Food: Solid 4.5 stars; The chef knows his stuff and has a great menu, but I don't think the under-cook / sous or the rest of the kitchen have caught on. The kitchen is visible and very well designed. Everything was well orchestrated and presented, but execution was just a little off.
Ambience: 4.5 stars; Modern and stylish, right out of modern day Santa Monica, California, but they kept insisting on turning on these impossibly bright lights that required sunglasses indoors if you were near them.
Service: 2 stars. The wait staff does not know the menu and they desperately need a bartender that can prepare basic cocktails.
This place looks awesome. This place feels awesome when you are there. And as long as they keep the blazing 5kw road-sign mounted indoors off, it is awesome. I want to buy a box of 5w bulbs for that sign so they can leave it on, just at 10% of the brightness. The sign does look neat, but I don't need to get a tan while I am having dinner.
The menu is excellent, in most ways, but needs a few vegetables. While filled with great meaty and seafood options, adding the ability to order a side of okra, kangkong, or even green beans would take the menu from above average to one of the best on the island.
Where this California clone fails is in a staff that has not caught on or been educated and the lack of a bartender capable of mixing basic cocktails. If I could, I would have them close for 2 days and have everyone study and taste everything on the menu under the guidance of the chef who designed the menu so they know and understand what they are preparing and serving. Then I would get a real bartender on staff and bolster things with a cocktail menu of 10 house drinks. (Vesper Martini, Monkey Puzzle, Bohol Gin Fizz, etc..) These two simple steps would elevate this place to an international class and make it one of best, if not the sole best place on the island for an upscale night out.
Even as is it, it is still very good and I will be back. I just want it to be what I know it could be - much better. read more