Rutherford Grill - Rutherford

1180 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 963-1792
Parking: in parking lot

Last Visited: August 18, 2008

Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 3 stars
Service: 2 stars
Price: $$$ (note that prices shown are from 2008)

Dorothea said this was a good place to eat and Julian said the cornbread is probably the best he's eaten - even though he normally doesn't like cornbread.  With those kind of reviews, Rutherford Grill was definitely worth a try.

While you could come here dressed up, it was also appropriate for those casually dressed too.  The place is actually pretty large and we sat in a booth.  From my recollection, service was just okay.  It took a while to seat us, and the staff was ok, but we did feel a little neglected at times - when the water needed refilling and the like.

- Iron Skillet Cornbread - If you like corn bread with stuff in it, you'll like this one.  It's sweet and crusty, with corn, jalapenos, and hints of bacon.  If you're on a diet, don't look at the bottom of the skillet.  It's rich and if you're eating it on your own, you could just enjoy it as a meal. $6

- Caesar Salad – The lettuce in the Caesar salad was chopped fine and heavily coated with dressing. The parmesan was grated and the croutons were medium sized. I found that the portion was good sized – we shared it amongst the three of us gals. However, there was noticeable rust on multiple pieces and since everything was so thoroughly chopped, it lacked a bit of the crunchy goodness I look forward to enjoying in a good Caesar. Of all the dishes tried tonight, I would say this was the least impressive, but still okay. $10 ($13 in 2011)

- Prime Rib - Aged Angus, roasted on the bone, served with mashed potatoes colcannon.  I liked the prime rib.  It was juicy and tender, but I don't think it's the best prime rib that I've ever had.  Compare it to the House of Prime Rib and it doesn't make the cut as something that I would select instead.  Good.  $29

- Leg of Lamb - I'm not sure if this was a seasonal item, but it's not on the menu all of the time.  The leg of lamb was succulent and tender.  It didn't taste gamey, but had nice seasoning.  $22

Of all the items we tried, the most memorable was definitely the cornbread.  If you're in the area, it's worth trying and the food is good, but it doesn't make my list for places that I have to go back to again and again.  Due to its location, it's usually packed on the weekends, so it's a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time.