Wills Fargo Steakhouse Carmel Valley
Wills Fargo Steakhouse in Carmel Valley
Dating back to the 20's, this restaurant has taken on a rebirth of sorts with an overhaul of both it's interior and menu after the recent acquirement by the Lowder Family. Featuring Local wines, seafood and steaks this restaurants take has an eye on seasonal offerings along side their feel good foods. What it all means to you is amazing flavors, the freshest locally available ingredients and a serious bang for your buck. Let me tell you, this ain't your mama's steak and potatoes.
We had the opportunity to get a taste of the new imagined menu offerings before the restaurants reopening. I suggest you come hungry and be open to sharing because you will want to try as many plates as you possibly can. Below is just a sample of the items being offered on the new menu.
For starters this Iceburg Wedge Trio is super crisp and bursting with flavors. There are three different dressing used including a green goddess dressing, a classic blue cheese their smoked blue cheese vinaigrette, the chunks of bacon were so clever. I loved this concept and play on the classic wedge salad.
Ice Burg Wedge Trio
This little number is their Salt Spring Mussels and Clams with lemon verbena, prosecco and shallots. It's served with a french baguette and makes for a great starter option.
Salt Spring Mussels and Clams
Another starter is the Monterey Bay Calamari & Rock Shrimp so light and bursting with freshness. It is made with kale, lemon and comes with two dipping sauces. Again great for sharing and a perfect pairing with so many items on the menu.
Monterey Bay Calamari & Rock Shrimp served with a citrus dip and a caper mayo.
Not looking for steak or seafood, the Half Roasted Jidori Chicken comes boneless-skinless and is unbelievably tender. Accompanied by spring hash, asparagus, carrots and new potatoes this is a seriously flavor packed meal.
For you meat lovers, you wont be disappointed with their Filet Mignon (choice of 5oz. or 8oz.) or their Pinot Nior Braised Short Ribs with white beans. No knife needed for this plate, as the meat fell apart like no ones business.
Half Roasted Jidori Chicken grilled to perfection
Although the plates come with their own sides, Wills Fargo also offers family style one too, perfect for sharing or if you are splitting plates. The Heirloom Cauliflower with Bagna Cauda is a seasonal fresh vegetarian option that you can't go wrong with. We also sampled the White Corn with Cilantro Lime, it was amazing and hands down my favorite side I tried.
Heirloom Cauliflower with Bagna Cauda Pretty and delish!
After sampling so many different plates, we some how managed to save room to try at least one dessert. The Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding with home made whipped cream and caramel was as good as it looks. We had this with some fresh brewed coffee, couldn't have ended our dinner experience on a sweeter note.
The Chocolate and Banana Bread Pudding
So if you are in the area or planning a trip I highly recommend stopping in and getting comfy for a few hours. Besides the food, you are in for an experience of personal service that is equal the food being served, impeccable.
A little history on the building. Dating back to the late 1920s, the Wills building was initially slated to be a tea room. Then it served as a road house located on the “milk run” between Monterey and Tassajara, finally becoming a dinner house named The Carousel. Will Fay then established Will’s Fargo Restaurant in 1959. The naming being a simple play off his first name which seemed appropriate for what he called the “dressed up saloon” interior. Mixing both Victorian and western decor the western “Fargo” way station was born.
Start you dining adventure directly next door at the Jarman tasting Lounge and Patio.
Will's Fargo
16 W. Carmel Valley Rd.
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Open 4:30 till Close 7 Days a Week
Happy Hour: Sunday thru Thursday 4:30-6:00
Website: wfrestaurant.com
Office: 831-659-2774
E-mail: info@wfrestaurant.com
A warm thank you to the fine people at Holman Ranch for having us, we were more than happy to be your willing guests and the first to try this amazing menu, congratulations and all the best to you - Catheryn
