Our utter delight to be in quaint, bucolic Los Olivos for dinner was quickly ruined by unsatisfactory food and the mean owner who tried his best to hurt our feelings. At first we were willing to spend the $$$$ on items listed on their menu such as Abalone Steak and Pork Medallions. Their wine list was limited and short considering they are in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Pinot Noir we ordered was young and watery...what a disappointment. The ""steamed"" trout was fried having been egged and lightly breaded with dried herbs sprinkled on top; the menu did not list it as fried but steamed and I would expect fresh herbs for the price. Why egg, bread, and fry fresh fish? Something to hide? The potatoes were inedible because they were saturated in bacon grease...is this the great depression where grease was a staple? The cherry on top was my raging belly ache for the next 12 hours, along with the other three who ate with me who also had indigestion. In addition, the mean spirit of the owner, who spewed profanity and insults around the restaurant, ruins meals as well. The owner strutted around the restaurant in a dirty pair of shorts and tee shirt making grand statements that were intimidating or out right insulting to his guests. His staff seems petrified around him...reminds me of crazy Captain Ahab who horrified his crew. His bad attitude makes his restaurant intolerable. He is not cute and there is nothing endearing about his hostility. We will never return.
Pros: Great old Western style building in gorgeous valley.
Cons: Over-priced unwhelming food w/ bad attitude of mean owner
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