 Saddle Peak Lodge Restaurant Review: Before it became a restaurant, this century-old log building was first a Pony Express lodge, a hunting lodge, and then a bordello. Under the stewardship of devoted owners such as Ann Graham Ehringer, Saddle Peak Lodge has become a favorite destination for Angelenos to escape the city for a romantic dinner in Malibu Canyon. The dimly lit main dining room boasts a rustic fireplace and beautiful antlered animal heads, while the bar is bedecked with vintage guns and fishing rods. More intimate spaces can be found in The Den and The Library upstairs, as well as The Loft yet another level above. The waterfall on the terrace is bordered by cactus and aromatic plants, creating an idyllic setting for Sunday brunch. Chef Christopher Kufek started off in carpentry before embarking on a culinary career. He rose through the ranks at Saddle Peak Lodge and ably executes what he learned from predecessors Adam Horton and Steven Rojas. Start off with wild mushroom agnolotti or seared venison carpaccio with horseradish aïoli, avocado mousse and fried capers. Main dishes still feature game such as elk tenderloin --- order the Wild Game Trio for a sampling of three different game meats --- along with seared Pacific snapper on the seafood side. End your leisurely meal with the apple-cinnamon croissant bread pudding with salted caramel ice cream, or the bittersweet chocolate crémeux uniquely complemented by oak barrel ice cream. For a more comprehensive experience, opt for the five- or eight-course tasting menu (respectively priced at $85, plus $45 for wine pairings, and $115, plus $70 for wines). The interesting wine list, overseen by amiable sommelier Jen Carter, is heavy on American wines. There's even a "Locals Only" section devoted to bottles from Los Angeles County wineries, such as Malibu's Colcanyon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Saddle Peak Lodge Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013
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• For more about Saddle Peak Lodge, read GAYOT.com's blog.
Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area.
