": Over the past 16 years, I've been fortunate to visit 68 countries and 36 states, exploring a diverse range of cuisines and regional flavors crafted by world renowned chefs. My passion for culinary exploration is complemented by a rigorous approach to restaurant reviews, focusing on three key criteria: Ambiance, Service, and Food. Given the online reviews and local suggestions I decided to take a group of people to this restaurant for a great evening of food, fun, and good conversation. Here is what I found. Ambiance: After navigating a narrow and steep drive up a hill, we arrived at the restaurant, which boasts a unique location but inviting to the customer. The decor inside and out was richly ornate, reflecting the restaurant's historical charm. The setting exuded a homely warmth, reminiscent of a cozy family dinner. Service: Although the wait staff demonstrated attentiveness, a significant issue arose regarding the timing of food service. A key concern for me is the synchronization of dish arrivals, and unfortunately, 4 out of 6 main courses were served while 2 diners were left waiting. We waited 3 minutes and 23 seconds for the remaining dishes to arrive. This lapse in timing was problematic and may have contributed to other noted issues. Drinks Food: We began with a round of cocktails, with selections including the House of Dragon, Fleur de l'Âge, and a classic Smoked Old Fashioned. The cocktails were intricately crafted with a sophisticated blend of flavors, justifying their premium price. However, the wine selection was disappointing; I had hoped to order a few bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, but the majority were priced at $225 each. Appetizers: We started with the Mixed Game Grill, featuring the chef's choice of game meats and sausages with dipping sauces, and Humbolt Fog, a soft ripened goat cheese accompanied by fig compote, toasted walnuts, whipped chèvre, Provençal olives, and fresh brioche. The presentation of the Mixed Game Grill was lackluster, with the meat appearing simply arranged and some items served below room temperature. Although the dish was eventually comped, the presentation was concerning. In contrast, the Humbolt Fog was exceptional, showcasing a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Entrees: Our group sampled three entrees: Emu Fan Filet, Bison Shortrib, and Elk. The meats were well seasoned and cooked to perfection, highlighting their distinct flavors. However, the accompanying vegetables and potatoes were excessively salted, which overshadowed the quality of the meat. The garlic risotto was an exception, prepared with a well balanced flavor profile. Despite the appealing presentation, the entrees were served lukewarm, which was particularly disappointing given our previous feedback about cold dishes. Conclusion: While this restaurant has the potential to offer excellent food, my recent experience was not worth the premium pricing. I would recommend visiting with the expectation that the restaurant address issues such as food temperature and seasoning. It is preferable to add salt to taste rather than contend with over seasoned dishes that cannot be adjusted. One other side note: they knew it was one of the couples anniversary at the table, you would expect as a restaurant they would have brought out a small something sweet with a candle to celebrate the milestone."
