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| - Designed around the concept of casual Baja Mexican food and feeling, Hotel California has potential to be great. Main word being potential. The atmosphere and decor is spot on with the desired concept; Soft, "beach" colors, huge wooden tables, colorful chairs, and a huge waterfall above the main bar. They do have a few flat panels around the bars, but all are 32", a lil small for this application, but not the biggest deal to worry about. So an A+ in the look and feel department.
There is also a separated Cigar area, but it is lacking music and a real humidor or selection of cigars. It'd be fine if you bring your own sticks, but only a choice of 8 out of a vending machine if you buy there.
As far as the food is concerned, I can only comment on the offerings for the grand opening, but I still think it's a good representation of the full menu.
Tilapia Cerviche: Bland at best. The ingredients were fresh, but it just lacked any kick or good acidic accents.
Mini Burritos with Sauce: The burritos was ok, but the sauce with it was the king of the night for me. It had a smokey/tomato and herbs taste and scent, amazing.
Deep Fried Oysters: These had apparently been made earlier in the day, very chewy and dry, I really hoped for these to be better.
Empenadas: Pretty much all pastry. The texture was right, was just missing some real substance.
Food overall I'd give a C. I honestly think the kitchen needs a lil more time to get their flavors right. But for now, the food does not match the quality of the beautiful decor.
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