I have to give Sierra Bonita a series of third and fourth chances because really and truly, I want to love it. People that I love and respect love it. I love the people working there. I love the potent margaritas. I adore the decor. And the menu is sexy and inviting. But...
I blatantly, completely order wrong when I come here. To the point that I decided that I might actually hate it. Like get up and leave mid-bite. My $16 Cowboy Stew was flavorless and sad - like church potluck beef stew with hominy and soggy fried parsnips as an afterthought. A sea bass special was described with such a litany of delicious adjectives (saffron, chorizo, porcini mushrooms and poblanos) that one would think that the food would literally sing. No dice - it tasted like absolutely nothing. As in not a single taste sensation whatsover - I think I have food in my mouth but I'm not sure...What the heck, Sierra Bonita? This was approved as a special?
At subsequent visits, I've had the carne asada (toothsome) and the red chile pork (flavorful and tender) and have felt a little better about the place. Like 3 stars as opposed to 2. But I don't want you to be just a bunch of hype - I want every single dish on your menu to be a winner so that I can visit your establishment fortnightly (with friends in tow), order fearlessly, and love you forever. Can you make that happen?