Posted on Friday, 12/12/2008 - 12:53 p.m. PST — by flipman
It's a great thing that Vic's Stewart is finally open for business....We needed a restaurant like this (higher end) for a long time & now it's finally hear....I mean I don't have anything against Mc 'Ds' but hopefully there'll be more to come...
Joined: Feb 2008
Current Posts: 7
I am a big fan of Vic Stewart's. However, I seriously doubt there will be many more higher end restaurants coming to Brentwood. When you combine being one of the worst performing housing markets in the country with an economic recession, I think McDonalds will dominate this city for quite a few years.
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Several of my friends in the Brentwood Chamber had the opportunity of going there before they officially opened and were totally impressed with the menu and sheer size of the establishment, lots of rooms for private gatherings. If I hadn't BBQ'd a steak last night, I'd probably go there soon. Limit myself to one beef dish a week (sigh). I noticed the sign out front that they serve dinners, no mention of lunch? Can that be? Maybe better to check their website, Roy.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Yah, Roy . . . I was checking their website a coupla months back, and they only serve dinner. Odd, because a former coworker of ours had his 25/30-year pin luncheon at Vic Stewart's in Walnut Creek a coupla years back, held during the lunch hour (we were invited to help celebrate). I wonder if the lunch hour is no longer profitable enough for them.
Drove past their place (and yours) yesterday on the way to an appointment, and noticed the both o' yez were open. I should stop by!
_____
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
Don't forget the mug shot.
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
I will try to put on my best Nick Nolte impression!
_____
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Doo drop inn..
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
Roy, sure you didn't mean Dew Drop Inn? Doo sounds more like something people try to avoid stepping into. LOL!
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
LOL! "Doo-be-doo-be-doo" <— Sinatra Inn . . . or Scooby-Doo Inn . . . or sumpin' like that!
_____
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 3047
Dew Drop Inn. What a great name for a restaurant.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 3047
Certainly Doo Drop Inn has its supporters as well, but it does sound more like birds are overhead.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
...
Well, the spare was flat and I got uptight
'Cause there wasn't a fillin' station in sight
So I just limped on down the shoulder on the rim
I went as far as I could and when I stopped the car
It was right in front of this little bar
Kind of redneck lookin' joint, called the Dew Drop Inn...
...
Second Verse From Charlie Daniel's "Uneasy Rider"
Joined: Sep 2008
Current Posts: 31
The Walnut Creek location opens for lunch only during the holiday season to accompany all those corporate lunches. Brentwood is planning to open for lunches once the dust settles from opening a brand new restaurant from the ground up...I've heard them mention Feb. or Mar. but that could always be delayed. If you're there, mention it to a manager or the chef so they know the interest is out there for lunches.
BTW, I'm an employee...thanks for the business!!! Spread the word!
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
My wife and I have reservations for tonight. I'm looking forward to it.
(I promise to dress accordingly)
Joined: Sep 2008
Current Posts: 31
the clientele in brentwood is a lot different than walnut creek so don't stress too much about what you wear! lol plus the design of the brentwood location has 90 seats in the bar and an awesome bistro menu, so it's bound to attract a crowd that's a bit more rough around the edges than in walnut creek. it's been a good scene so far! good business, always packed and we're working out the kinks to start a solid foundation of upscale dining in brentwood!
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
Stoney,
Wife just phoned to say we're going between 5 and 6 meeting friends for a drink. I don't know if we're doing dinner yet. Maybe We'll see you there.
allthatryry,
If you work there I have to tell you your staff is great. It's not so much their experience as much as it is their attitude. I see smiles and honest concern for the customers experience. I'm not much of a night owl so I haven't been there much past 9:30 or 10 but the bar is fun. We ran into our neighbors there last week. We sat and talked for 30 minutes on our way out. I just really enjoy spending time there. I wish you great success and longevity. The fact that I could crawl home if I really had to is a big plus! LOL
Peas
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Ohhhhhh, pleasepleasepleasepleeeeeeeaaaaassssseeeee open for lunch soon! My husband and I have "date day" every Saturday, but we prefer to go out to lunch instead of dinner (not a pricing issue; it's just the way we roll).
