3 replies to this topic

[AMETHYST PRODUCTIVITY]

http://www.folsomtel...ership-new-menu

 

Better run down there and have some profiteroles ASAP before the changeover. Any update on the closing/reopening dates? 

[mrdavex]

My wife and I ate there this past weekend.  The new owners were already in place, and the new "Bacchus House" name was already being used inside.  They still had the traditional menu, which will be changing, but with the new chef.  Overall, I felt it was a positive experience and even better than in the last 2 years which I visited.  Some observations:

 

• Interior looks a lot fresher.  The real flame candles have returned, in lieu of the electric ones.
• Service was much more attentive.  We placed our beer and wine orders, but they came back and said they were out.  When they came back, they brought over a complimentary sample taste of an alternative selection, and asked if we would like to order the proposed alternative.  Nice touch.
• The bread basket had an artisan bread, as opposed to the plain baguette used in years past.  Tasted much better.
• Eric, the new owner, came around to greet each patron and tell about the changes and new menu.  He said that it will be changing seasonally, and that they will now be open Sundays for brunch and prix-fixe dinners.
• Only downside was that it took a while to get our entrees.  Same thing in previous ownership, but I do wish they would speed it up.
• The customer next to us wasn't fully satisfied with his/her side dish, but the server quickly apologized and promptly provided an alternative.
• Had the profiteroles for dessert and they were the best incarnation I've had.  Same recipe, but the pastry was hot out of the oven, the ice cream was a good quality, and the ratio of patry to ice cream and sauce was perfect.

 

I will look forward to returning, I just hope that the new menu will be great, and some old favorites (such as duck confit) will make appearances. 

[caligirlz]

I ate at the Bacchus House Wine Bar & Bistro tonight.

Apparently, this is the 2nd owner since Bidwell St Bistro was sold.

I really didn't notice much of a difference in the decor. My party sat at the table between the 2 large plants, one of which was encroaching upon our space. The branches were tickling the head and shoulders of one of the guys, and we moved the table 3 different times so he wasn't sitting in the leaves.

Service was good initially. However, once the place started filling up, it slowed considerably. The bread was slightly warm. It was a crusty sourdough.

I had the heirloom tomato and prosciutto salad. The flavors blended well. It was very tasty. It was probably the best food for the night.

I also had the filet. This is the exact description from the menu: Charbroiled file mignon, with smoked fennel potato gratin, fresh baby green beans.

The filet was good quality, but I don't believe it was choice. It was cooked as requested. However, it did not appear to be charbroiled. The grill marks were very light. I really don't know how to describe it, just not what I was expecting...just limp like. Plus, it came smothered in a bland, brown sauce that looked like gravy. The menu did not say there was going to be a sauce. Frankly, the sauce ruined an otherwise decent (not great) prepared filet. There was a generous serving of the potatoes which were tasty. The green beans were not cooked. They were not even al dente. They were not cooked. And they were bland.

By the time we finished our meals & ordered dessert, the service had slowed to nearly a standstill. I had the chocolate decadent torte, a rich, decadent flourless cake, which in reality was a hard, dry, boring, chocolate cake that was nearly inedible.

I think the servers/waiters were trying to hard. Not sure how long this place has been open, several months at least, but the waitress could not remember the 2 specials and had to ask her trainee for the details. Then once she did tell us,she kept telling us what a good deal/price it is. The staff did not pass out hors d'oeuvres plates, nor did they remove the plates when we were done each course. So there was lots of extra plates on the table that didn't need be there. Drink refills were slow, requiring us to make requests to different people. When the staff finally picked up the plates, the utensils flipped off the plate almost back onto the table really close to me before the waiter grabbed it. Not good.

At the end of the meal, the owner came out and introduced himself to everyone at the table. He was very friendly. Too bad by this time, my opinion had already been formed.

I'll give this place 2 out of 5 stars.
If we're going out to dinner, and it's here, I will pass.

[Steve Heard]

I had lunch there last week.

 

Also had the heirloom tomato and prosciutto salad. Excellent.

 

The 3 fish tacos special tasted excellent, but they were tiny, and on a plain, unadorned plate. Didn't present well and I could have eaten 3 more.

 

Service was good. Atmosphere great. Food quality good, quantity not so much. 

 

I would go back, but probably ask the server for a heartier recommendation.