The Saddleback Grill -- A Review
Set inside the charming and romantic Saddleback Inn, we heard that Lake Arrowhead's newest restaurant, the Saddleback Grill is an experience not to be missed. In fact, we'd hear it was the best Lake Arrowhead fine dining experience on the mountain. Not to miss out, my husband and I thought we would see for ourselves on a recent visit to Lake Arrowhead California.
The Saddleback Grill is nestled inside the Saddleback Inn at Lake Arrowhead. Upon entering the lovely Saddleback Inn, we passed the fireplace sitting area to the right of front desk and walked toward the dark wood bar to behold Lake Arrowhead's newest restaurant. Although "The Saddleback Grill", sounds like a 'burger and fries' joint rather than a fine dining establishment, it is definitely the latter -- fine silverware, glasses, dishes, décor, and a ‘gourmet southwestern' theme.
We weren't sure what to expect from ‘gourmet southwest' but we were not disapointed. The Saddleback Grill is an eye-catching and stylish Lake Arrowhead restaurant with flair. After being seated near a window with views of the trees surrounding Lake Arrowhead, we were approached by our server.
We love Lake Arrowhead, but the wine lists in the area often disapoint - happily this is not so with the Saddleback Grill. With over 150 different blends of wines from all regions in The Saddleback Grill's wine box, it was more than we expected, but the owner of the Grill helped guide us through the list.
Our server seemed a bit of a historian too as she chatted with us about the famous past of The Saddleback Inn. She told us two sisters who moved to the area to build their dream house -- a castle, originally built The Saddleback Inn in 1919. The inn has a long rich history of celebrity clients. That's why some of the rooms are named for famous people like Howard Hughes and other rich and famous people have stayed at The Saddleback Inn through the years.
With a menu full of scrumptious gourmet meals including less common dishes like Oso Buco and trout, it took my husband and I some time to decide what to order. We decided on a Saddleback Grill appetizer ‘favorite' first, choosing the Southwestern Ahi Tuna. The ahi was spicy around the edges with just the right amount of spice - not overly hot, but not bland.' I like spicy, my husband likes things less so, and the Ahi seemed to make us both happy. It was very tasty and almost too 'pretty' to eat. Southwestern gourmet has definitely made its debut at Lake Arrowhead.
For the main course, we shared the Salmon on Risotto as we seemed to decide on a seafood theme for the evening. It was full of flavor, juicy, and delicious. The salmon was perfectly cooked, tender and the portions were just right, the risotto was moist and fluffy and not sticky; we enjoyed every bite.
Since any weekend away from the city can be a celebration, we chose the Flourless Chocolate Cake for dessert. It was almost like eating fudge -- a kind of melt in your mouth experience.
In our experience the Saddleback Grill is the restaurant to visit in Lake Arrowhead Ca. There were a wide variety of dining choices, the food was delicious, the service was outstanding; our evening at The Saddleback Grill was excellent. We will definitely be back to stay at The Saddleback Inn as well; if you can, choose their cabins! You can drink your entire bottle of wine with dinner and then walk to your cabin nestled in the woods!