Lone Tree’s prime rib perfect for holiday gatherings

ANTIOCH, CA (Dec. 20, 2023) — With the December holidays upon us, finding that special place to entertain family and friends is no easy task. The quest to provide an elegant meal often entails seeking out restaurants that aren’t part of your normal routine.

If there is any inclination to drive into San Francisco to visit the House of Prime Rib, a comparable, and less expensive, dining experience awaits in Antioch – minus bridge tolls, traffic jams and car break-ins.

The Lone Tree Golf Course serves elegant prime rib at Sunday brunch. Abdon Aguilar and his brother Chef Jose have offered this dish to an adoring clientele for more than 20 years.

According to Abdon, a proud graduate of Ygnacio Valley High , it has been a long journey from being a dishwasher to his present GM position.

“We started our brunch service with 25 diners,” he recalls. “Over the years, we have grown to serve over 300 guests. Everything we make is produced in-house.”

One of the best

Their buffet is arguably one of the best of this genre in the Bay Area, rivaling Berkeley’s Claremont and the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Lone Tree even has a piano player contributing to the ambiance at Sunday brunch.

With a staff of 55, most of whom have worked at Lone Tree for several years, the brothers have put together a menu of homemade masterpieces. Outside of the usual eggs, potatoes, waffles and thick bacon typical at buffets, diners will discover incredible starters.

I could not resist partaking in a mini lox and bagel sandwich. They also serve chilled PEI mussels, prawns, clams, oysters and a spicy mini shrimp cocktail. There’s a wide selection of international cheeses, including brie, goat and Muenster, that pair well with house-baked rolls and biscuits. Fresh-cut fruit helps cleanse one’s palate.

I tried small portions of Caprese, cucumber, potato, Napa and asparagus vinaigrette salads. My favorite from this category was the rustic candied pecan – so good I had to take an additional serving.

Prime rib

Prior to visiting the carving station, diners can sample butternut squash with sage butter sauce and a large assortment of other dishes. Thankfully, I saved room to partake in Lone Tree’s famed prime rib, which is also available as an entrée Friday and Saturdays in their main restaurant.

Adding the au jus gravy, creamed horseradish and mashed potatoes, I realized gastronomical euphoria. Other main selections include crusted salmon and ham. Not to be missed are steak medallions with mushrooms and blue cheese in a garlic butter sauce.

As a family restaurant, Lone Tree has a special kids menu with macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, corn dogs and other delights. A full bar and wine list is also available.

Those who left room will find several desserts. I tried an incredible mini crème brulée and a dark chocolate dipped strawberry. There was also an inviting chocolate mousse and pies I will look forward to sampling on future visits.

Even with six seatings on holidays, reservations are imperative by calling 925-706-4233 well in advance. Lone Tree Golf Course is also available for weddings and special events year-round.

More Buffets

There are several other buffets in Concord. Brasas do Brazil on Willow Pass and Texas de Brazil at the Veranda offer elegant dining as the new year approaches. Other favorites of mine are Fuji Buffet on Diamond Boulevard and Swagat Indian Cuisine on Salvio.

If you’re on a budget, there is always China Wall at Park & Shop, which offers decent traditional Cantonese fare. This is one of the few local restaurants that can accommodate large groups.

Not to be left out is Golden Corral on Diamond Boulevard. While I can pass on the Baron of Beef, there is always fried chicken and abundant desserts to enjoy.

Contact Rich Eber at ­rjerje@pacbell.net