February would be really cool if they can swing it, allthatryry.
My husband's birthday is in February (past Valentine's Day, so no worries about special-occasions crowds), and it'd be really cool to take him there . . . especially since this birthday coming up is the Big Five-Oh for him. :::crossing fingers:::
I've been to lunch at the Vic Stewart's in Walnut Creek a few years ago to help a coworker celebrate a major "pin luncheon" (employment anniversary), and couldn't understand why they "suddenly" were only serving dinner not long ago (before the Brentwood location was built). I don't remember what time of year it was held, but it must have been somewhere in that holiday time-frame considering that it was a company luncheon. Thanks for putting an end to that "mystery" for me, LOL!
_____
Joined: Sep 2008
Current Posts: 31
I am anxious for them to open for lunch too! I'm a bartender there and I have a 9-year-old so I usually work a mix of lunch and dinner shifts so my daughter has the most normal routine I am able to give her...working nights is messing me up!! lol actually it's not too bad, but I prefer to work a mix so I get all the flexibility I can. The GM and the executive chef/owner are putting in insane hours right now, so until they're comfortable with the flow and ready to tackle the next project (which would include hiring and training another staff for kitchen and front of house) they probably won't put any definate date out to open for lunch. I'll let you know when they do though!
I'm glad to hear everybody is having a nice time! I've been in the restaurant/bar industry for 12 years and have somehow never been part of an opening crew like this so it has been an experience! But we have the "creme de la creme" of staff--lots of applicants, less than 10% hired. It seems to be a good crew but be patient, we're learning too!! I know hardly anything about wine since I come from working in a brewery the past 3 years but I'm always practicing now ;)
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
All I can say is WOW!! The place was jammed but we found a nice couple of tables in the bar. It was standing room around the bar but the turnover was such that no one waited for long to sit. We had drinks and our friends left. My wife and I seeing the great looking food passing us by decided to eat. We stayed at our table in the bar and ordered off the appetizer menu. Sliders made from filet and fries $6 and seared Ahi Tuna plate $10 made a great meal. They know what they're doing. The sliders tasted awesome, and the Ahi was cooked perfectly with a good amount of wasabi, raddish sprouts, picked ginger, and WARM soy sauce. We are going to go again Sunday and try a full meal. The manager stopped in to make sure everything was OK. My wife asked her if they had hired expeienced wait staff and was told everyone had previous experience. It showed. Out waitress was concerned that our drinks were taking too long but she was so concerned that our exerience be positive it made any short delay no problem at all. The architecture is open, beautiful, and classy in a relaxed way. I can't wait to go again tomorrow. From my one experience I would not hessitate to recommend this place to anyone. You can spend a little or a lot depending upon drinks and food selected. As soon as BAses Loaded opens I'll have my lunch and after hours place to go along with a great Dinner House at Vic's.
Peas (are not on the menu)
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 1
So where is this new Vic Stewart's loacated?
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
A block West of the Bypass on Balfour. I'm headed there in an hour. Can't think of a better way to spend money tonight.
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
We arrived about 6:20and were told all tables were booked for the entire evening. We decided to sit in the bar and grabbed a table there. I had a great bone in New York Steak and my wife had the small cut of prime rib. Best steak and prime rib I've tasted in a year or more. The wine list is filled with a good selection of Califonia wines all from well known quality wineries. I was surprised how limited it was to just mainly California Wines. Not a problem as they are all good. We noted that even though the bar seating was full as well we could still have a conversation without yelling. Service was a little off from last week but still fine. We were told that Christmas party's were the reason it was booked up tonight. I will have to revise my budget to eat here but I won't mind. By far the best steak house we've had in these parts. Pretty close to on par with Ruth Chris or Morton's but less expensive than either of those. Sides are included with meal.
Peas
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
What's the general attire at this place? If I wear my chaps and spurs will I feel out of place?
Joined: Jan 2008
Current Posts: 1304
Go with the fishnet stockings under the chaps !
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
I mentioned on another thread that I draw the line when it comes to shaving my legs. Fishnet stockings on unshaven legs is a bad look in any venue.
