The Lodge at Pebble Beach:Stillwater Bar & Grill
Written: Oct 01 '00 (Updated Oct 01 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent food, breathtaking views, walk the property for a better perspective
Cons: None
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| forkids's Full Review: Big Sur |
Review Topic: Restaurants
My husband enjoys a good round of golf and there is no stopping in Carmel without a proper visit to Pebble Beach so he can at least say, “I’ve been there”. Our first full day in Carmel included a run down to the aquarium as well as a drive along the 17-mile drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel. We stopped along the way at Pebble Beach for lunch, not intentional and we didn’t have any reservations. We parked our car above The Lodge at Pebble Beach and made our way down the stairs to take a look.
The plantings and buildings were beautiful and well manicured. You walk by a gallery of shops before making your way even further down to The Lodge. And what a Lodge it is. Excellent dining at Stillwater Bar & Grill one of four restaurant offerings on the property each with its own theme or ambiance. Stillwater is casual but beautifully appointed. The menu emphasis is on seafood and has a breathtaking ocean view and a great spot just above the 18th hole.
As soon as you sit down you’ll spend the first few minutes checking out the outdoor surroundings and watching the tourists (we declined the opportunity) scramble out to the 18th hole for a quick picture next to the flag. Some people were rolling balls into the hole as if they had just finished shooting a hole-in-one. Quite comical, really. My husband got a kick out of analyzing the shots of the group at the 17th hole making their way, slowly, forward.
We were attended to immediately after sighing over the view. The restaurant was fairly empty as it was around 3 p.m. and we were seated for a late lunch. The décor is fashionably elegant, not stuffy. Lots of blues and a ceiling with white-washed timbers pieced together to create a dramatic and interesting ceiling, there are large banquettes facing out toward the view and plenty of seating on an upper level with the bar area. The tables were covered in white linens and the chairs were chic and stylish. Décor details were covered beautifully but never intimidating.
The menu is fairly extensive starting with a Fresh Raw Bar Selection offering various oyster and clam varieties. Oyster shooters were available 3 for $14. Today’s Special Oysters – chosen fresh daily were 12 oysters for $19. I don’t know how that compares as I shy away from oysters as a rule, I don’t care for them.
The Appetizers range in price from $9 - $19 not including the market prices for the Sushi Board. We went with the Maine Lobster Bisque with cognac cream $10, anything with lobster already removed from the shell for me and in a cognac cream has got to be good. Yes, yes, confirmed. This appetizer is worth a look and I’m beginning to guess that bisque shouldn’t be served too hot so as not to overcook the shellfish. It’s not steaming but gently hot. Huge pieces of lobster meat that needed to be cut with a knife and fork (are you listening Mustard’s Grill?). Pieces, chunks, juicy hunks of lobster, enough for two…do I have you interested, yet? It is goood!
My next order was the Endive and Roasted Pear Salad with candied hazelnuts, black pepper, honey dressing and red wine syrup. $10.00 I think I’ll need to pen my letter to Gourmet Magazine asking them to get the recipe for me or maybe I could just ask the Pebble Beach Conglomerate myself? This was outstanding and the perfect marriage between bitter endive and sweet pears softened by the roasting. Order this, you will not be disappointed unless you’re allergic to nuts, it does contain hazelnuts. Lick the fork for a lasting taste of the dressing. Sorry, Letitia Baldridge.
The plates are big and the portions beautifully and artistically presented.
My husband went with the Classic “Fish and Chips” – Monterey Bay Sand Dabs beer battered with cabbage salad and spicy fries. I stuck with his cabbage salad as the word Sand Dabs left an “off” visual image. He loved them and ate them dipped in the accompanying vinegar. His comments indicate that this may be one of the best versions of “Fish and Chips” he has ever had. I did notice he left some of those spicy fries on his plate, but not a crumb of batter.
Other entrée luncheon options include:Traditional Caesar Salad, Black Pepper Seared Ahi Tuna Salad, Sundried Tomato & Lobster Ravioli, Grilled Garlic Prawns, Sweet & Sour Rock Shrimp Pad Thai, Grilled NY Steak Sandwich, Grilled Marinated Swordfish Sandwich, Stillwater Crab Cake Sandwich, Stillwater Burger, Summer Vegetable Sandwich all ranging in price from $12-20.
I was impressed and wished I had lightened up on the assortment of breads offered when we first sat down. The poppy seed, the onion/cheese…they were all good, there were four to five varieties to choose from and were served warm and fresh.
Service was excellent and not overwhelming, not incredibly enthusiastic or sales oriented but attentive with all questions answered in a professional manner. We skipped dessert, coffee, and headed out to take a better look at the property. The Lodge is truly beautiful and worth a stop if not to stroll around the grounds or kick your feet up in the lounge area outside The Stillwater. Here a fire was raging and patrons slipped off their shoes and enjoyed a soothing cocktail.
Speaking of cocktails, the wine list was impressive and we ordered a glass of Chardonnay. They did let my husband taste the wine before pouring. Excellent, with by-the-glass in the $5+ range.
Accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach range from $425 for a garden view to $1375 for a 1 bedroom suite and $2125 for a 2 bedroom suite.
Golf fees for Pebble Beach Golf Links:
$300, cart included…. Non-Resort Guests $325 + cart ….Cart Fee $25/player
Waiter? Check, please.
Stillwater Bar & Grill Details
831-625-8524
Open for breakfast, *lunch, and dinner
Reservations may be advised for peak months (April-October) or during special events.
Attire: Nicer casual and come in your golf duds, no spikes.
For driving directions, go here:
http://www.pebblebeach.com/9.html
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
forkids
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: The Burbs of Washington, DC
Reviews written: 517
Trusted by: 726 members
About Me:
Taking a long overdue coffee break...back soon.
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