Had a colleague in town last week and thought I'd give the expense account a workout and take him out for a nice dinner. I've been to Murrieta's a few times and always have been impressed so thought I'd make an encore visit...very happy I did.
I arrived a little early so took a seat at the bar. The mixologist made me an AMAZING Bloody Mary (actually he made me two since one wasn't quite enough). Perfectly spiced, flavored and nicely garnished with a tangy pickled green been!
Once my guest arrived we made our way to the center dining room. I should provide some background...Murrieta's is in a heritage building that many years ago was home to the Alberta Hotel. Its a beautiful two story sandstone and in the center of the building where what I assume used to just be the roof of the main floor they've added a dinning room with a glass ceiling. On a summer evening it has an almost patio feel to it.
Our waitress (my apologies for not remembering her name...this is what happens when you don't yelp quickly!) was great! Very friendly but never intrusive. She was quite insightful with helping to pick the wine (the Barnett Pinot Noir which was very nice) and did a great job in keeping our glasses topped.
As important as the service is I come to a restaurant to eat and Murrieta's like always impressed. Given my previous liquid appetizer I went straight to the main course. The special that night was a wild boar chop with scalloped potatoes. OMG it was tasty. The boar had bacon reduction sauce and was so tender. Between the meat and potatoes I'm ashamed to say I wasn't able to finish the vegetables (a generic but none the less well prepared trio of carrots, broccoli and cauliflower).
Given the hearty serving unfortunately no room for desert. Probably for the best as it only would have meant extra time on the elliptical.