23 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

Welcome Jonathan. I look forward to checking y'all out.

Care to give us a little background? Are you from here? New to the area? Own any other restaurants?

[FabGab]

Are you family friendly? LOL! Sorry, I had to ask.

[MikeinFolsom]

Nope, I think that is a good question. The only reason we haven't tried it yet is because we have 3 children and it didn't look like the type of place that welcomed children. I don't really think there is nitch in Folsom yet for extremely fine dining. I may be wrong, but with all of the families out there with little kids, I don't think an upscale restaurant has much of a future. Especially located in the Parkways. That's family central.

[Jonathan R]

Welcome, and good luck! Are you keeping the same name?

Yes, we will keep the same name. Changing the name would be additional cost at the start that we hope is not necessary. 'The Ravine' is apt for the location. We do intend to make some changes to the outside patio. The orange chairs do not help the look and feel of the restaurant for people driving past.

Thanks for your kind words. Remember, introduce yourselves as you give us a try. Thanks

[daddydg]

Has anyone tried the Ravine since the new owners (Jonathan?) took over? Just wondering what's new/different.

[Darthvader]

Nope, I think that is a good question. The only reason we haven't tried it yet is because we have 3 children and it didn't look like the type of place that welcomed children. I don't really think there is nitch in Folsom yet for extremely fine dining. I may be wrong, but with all of the families out there with little kids, I don't think an upscale restaurant has much of a future. Especially located in the Parkways. That's family central.

So an upscale restaurant can't make it in Folsom because there are too many kids? Huh? Maybe there are parents in Folsom that go out to eat once and a while without their kids, you know, as adults do. To say the place doesn't have a chance is foolish. There happen to be plenty of old people around town too, are they all eating at Red Robin with you and your 3 kids?

And along with the Parkways being family central it sounds like it's snob central too. People I know that live over there think it's the center of the universe but what's funny is nobody comes out of their great houses to meet their neighbors.

[Dave Burrell]

So an upscale restaurant can't make it in Folsom because there are too many kids? Huh? Maybe there are parents in Folsom that go out to eat once and a while without their kids, you know, as adults do. To say the place doesn't have a chance is foolish. There happen to be plenty of old people around town too, are they all eating at Red Robin with you and your 3 kids?

He's wrong, an upscale restaurant will work great in this town - most people here enjoy fine dining. My wife and I often dine without the kids....and when its time to take the kids out - we skip the fine dining venues and go to other places. (common sense)

And along with the Parkways being family central it sounds like it's snob central too. People I know that live over there think it's the center of the universe but what's funny is nobody comes out of their great houses to meet their neighbors.

Hahahah I've seen that 'tude there with some folks, it ain't all that.

[cw68]

Has anyone tried the Ravine since the new owners (Jonathan?) took over? Just wondering what's new/different.

We went one Saturday night and had appetizers at the bar, we had a late babysitter. Met the owner and he seemed to be a nice bloke. The bartender was good. They had not yet switched over to the new menu, but I have to say the old menu didn't do much for me. I was underimpressed with the three appetizers we had.

The crispy duck over greens wasn't anything to write home about. I love duck, especially when it's crispy, but this was so crisp that it was crunchy, not chewy, and didn't have any flavor left in it. The hoisin dressing didn't fit. We ordered the salmon cakes, but they didn't have them and were trying out the "crab tower" in its place. Basically it was a cold canned crab salad and it wasn't served with anything crunchy to mix it with, so it was a boring bite. Can't remember the third one we had. 'Nuf said.

Folsom live was going on, so we were the only ones in the place at first, but a few people trickled in. I was disappointed that the piano was on automatic, but it would have been idiotic to pay a piano player that night, so I understand.

I don't think we're going back. Perhaps if we could look at the new menu and see if its more inspiring, maybe, but I think it might be a hard sell.

[rlsliger]

And along with the Parkways being family central it sounds like it's snob central too. People I know that live over there think it's the center of the universe but what's funny is nobody comes out of their great houses to meet their neighbors.

It's the Parkway, not Parkways.

Not sure how much time you spend at your friend’s house but as someone who lives there I completely disagree that nobody comes out of their homes. All you need to do is drive around, visit the parks, walk the trails and you'll see plenty of kids out, some even playing in the street! I know several of the neighbors on different streets also organize many block parties throughout the year.