I admit, I have been a bad Yelp citizen, always using, never contributing ratings. But the last two nights at The Blue Hound have forced my hand. For our weekend getaway at the Palomar, we decided to try the hotel restaurant the first night. We went all in, having the "Chef and Bar Squad Geek Out" tasting menu. Wow.
We had terrific service from our server (forgot his name), and personal visits from Adrienne (or Cheyenne?), the GM. The chef even tailored our selections for my wife's selective palate (no seafood, nothing raw). Then he personally delivered and described each amazing course. And the pairings from the bar were perfect. Our favorite was the spiced up version of a Singapore Sling. A great evening.
The next night, we had reservations at a neighboring restaurant, The Arrogant Butcher, mainly because of their prime rib special. We were joined by my dad, and seated just before 7. After we ordered an appetizer, we were informed that they were out of prime rib. It was a game day, but one would think with the evening booked through 9 PM with reservations, they would still have had their special at 7 PM.
We left, quite disappointed, with our evening plans a mess. Then, in a stroke of genius, my wife suggested a return to The Blue Hound.
As soon as we met our server, Zach, we knew the evening would be turning around. My wife and dad decided to split "One Big A$$ Steak", a 36 oz porterhouse, with cast iron scalloped potatoes. I asked for a half order of the pork belly sliders.
The chef, upon hearing of our disappointing evening, didn't want us to wait for food. So he sent out a complimentary tater tots appetizer (amazing) followed by an interesting roasted corn on the cob (also delicious). My wife and father asked for repeats of the spiced up Singapore Sling. I had a Hendrick's gimlet, which the bartender perfected with muddled cucumber (staying clear of lime at my request).
The night was already saved, and then the entrees arrived. My steak loving wife and my dad LOVED the porterhouse, grilled to perfection. And just to go even one more step above and beyond, the chef sent me the full order of sliders, because he didn't want me to be jealous of the huge steak. Over the top.
I have to go with five stars. This was greatness in all aspects. We can't wait to return!