I've been excited to visit this restaurant since its opening and finally made the trip out tonight. The food and wine did not disappoint. The table started with a ""small plate"" of mussels with garlic bread for dipping and a small plate of asparagus. The asparagus was seasoned very interestingly with some delicious cheese and is the best asparagus I can remember eating. The mussels were also tasty. For a main course, I had the John Dory which was prepared perfectly. Paired with a delicious Rhone blend, it was a very satisfying meal. Our server was very friendly as well as helpful and water refills were prompt and plentiful. Absolutely no complaints about the service! Lastly, I love that the food is locally grown, sustainable and organic when available.\r
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There are just a few things that kept this from being the perfect restaurant. While the wine menu is impressive, there aren't really any bang-for-your-buck bargain wines. We didn't notice any hidden gems even in the $30-$40 range. The regular menu isn't exactly a bargain either, though portion sizes are fair. Still, our bill came to $70 per person, which leaves me scratching my head as to how some reviewers could call this place ""reasonable"". Most of the small plates/appetizers are in the $10-$15 range and main course items are around $30. It's not ridiculously overpriced, just not a ""bargain."" I guess you ARE going to pay more when you get the sustainable, organic, local stuff. Lastly, the restaurant is a touch noisy and crowded for my taste - especially the bar. It doesn't really feel ""rustic"".\r
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All in all, I'm excited to go back and try new menu items. Anyone looking for quality food and a friendly atmosphere shouldn't be disappointed. My one big request would be that there were a few more bargains so I could go back more frequently! Oh, (and if you're reading Rustic Canyon) a chef's tasting menu for sampling would be the perfect addition for special occasions!\r
Pros: Good food, interesting menu, great service
Cons: loud and a little cramped, menu items are priced fair to verging on a touch overpriced
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