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
You're good with casual dress, what I've been told is business casual, Dockers and a button shirt. I'm thinking of taking my son tomorrow for a guy's night out. I'm running out of other reasons to go again. Since it's a bit pricey I need a really good excuse. Too bad they're not open for lunch. I hope that is only temporary. Stoney if you wear your fishnets and chaps let me know. Ohso has asked for a few pictures. Something about Jail time for Thong Crime.
Peas
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
We'd better change the subject or people will get the wrong impression about the place.
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
I'll leave the fishnets, chaps and Brokeback boots in the closet.
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 2
well all I can say is I sure hope this Vic Stewart's is better than the one in Walnut Creek. My husband and I went last year and had a horrible (cold!) dinner and awful service and when I called the manager a couple of days later to complain, he didn't seem at all interested so we decided to stick with Ruth's Chris, which is always excellent..
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
I've tried most of the steak houses around, Lowery's, Morton's, & Ruth's Chris. It's strange to me that I can have the best meal in my life at the Morton's in Columbus Ohio and have a lousy dinner at the one in Las Vegas. Ruth's Chris is good too. I really don't like the a menu where everything is ala carte. I know it's not rational but I always feel like I'm spending way more that way. Ruth's Chris has been very loud when I've been there. To the point that I could hardly hear anything at my own table.
I like Vic Stewarts in Brentwood because, among other things, I can carry on a conversation and the menu is not ala carte. They offer a wide enough selection so that I can eat pretty well regardless of how much I spend. It is just very pleasant. Who's to account for ambiance? I usually give a place 2 or 3 times before I give up. I also may have a slight affinity for Vic's because when I was in college I worked briefly as a lunch chef at the location in Walnut Creek when it was "The Walnut Creek Railroad Station" way more years ago than I care to remember. I do know how hard people work to behind the scenes to make a restaurant like this fly. I don't now about now but when I was doing it the waitstaff did ok financially because of tips, but the kichen staff worked for very low pay, even the chef.
I think restaurant management get many complaints even on a good day. I find that if I can have a conversation with them about business in general first and then offer my criticism it goes over a bit easier and I often get offered something to make up for any issue. The best part of working in any place like this is the people you get to meet and interact with. It can, at times also be the worst thing. I'd give Brentwood Vic's a try. In fact....gotta run there now.
Peas
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
If they're not open for lunch by your husband's birthday, go for dinner. It's worth the change.
Boy, maybe they should hire me as a PR guy! Nahh, who'd listen to a pea?
Peas
Joined: Sep 2008
Current Posts: 31
I hope everything is wonderful for you tonight! You'll probably see the GM walking around in a nice suit and he would be more than happy to discuss with you VS's history, ambiance, decor, etc. I'm sure your server would, too. The place is beautiful.
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Peas . . . *d'oh!* LOL! It dawned on me about an hour after I wrote that that dinner at Vic's for his 50th is a stellar option as well. :::Doin' the V8 juice forehead slap:::
Mimisf, I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience at the Walnut Creek restaurant. Ours was just lovely. The waitstaff was friendly and appropriately attentive (not too much, not too little), and the food was hot and fabulous.
I've only been to a Ruth's Chris once (in Maui), and this is gonna sound all kindsa stoopid, but the *name* of the place bugs the heck outta me, LOL! I've heard the background for it, but it doesn't roll off the tongue very easily, and it just sounds so indecisive that it gets under my skin <— yeah, yeah, curmudgeon.
That ala carte business is off-putting as well. I don't remember an issue with the noise level offhand, but a too-loud restaurant (heck, a too-loud anything) is never fun. I like to carry on a conversation, and my ticker doesn't much care for a sensurround environment.
_____
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
Well I must say that our dining experience tonight was fabulous. We had reservations and were seated right away but I wouldn't have minded eating in the bar. It's huge and very comfortable. My wife had the Pepper Steak and I had the Bone-In New York Steak with the house dry rub that's topped with a port wine and sage compound butter. Both steaks were cooked to perfection. The steaks came with a choice of potatos (baked, mashed or scalloped) or the house rice. The ala carte sides were excellent as well. My wife had the creamed spinach and I had Blue Lake green beans with bacon and cherry tomatos. You can get lost in the wine list so I just got a glass of local Hannah Nicole Cabernet. It went well with the beef. The service was attentive and very professional. This place ain't cheap but it's worth it. A very beautiful dining establishment with a definite western motif. They do have a bar menu that looks interesting if you don't feel like slurging.
