John D.
Yelp
Range Days Ahead
Highly-acclaimed newish restaurant (2021) that's fronted by acclaimed chefs Anthony Carron and Steven Fretz and a pastry/dessert program run by James Beard nominated pastry chef Lincoln Carson.
They're already off to a ripping start, as they've already nabbed two Michelin Guide recommendations ('22 & '23) and was one of two restaurants we *had* to visit on our latest trip to Solvang.
The fact that we actually visited twice (once for dinner, and once for brunch) in one visit is pretty rare for us, as we're like bumblebees that are constantly on the move from one restaurant to the next.
The Good:
*Locally-sourced products from their own cattle farm to fish straight from the Santa Barbara Pier. Their menu changes from season to season to highlight what's good.
*Overall the service was friendly, swift, and not too annoying. There was a bit of an issue with a snarky hostess, but let's be honest, shall we, that's pretty much part of the job description for a good host/hostess.
*Reservations for dinner are recommended and available thru the handy-dandy Yelp app in your hands.
*Fantastic old-timey roadhouse meets burlesque shop décor. The exterior is also just as gorgeous, as they're housed in an old Victorian.
*Dog-friendly outdoor seating
*Booths!! Actual honest to goodness booths! I was literally just asking Carissa, "You remember when all restaurants had the privacy of a booth?" And like a prayer, the food gods answered.
*Great bar and local microbrews on-tap (alcohol actually comes from their next-door sister Vaquero Bar)
*Carissa's "Atlantic" salmon was cooked to absolute perfection, despite the outward Blackened appearance. One second more--and it would've been overdone. It's also important to note that they actually asked how you want your fish cooked, which is extremely rare. Medium, of course...
*Potato Pierogies had a fantasticly crisp exterior and soft juicy interior. My one complaint was I wish they had a little more sauce on the dish.
*Parker House Rolls, too, came out warm, soft, and so full of good buttery flavor. I'd order these again in a heartbeat. #Carboholic
*I figured I should try some of their house-grown beef, and I was able to rectify that the next day as I ordered the Steak Fretz w/ eggs, and it was a breakfast fit for a king. The beef was tender, full of flavor and cooked expertly medium-rare. The well-seasoned steak fries were the perfect foil and especially when enveloped in the rich, velvety egg yolks.
*Potato Cake was like a McDonald's Hasbrown on steroids. Just get it.
*Carissa raved about her Eggs Benedict as "the best" she's ever had.
The Meh:
*Wagyu Beef Stroganoff was a bit of a letdown, especially since it was the Michelin Inspector's recommendation. Perhaps it was a case of the hype getting the better of the dish, as it wasn't bad in the least. In fact, it was quite good, but it was missing a little something to push it over the top, which is what I'd expect from a dish of this caliber.
The Ugly:
*Coast Range Brioche donuts were everything they're advertised and then some. Soft, tender, and a smooth not-too-sweet glaze. Did I pay $15 for two tiny donuts? Yes. Yes, I did. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat. #FatAss
Conclusion: Fantastic high-caliber, seasonal, and just plain delicious food at a price, but 100% worth a visit if you're in town or even staying somewhere nearby.