We have had the opportunity to dine at The Ranch three times now, so we are ready to write a review. Initially, we were so excited to finally try the most anticipated restaurant opening in Visalia in recent memory. We entered the Ranch eager to see what the latest manifestation of this longtime restaurant family would offer Visalia. (Full disclosure: we have tons of history here from working for the owners, to having once eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their restaurants. We are fans.)
Our first experience was during the soft opening. We enjoyed the dinner, but it was more like watching your child in a school dance recital. You're excited, cheering from the crowd, but if you were totally honest, the performance was more about your affection than the art itself. But this is why we have soft openings.
Our second experience was with a group, and this provided a great chance to see how the team would manage an event. We were under no time pressure, had a preset menu, and were able to enjoy a private space in the "Ice House." It was a lovely evening enjoyed by all. The food was timed well, the meals were delicious and the ambiance was perfect for an evening with friends and family. Miguel was part of the wait team and this made things go swimmingly. It was exactly what we'd hoped it would be. Highly recommend this space for 20-25 people.
Our third visit was dinner before the symphony. We had a time constraint, but were also dining with some friends who were eating here for the first time. They were so excited, and we looked forward to the experience. We ordered nearly everything on the menu, from tapas to wine, salads, and steaks, and multiple desserts. (Pro tip: do NOT miss the desserts. The menu crosses over with Bistro, but that's a bonus. Michelle's desserts are top-shelf and to be experienced!) The food was outstanding! Gnocchi and bavette steak, patatas bravas, and burrata, it was fantastic. The only miss was that the espresso machine was in a cleaning cycle, and due to our time constraint, I had to forgo my usual decaf and dessert. We left on time and fabulously full. The Muriel Vinas Viejas Gran Riserva Rioja was the perfect accompaniment, something our somm friend picked special for the meal. We will have it again!
It is clear that The Ranch is progressing toward what was promised in all those amazing Instagram posts. It is a wonderful expression of the vision and talent that is James Jessen, and that is GREAT news for Visalia and the surrounding communities. The ambiance is "smart casual" with a nod toward the rural beauty of the Central Valley.
So why only 4 stars? How could The Ranch be a 5-star dining experience? When I think about restaurants, I think about what it is, what they're trying to be, and what they could be. With a tab north of $500 for four people, it's hard to argue that The Ranch isn't pushing against the very top of the dining scene in the Valley. And while the food is arguably in that company, the service is not. To be fair, the service is not bad. In fact, the service is good. But with the exception of Miguel, it's not $ 150-a-plate good. That's what I want to see from The Ranch. I want to see an investment in the service that is worthy of the food on the plate. In a world where tips are presented as a formality, starting well above the "good" level --often offering 20-25% as the base on the little handheld machine --it's only fair to expect not just good service, but excellent service. Service is the difference between customers who feel the meal was good but expensive, and those who think it was the best evening they've had out.
When you play in rarified air, expectations rise. There are very few (3?) restaurants in our area that offer excellent service. Excellent service is the flourish that makes a meal a memory. The Ranch is capable of moving to that 5-star level, and we will be here for it! read more