Rate-A-Restaurant, #163 in a series

Restaurant: Newcomb's Ranch

Location: Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2), approx. 27 miles north of La Canada Flintridge.

Type of restaurant: American

They stipulated: Newcomb's is known as a popular stop for motorcyclists (who thrill at speeding up the curvy mountains), but is completely family-friendly as well.

We stipulated: As you probably read in an earlier Franklin Avenue post, we headed back up the mountain for another afternoon of snow play. This time, we brought along Maria's brother and his family (including 2 young kids). We had just started to play in the snow when a cranky Blogger Toddler informed us that he was hungry. Newcomb's Ranch is the only restaurant up in the region, so we decided to check it out.



What we ordered: Seared Ahi Tuna sandwich (above) for Mike ($11.95); Hard shell beef taco appetizer (below) for Maria ($6.95); kid's chicken tender meal for Evan ($5.95)



High point: We weren't sure what to expect when we walked in the door, and were pleasantly surprised. Meanwhile, I was pleasantly surprised by the ahi sandwich -- again, I was worried (soon after I ordered, I kicked myself -- how fresh could it be? Who else would order an ahi sandwich up there?! But I did -- and it was nice, seared but perfectly raw in places.

Low point: Maria reports that the tacos were bland, and not that tasty.



Overall impression: Like I wrote earlier, it's a classier, more comforting setting that we imagined it would be. Plus, new chef Gary Foose has put together an interesting menu -- particularly for a restaurant that's 27 miles away from civilization.

Chance we will go back: Yes, and I see that Dallas Raines is forecasting rain this weekend -- and snow above 4000 feet; so who knows, maybe we'll be hitting the mountains again in a few weeks after all. Snow, anyone?

For a complete list of our over 160 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.