13 weeks ago, a new neon sign popped up on America’s beloved cross-country route. Its luminous red marks the arrival of Arcadia’s own steakhouse and butchercase, situated just past the town’s famous round barn on Route 66. Blockman’s Chophouse specializes in wagyu steak, alongside high-quality poultry, rotating seafood options, and some of the largest wine and bourbon lists in the metro area—125 different bourbons and a 250-bottle wine list.
Contrary, perhaps, to the Route 66 ideology of journey over destination, the thesis of Blockman’s Chophouse is best understood by the way it ends each meal.
“We give you a piece of cafeteria sheet cake,” said James Kraham, one of the four owners of Blockman’s Chophouse. “My mother-in-law taught at Northern Hills Elementary School for years; she is a legend there. She would make [this cafeteria sheet cake] with margarine and super unhealthy ingredients. It was terrible.” he laughed. “So, we took it to a friend at Route 66 Bake Shop. She used King Arthur Flour, Callebaut Chocolate, and these fantastic ingredients. All of a sudden it was like, ‘Hey, that’s how a chocolate sheet cake should taste!’”…