To top off the evening we ran into Whirledpeas and his wife and some friends of theirs. We had a great time and will be back.
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
We really enjoyed ourselves as usual. I think I'm getting in a rut though. We stuck with the sliders made from filet and the Ahi appetizers in the bar for our dinner again. It is a very economical meal all in all. There were six of us and we ordered 2 of each appetizer. We were all satisfied with the snack and drinks. Again service was attentive not intrusive. I can only dream of the day I walk in the door and everyone looks at me and say's "PEAS!!" . I love this place!!. Stoney, his wife and I all had a wonderfull time discussing the Bay Area Music scene in the 60's and 70's. You know, behind all these AARP membership cards are some pretty hip people. Although Stoney had an unusual array of bling on him that any Navajo rap star would envy. Seriously good silver and turquois. Sorry if I blew your cover bud!
Spell.chic, I have eaten at that Ruth's Chris on Maui too. I took my in laws to dinner there a few years back. It was much quieter than most. I remember distinctly because my son who was then about 14 ordered the surf and turf; The most expensive item on the menu. I was pretty ticked off at him.
Peas
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 2
Hi Peas, just in response to your recommendation. I actually wrote a letter to the manager who then called me and apologized for the horrible service and offered to bring my husband and I back for a wonderful dinner, promising to make it up to us, since we had gone for our wedding anniversary.. I provided my address and then got a form letter with a certificate for a free drink! Don't know what happened to his original offer so I sent the "offer letter" back to him saying thanks but no thanks, and felt the least he could do was honor what he said he would do.. And, of course, no further response, so we haven't been back.. I honestly believe he should have been let go, since that is no way to run an upscale, somewhat pricey restaurant..
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
Wow! That's someone's big time screw up. I guess if I'd been through all of that I'd give up too.
I'm a salesman and I have been part of my own share of business screw ups in my time. It always seems to be the customer that, you know you have screwed up their business, and you're determined to correct it, that no matter what you try, it keeps getting screwed up. I have a couple customers that I finally had to tell them, "I don't blame you for being ticked off! I'd be ticked off too! We'll keep trying till we get it right." It's very embarassing as a salesman. I have one that I eventually told "what you're asking us to do is not unreasonable or unusual but for some reason we can't seem to get it right. I think you should take your business to others for a while until I'm sure we can do this correctly." My boss told me something this year when I was complaining for the 15 time over some quality issues, "Peas! No one came to work today and said "I think I'll make some bad parts for Peas customer!" It is usually people being asked to do too many things without the tools they need to do the job right. I try and remember that. And when I have an issue with a business that is serving me poorly I think " So that's how my Kharma came back for my own screw ups".
Good luck with your eating adventures. I guess the other side is don't forget to let the businesses that are doing a good job know that too.
Peas (Parts is Parts)
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Finally made it to Vic"s last night with brother, Barry, SIL Kathy and Lynn. What a fabulous addition to the dining scene! Had the steak sandwich from the appetizer menu-just perfect, though I don't care for shoestring potatoes. Will order a side of onion rings next time. Our waitress was Kate who really made our outing memorable-great sense of humor, attentive.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Roy, did your waitress, Kate, happen to be a tall redhead? If so, she's great . . . I know her mom (yes, I'm biased . . . but also truthful, LOL!).
Unfortunately, word has it that Vic's is going to be laying off some of their waitstaff. *Already*?! Now I'm dyin' to know what the prices are like. There was mention that their prices are biting them in the bee-hind, with one steak entree priced at $85 (this is second-hand info to me). Heck, drop the prices, and keep the waitstaff!
