Let me start with the positives because the food was genuinely good. I'm not even an eggplant…read moreperson, but their eggplant appetizer was so good. They're known for their French onion soup and it was good, but I definitely wouldn't call it the best I've ever had. That said, it was probably two hours after we sat down by the time we actually got our soups , so maybe we were just really hungry by then haha.
For our mains, we did the short rib, pork chop, and filet. Everything was delicious, but the filet was hands down the standout for me. The pork chop is wet aged, so it can look a little pink even when properly cooked, which threw one of my dining companions off a bit, but it was still good.
Unfortunately, the experience was a different story.
We had a 6:30 reservation and didn't leave until 9:45. We waited about an hour just for our appetizers, and shortly before they arrived, we were told they were down a cook and to expect delays. A three hour and fifteen minute meal for two and a half courses is just crazy.
My biggest issue was the lack of communication. I wish we had been told when/before we were seated that the kitchen was significantly delayed so we could decide whether we wanted to stay or make other plans. Instead, we were already well into the experience before we got that information.
The AC also wasn't great. It wasn't unbearable, but it was definitely uncomfortable, especially during Southern California's heat wave. I'm not sure if the AC just isn't very strong or if there was an issue that night, but sitting there for more than three hours while already feeling warm definitely didn't help.
Then, right before our mains finally came out, we were offered complimentary half glasses of wine as an apology. Two of us declined, and one of my dining companions actually requested a completely different drink, but the wine was still brought to the table anyway (never received the requested drink either). If we've already said no, please don't bring it anyway. And honestly, after waiting that long, you need the full glass haha. At that point, I would have much rather been offered a complimentary dessert or something that actually addressed the three hour wait.
The owner did come by twice and was very nice, and we were genuinely trying to be understanding of the situation. I just think there could have been more communication and a more meaningful effort to make up for the experience.
Dessert didn't really redeem things either. We tried the crème brûlée and banana bread dessert, and neither would make my list to order again. The crème brûlée seemed overcooked and the banana bread dessert just didn't do much for us.
So where does that leave me? The food is good, and there are definitely dishes I'd order again, especially the filet. But good food can only make up for so much when you spend more than three hours at the table, especially when you're hot and waiting most of that time.
I'd be willing to give Heirloom another shot, but not before we get some cooler weather and I can confirm they've actually hired a second chef to help keep things moving at a more reasonable pace. If those things are sorted out, I'd be interested in seeing what the experience is like when everything is running the way it should.