Hunter Steakhouse

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is busily enjoying some days off (from work and the blog) and Cathy is writing about meals enjoyed.

If you drive West on the 8, just before you get to the 5, on the North side of "Hotel Circle", you may have noticed the signage. 

    Once you wiggle your way around and get to Camino Del Rio North, find the parking lot and walk up... the lobby area gives you a peek as to the decorating style of your dining area.  Ah, the 1970's, when many restaurants were designed to look like they were log cabins, with dark paint, much wood and river rock surrounded fireplaces. 

This restaurant (one of two in the county-the other location is in Oceanside off the 5 at the 78) is a great throwback, in looks and in the menu. 
   We were here for lunch.

  Once you order, a fresh, warm half loaf of molasses bread (with softened unsalted butter) is brought out. The crisped crust is thin and has the subtle sweetness of molasses glazed on it, it's a bit more sweet than the molasses in the bread itself.   We decided to try the lunch menu's 'Appetizer Sampler' ($12) as one of our meals.  Three items: 1)Lump crabmeat stuffed mushrooms, topped with Monterey Jack cheese; wonderful, large, fresh and so very good.  2)Calamari, in a cornmeal batter, fried in onion and sweet red peppers and topped with an ancho chili mayonnaise; perfectly crisp, not oily and substantial in size. 3)Potato skins; I haven't had any in such a long time and these were so very good. 
  Our other meal came with a choice of soup or salads (caesar, spinach or tossed greens). At the front door, we noticed a sign that the house made Bleu Cheese dressing was available for purchase, so chose that to go with the 'tossed greens'. The dressing was wonderful, as was the very fresh salad.  The 'petite cut' of prime rib (8 oz) ($19), perfectly cooked at medium rare and encrusted in a delightful herb mix. It was quite large enough for us to share, especially after that Appetizer Sampler. The baked potato was so large that we took half home to use for breakfast the next day. 

All in all, a tasty and 'fancy' lunch for the two of us. 

Hunter Steakhouse 2445 Hotel Circle Place San Diego 92108 (619) 291-8074 Website Mon-Th 11:30-9:30, Fri 11:30-10, Sat, 4-10, Sun 4-9

I hope you are enjoying this extra long weekend!

Comments

[Eddie]

I never realized there was one in Mission Valley. I've been to the other one up north a few times over the years, mostly because I have family up there.

Probably have only ever had the prime rib and the salad made table side (maybe that's only at the other location? Or they changed in the last year or so since I visited last?).

[Kenneth Bonus]

thanks for the trip down Memory Lane! We used to eat there frequently back in the late 70s. Looks like nothing has changed since, except for the prices.

[Nicole @ Bento Momentos]

Yum, this is really solid food! That crust on the prime rib looks divine. And that appetizer sample plate looks tasty. Reminds me of growing up and going out to the local steakhouse with my family after church.

[Cathy]

We had always seen the signage in passing both locations, thinking Hunter was a large chain, Eddie. I looked at the online menu and the 'Tableside Salad Bar' is served at dinner (and it's on the 'Early Dining' menu at the Oceanside location). Also noticed that at dinner, a 20 ounce prime rib cut (bone in) is available-we will go back!
Isn't it a good memory jog, Kenneth? The atmosphere and flavors are all still there...comforting. Glad to be able to share.
Yes, places like this were for special meals, Nicole. The memories all came back; neither of us remembered the last time we had prime rib.

[Caninecologne]

We've always wondered about this place when we've taken the exit to get to Fashion Valley mall.

[Soo @ hungryones]

Nice prime rib! It's been years since I visited.

[Cathy]

You might need to stop here one day, cc. Good food, old fashioned (1980's) atmosphere...date night!
The Mister and I have an anniversary coming up, Soo...and prime rib is on the short list. Really had forgotten how good it can be.