_____
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
No, Kate was about 5'8". Don't remember seeing anything on the menu for $85. Prices are a little more than Caps's as I recall. Like Peas and a few others, we ordered off the bar food menu. Very satisfying. Order a bottle of red house wine, skip the wine list which is very pricey.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
We may be inadvertently doing the place a disservice by talking so much about ordering off the bar menu. A place can't stay in business if everyone just eats bar food.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
Yeah, but we know the OFECS are people who easily run their bar bill up in the hundreds. LOL!
It could be that the restaurant has been open for a while and the initial rush is over and they are scaling back to adjust to more normal business operations. For those folks waiting for things to calm down (get the bugs worked out) before trying it, this is probably the perfect time to go check it out. After Christmas is a usually lean time for restaurants anyway, so I've heard. It's my 18th Anniversary today, so we're going out to dinner (if the weather holds out). I'm a fair weather anniversary kind of guy!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1926
I'm a fair weather anniversary kind of guy!
Does that mean you pick up Burger King and go eat in the park?
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Happy anniversary, BJ . . . wishing you and your wife many, many more!
_____
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Another ditto. Where are you taking your main squeeze for dinner? Let us know your results, dinner info only, the bedroom stuff is none of our business....
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
Speak for yourself Roy. I'd like to know the color scheme and whether or not they have throw pillows with an alternating theme; knotty pine and gay floral prints.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
I've been holding onto a $200 gift certificate someone gave me for Esin, a restaurant in Danville, so we'll probably go there. Shouldn't be too hard getting a table on a Monday. Ever been there? This will be my first time!
I saw their menu online: http://www.esinrestaurant.com/
Hey all, what's a Hanger Steak with Chimchuri? Maybe I'll order it. I'm just guessing by the name it's really big, like an airplane hanger and it must be smoked, because of that Mary Poppin's chiminey-sweep song, Chimchimeree, Chimchimeree, Chim... Chimchuri!
Joined: Sep 2008
Current Posts: 31
i think a hanger cut is like a flat iron...and the chimchuri is probably a sauce.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1926
A tough cut of beef that we used to grind in our hamburger. If cooked right it can be sliced thin.
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Definition: The Hanger Steak is a thick strip of meat from the underside of the beef cow. It hangs (hence the name) between the rib and the loin. It is part of the diaphragm and, like a skirt steak is full of flavor but can be tough if not prepared correctly. The hanger steak has a grainy texture which is great for many dishes like fajitas or bulgogi. While you can use most any method to prepare the hanger steak it does have a tendency to dry out and get tough when exposed to dry heat. When grilling or broiling you need to use a marinade first to keep it moist. This is a very tasty steak and you will really enjoy it as long as you prepare it correctly.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
Thanks Roy. I'll try it next time, even though the underside of a beef cow doesn't sound as appetizing as the way they described it on the menu with chimuri and fingerling potatoes.
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
I decided to take my wife to Vic Stewarts for appetizers and drinks tonight. We figured we'd just eat off the appetizer menu again. Our next door neighbors happened to be there so we sat and had drinks and appetizers with them. Plenty of good food and drink. Filet minion sliders with fries, Seared Ahi, and baked brie and asparagus wraps and 2 or 3 rounds of drinks. $110 for the 4 of us. We were all discussing how they needed more TV screens in the bar. Any idea when Bases Loaded is going to open?
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
I don't know but I hear they're selling PSL's for choice bar seats.
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Okay, I give up. What's a PSL?
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1926
Guess we old folks arent in the know.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
Personal Seat License
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1926
I knew that. Just didn't want Roy to feel isolated from the in-crowd. LOL
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Any idea how much those licenses will be? I hope Lynn and I can attend the grand opening and would like to be one of the favorite few, inasmuch as we're old time OFECS and have supported this project from the beginning.
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Okay, are the OFECS going to be able to get those?
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
I was afraid it was "Peas Seeks Libations"
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
"I was afraid it was "Peas Seeks Libations"
*Snerk!* LMAO!
Hey, that's my shtick!
(Kidding, kidding, but yanno!)
_____
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
"We reckoned we'd just eat off the appetizer menu again."
I bet Vic Stewarts hates it when local country farmer types like Whirledpeas and his clan come in and just "eat off the appetizer menu" when the rest of us civilized guests use a plate.
