The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
"Even when I was young, I cooked quite a few times at home," Shane Madarash recalls with a smile. "I remember one time I think I was boiling spaghetti, but then I changed it into a soup or something. My dad comes into the house and he says, 'What are you making there?'" All these years later, Madarash is still cooking as owner of The Royal Rib and Steakhouse, conveniently located on Flin Flon's Main Street. As he celebrates his fine establishment's fifth anniversary this weekend, Madarash's commitment to quality food and customer service is as solid as ever. "I just love to cook and like to see people satisfied when they leave my restaurant that they got a good meal at a good price," he says. Madarash and his staff invite diners of all ages to stop by today and tomorrow to help him celebrate his fifth year in business. The occasion will be marked with a special shipment of scrumptious Atlantic lobster prepared to appetizing perfection. "This is the top of the line lobster that you can get," he says. Also on the anniversary menu is colossal breaded shrimp as well as crab-stuffed shrimp with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions and garlic. "They're huge shrimp," says Madarash. For the first time, an expanded array of desserts will be served. Choose from double chocolate cheesecake, chocolate toffee kahlua mousse, banana carmel cheesecake or chocolate laval cake. As usual, of course, diners can dig into one of the restaurant's specialties, mouth-watering steak using only the finest Angus AAA grade beef. "I don't think there's too many restaurants out there that use that beef," says Madarash, a steak lover who won't eat anything but AAA quality. Madarash's ribs are just as delectable. In fact, there is an option on his lunch and dinner menu sure to please anyone. And it's all meticulously prepared from scratch. "My burgers are all homemade, the meat sauce is all homemade Ð everything is homemade," says Madarash. The atmosphere at The Royal Rib and Steakhouse is second to none, combining friendly service and a cordial ambiance. Madarash, a professional chef of more than 20 years, wouldn't have it any other way. He began cooking professionally as a high-school student, at a place called the Roadhouse Inn in his native Preeceville, Saskatchewan. In 1990 he moved to Flin Flon, where he put his talents on display in the kitchen of the Coral Reef Restaurant, later known as La Primavera. Madarash then went to Mr. Ribs before opening his own eatery, Maddy's Steak and Pizza, in 1996. After returning to Mr. Ribs a year later, he continued to solidify his reputation as one of the area's top chefs. In 2004, he opened the doors to The Royal Rib and Steakhouse. As a restaurant owner, his philosophy remained the same as when he was solely a cook. "If you don't have good quality food, the people aren't going to come back," he says. Of course Madarash hasn't done it all alone. He gives ample credit to his supportive family, including wife Shauna, teenage son Joshua, sister Carla Simon, mom Carol and dad Carl, a regular behind-the-scenes presence at the restaurant. He and his family thank the public for their support these past five years and look forward to serving diners for many more years to come. Stop by The Royal Rib and Steakhouse at 93 Main Street (next to the Royal Hotel) today or tomorrow, when the usual closing time of 8 p.m. will be extended as long as there are customers coming through the door. It is a fine dining experience the whole family won't soon forget!
