The Chef's Table (rocklin)

Across from us was a larger party, and when our server finally seemed ready to engage, he rushed over to them and started chatting, seemingly oblivious to our needs. It would have been nice if he had checked in on us first before flaunting his charming presence to the larger group. After 15 minutes of waiting, I took the initiative to grab the owner's attention and request service myself. The owner, who carried himself with the exaggerated flair of a Parisian maître d', waved for the server to come over. He radiated arrogance and an unsettling sense of self-importance. If you think that's amusing, it quickly got worse. Within minutes, the owner was busy flaunting his new iPhone 4 around the restaurant, mingling with his favorite patrons and filming a video. It felt very "yuppie," to say the least. But the most disappointing part was the food. The menu suggested a high-end California-style bistro, boasting fancy terms and ingredients, but it lacked the ability to bring flavors to life. I recalled times when I had painstakingly prepared dishes from Alice Waters-style recipes, only to end with a bland result that felt more like “common food.” It was disappointing. Take, for instance, the lamb shoulder paired with strawberry sauce. It sounded intriguing but was utterly unimpressive. I can only give this restaurant 2 STARS. The one redeeming quality was the wine and beer selection. In summary, if you want to be surrounded by a crowd of self-important types, this is the place for you. But if you are seeking delicious food and a true culinary experience, look elsewhere.