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
There'ws nuthin wrong with eatin of the appetizer menu. Why just yesterdy I sent in a suggested menu to the Bases loaded folks. I even made is easy just like Denny's and just used pichurs. What do you think?
Okay trying to be funny after I posted the picture I realized one of the items could be pretty offensive. In the words of Emily Litella NEVERMIND
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
That's why those appetizer menus are laminated and steam cleaned on a regular basis.
Whirledpeas may be deluding himself into thinking that since he's a regular, he'll be recognized when he walks in and get preferential service when in reality the staff is muttering to themselves:
"Here comes that clan of high rollers that has yet to sit in the dining room and order off the dinner menu."
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
Should we tell him just because he sits in the bar, he doesn't have to eat off the smaller bar menu? He could ask for the full dinner menu which can hold more food. The fine corinthian leatherette cover could even make the food more flavorful. LOL! This reminds me of the Beverly Hillbillys and how they put chairs around the pool table thinking it was a fancy dining room table. The pockets were for collecting all the crumbs.
Joined: Mar 2007
Current Posts: 567
I sent on the Folks at Bases Loaded.
This would be yur Calimary fingers, a fine disection of cheez wiz, pasta and crude ditays. Gits me all hungry just thinking about it.
Now stop teaasing me about being a bumpkin.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
I used to make those for my kids!!!!
God, that brings back memories. The trick was to get them so distracted with the octopus dogs that they'd forget that they were eating the healthy stuff on the plate.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
I've heard them called Tube Steaks to make them sound more delectable, but I've never seen hot dogs served with that kind of presentation before. Makes them look fancy. Is that what they call Julienne hot doggie style?
Whoooo, Dogggie! Jed Clampett, Ultimate Country Bumpkin
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 3047
I've never seen that before either. These forums are so informative. I'll have to give it a try.
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Actually, we could all sit in one of the dining rooms and order off the appetizer list (bar menu). Perhaps that would make the waitstaff more appreciative of our presence, and we still wouldn't have to order a full meal! The steak sandwich or the sliders are meals in themselves. Leaves more $ for a few drinks. Again, ask for the House Red instead of ording by the glass.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Actually, we could all sit in one of the dining rooms and order off the appetizer list (bar menu). Perhaps that would make the waitstaff more appreciative of our presence, and we still wouldn't have to order a full meal! The steak sandwich or the sliders are meals in themselves. Leaves more $ for a few drinks. Again, ask for the House Red instead of ording by the glass.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
We usually make a point of having Hanger Steak whenever we watch Mommy Dearest.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
Mmmmm, Esin was really good. We had the Roasted Oysters stuffed with spinach appetizer and the waiter talked me into one of two fish they were serving, the Salmon ($24), that was served atop polenta on a bed of creamed spinach. For dessert, I opted for the huckleberry-apple crisp with vanilla bean gelato. For an apertif, I had the chocolate-expresso martini. All really good. Crowded on a Monday night. Had to wait a bit even though we had a reservation.
Joined: Sep 2008
Current Posts: 31
FYI, Vic Stewart's is open for lunch starting Monday, March 2nd!!
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Went there again last night at 5:00pm with brother Barry and SIL Kathy, and Lynn, of course. Gals had salads, Barry and I had steak sandwiches, cooked just right from the bar menu. The shoestring potatoes are now to die for, seasoned just right. Had the best gin martini myself, everyone else, wine. What a great place place for a relaxing early evening
.Great ambiance, cool waitress.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Our anniversary is coming up in a few weeks, and we're thinking of celebrating it at Vic Stewart's on the day of (a weekday), and then heading out to SF to see Wicked at the Orpheum on the weekend.
The daughter of a friend works at Vic's . . . I'll hafta see if she is working that night, both to see a familiar, friendly face and to tip her extra just for fun.
_____
Coexist
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
Are you expecting special treatment at Wicked for wearing that hat?
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Oh, hmm . . . mebbe I should go in full costume, sort of a la Rocky Horror Picture Show. If sumbuddy in the cast decides to swoop down and pluck me outta the audience, maybe we'll get a partial reimbursement on the entrance fee. Man-oh, tickets for Wicked are wicked expennnnnnsive!
