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| - Went to the Ranch House last night for a company dinner and had to write up a review. I have to say first off that this little gem is worth driving to for the steak if for nothing else! The atmosphere was warm, ranchy, yet orderly and well appointed. Sort of a combination of true western (it really was a ranch at one time) and eclectic modern tones. Add soft lighting and you've got Cartwright's relaxing ambiance.
First of all, ALL of their menu items are made in-house, which is no mean feat. Our group had a semi-prefix menu (smart idea), and my boyfriend and I chose the all natural, mesquite grilled tenderloin (like butter!) with "smashed" potatoes, asparagus, and Béarnaise sauce as the main course. Before that came homemade breads and an appetizer of quail leg (so tiny but wonderful) with blackberry sauce and jack cheese grits (unique!), and then a lovely, fresh salad of watercress, Gorgonzola, and pecans on top of grilled apples with a white balsamic vinaigrette. Yum. Desert was a visually stunning bruléed lemon ricotta cheesecake sitting atop limóncello sauce. Portions were perfect size and seemed to all work together so you didn't feel stuffed at the end. Nice serving time intervals as well, which is always a challenge with a big group (we were about 30).
Prices range from about $15 to $30 for main courses.
Plus, we found out that they do something called "Arizona History Dinners" where they provide a speaker on an old west topic, plus a great dinner. Sounds unusual and promising. We'll have to check that out in the future.
All in all, superb food, great service, lovely atmosphere. Definitely will be back!
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