Are you looking to escape the big, bad city for the evening? Nesteled in the Santa Monica mountains this beautiful hunting lodge located between Calabasas and Malibu offers rustic dining and an extensive
wine list. We love to dine here for special occasions in front of the gorgeous fireplace and enjoy a romantic dinner. Ask your sommelier for recommendations for wine by the glass, half bottle or bottle. Each wine is carefully chosen, so you
can't go wrong! For starers the Caesar Salad ($14) with garlic croutons and parmigiano-reggiano with light dressing hits the spot. For the more adventurous, try the Seared Venison Carpaccio ($17) with horseradish aioli, avocado mousse, herb
vinaigrette, parmesan crisps, fried capers, tomato seeds, and grilled ciabatta bread. I am a huge carpaccio fan, but friends, venison is definitely an acquired taste. Enjoy a small cup of complimentary Tomato-Red Pepper soup in between courses then
enjoy your entree. One of our favorites is the Pan-Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon ($36) with roasted baby beets, shaved fennel, glazed cauliflower, purple kale, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and puffed salmon skin. Fish lovers must try the Idaho Trout ($34) served pan-roasted
in lemon-garlic, red onion and brown butter, and served with Japanese eggplant, salt-roasted purple carrots, grilled squash, fire-roasted red bell peppers, and baked fingerling potatoes. I enjoy the Grilled American Waygu Steak ($49), a flat iron, with grilled
asparagus, brown butter puree, Bloomsdale spinach, crisp potatoes, bearnaise, and a Burgandy sauce. For the more adventurous, other entrees include elk tenderloin, buffalo squab, and lamb. Save room for dessert because you will want to sample the Trio of Sorbets
($10) served on an island of ice with a niche carved out for each flavor. Flavors change daily, so you never know what you will get! We enjoy pineapple, guava, and lemon. If you like to end the meal with spectacular cheeses, a choice of three
($14) might include Midnight Moon, Humbolt Fog, and St. Agur. (all of my loves). Saddle Peak Lodge is sure to impress anyone. Wait staff is fabulous. This is a place where memories are made. Saddle Peak Lodge 419 Cold Canyon Road Calabasas (818)222-3888.
Hours: Wed-Fri: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Sat: 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Sun: 10:30 am (brunch)- 2:00 pm and 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Recommended Dishes:
Idaho Trout, Waygu Steak, Salmon, Caesar Salad, Carpaccio, Sorbet, Cheese Plate.