This is what I wore last Halloween . . . I should fit right in!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1926
Vic's doesn't welcome Red Hatters.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
That's too bad Smokey. I know Shirasoni welcomes Red Hatters. The chefs all wear big red hats! We went for lunch on Sunday. Just be aware, the lunch menu is not available on weekends, so you have to order and pay the dinner prices if you go for lunch on the weekends. The chef we had this time, flung pieces of food at us with his spatula while we tried to catch them in our mouth. I went one for two, on two pieces of shrimp. I caught the first one, but I choked on the second. A stranger lady we didn't know who was seated at our table caught one with an impressive catch. My wife won't eat shrimp, so the chef flung a piece of steak at my wife but she just closed her eyes and it bonked off her forehead. The Red Hat ladies would get a kick out of it!
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
First they try to singe your eyebrows with exploding onion volcanos and now they treat you like trained seals and put you at risk of choking to death on a flying piece of seafood. This is your idea of fun???
Don't you realize these "chefs" are mocking you? Back in the kitchen they're probably having a good laugh at all the rubes out there being relegated to animals begging for food. Don't be surprised if the next time you go there they try to toss onion rings on your noses.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
When I said I "choked" on the second one, I meant I choked under the pressure of trying to catch it in front of a whole table of people watching. After catching the first one and hearing all the applause, I had a moment of self doubt, thinking the first one might have been lucky. That's all it took for the second one to bounce off my nose. I'm not making excuses or anything, but while catching the first one, I strained my neck a little.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3156
AHA!! So you DID hurt yourself. If I go there I'm bringing along plenty of witnesses and my attorney.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
It was a good kind of hurt.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 3047
E-6. Vizquel would have had it.
Boy, you really to have to work at it to find your way onto the forums these days. I was afraid the Times had closed the whole thing out.
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Why not? Too rowdy? Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1926
Not hardly. We do tend to linger too long though. We don't usually order any spirits, like to have seperate checks and some ladies forget to leave enough tips.(I think they were used to husbands handling such things.) Are there any owners or waitpersons who might have some ideas about why an establishment would want to turn away customers?
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4928
Could it be that sometimes you ladies acidentally forget to pay?
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 1192
Vic Stewart's on a weeknight (not Friday) . . . reservations recommended if opting not to eat in the bar? If eating in the bar, is it crowded on weeknights? Our anniversary is coming up, and we'd like to go to Vic's for dinner. Not sure yet if we want to go full-on fancy version, or lower key in the bar . . . but if it turns out that reservations are already booked up on that night, the bar may be our (perfectly acceptable) fall-back option. Just trying to figure out timing . . . 5-6-7 p.m. (though 5 might be sorta "seniors earlybird" for anniversary purposes).
_____
Coexist
Joined: Oct 2008
Current Posts: 23
I had the opportunity to dine at Vic Stewards for the first time not too long ago. Although the steaks were good and the ambiance was very nice, I'm of the opinion that Sweeney's in downtown Brentwood has much better steaks! I had the ribeye steak at Vic Steward's with the loaded baked potato (the Caesar salad and vegetable comes Ala Carte at about $9 each). Although the meal was good and the atmosphere was very upscale, Sweeney's ribeye (which comes with a salad of your choice, mashed potatoes with demi-glaze and fresh vegetable), was a superior meal at about half the price. The atmosphere isn't nearly as nice as Vic Stewards but I think they got Vic Steward's beat in the Steak category, IMHO. This is not to say that we don't need an upscale restaurant like Vic Stewards in East County for those "special occasions".
P.S. No I don't work for or in any way affiliated with Sweeney’s:-)
Joined: Mar 2006
Current Posts: 887
Have to agree with you about Sweeny's, although I've never been able to eat their ribeye, settling for the New York which is way more than enough with the sides. Vic's steak sandwich with fries is their best option from the bar menu. And a bottle of house wine instead of by the glass.
Roy Gursky .. http://gurskyranch.com
Joined: Jul 2007
Current Posts: 4
Just ate a Vic Stewarts - it was wonderful and they had a great special too!