It's a Calabasa classic. A hunting lodge tucked into the canyons guarantees a breathtaking sunset drive.
Start with a warm amuse of vegetable bisque. The texture is creamy, but it's light enough to just whet the appetite.
The reward is as pretty as the journey. Order the Cast Iron Johnnycake first - it's made to order so it takes a little longer to bake. It's cornmeal and so much butter, melty maple-y butter, fluffy and filling.
There's a decadent Mushrooms & Bone Marrow, a sanguine red wine reduction encases strips of tender mushrooms and emphasizes popping bubbles of marrow sandwiched in a flaky, buttery puff pastry.
A vegetable is a much-needed cool-down as these Brussel Sprouts break up the protein and carbs, crisp and bitter with vinegar to cut the salt and savor.
The Chef's Game Trio is perfect for splitting, especially when you fill up on apps like we did. There's a serious emu strip, dense and miraculously not dry despite the lack of fat. The braised bison short rib talks a big game as it falls off the bone. The Elk Tenderloin is the best of the bunch, hearty flavors smooth and tender with a hint of tart cherry.
There's a reason the classics are the classics. Saddle Peak Lodge's traditional-with-a-twist menu and intimate, good-time-for-all ambiance will stand the test of time. It's a bit far for pretty much everyone, but it's worth a visit year after year. I just hope the sea bass is still there for me to try next year.
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