re seated with that first bite, you'll know it’s worth every dollar.

From steak lovers to seafood enthusiasts, this chophouse knows how to cater to the discerning palate with dishes that are as memorable as the old-time charm of the venue itself. Next time you're in Temecula, be sure to book a table—and bring an appetite for indulgence.