"My wife, sister and brother-in-law recently dined at Great Oak in Temecula. First the good, the restaurant’s decor is beautiful. The wait staff was very attentive, friendly and effecient. For the most part the food was good, the steaks, not $40 good, but good. The menu is well thought out. The escargots we ordered was juicy, hot and very tasty. The basket of bread brought to the table was warm, yeasty and delicious. The filet’s we ordered were cooked to order, good, but not great. I have had better steaks at chain steakhouses. Now the not so good. First, my brother-in-law and sister ordered the tableside prepared Ceasar salad for $18. The salad consisted of Romaine lettuce,croutons, and Ceasar dressing all mixed together. I have had classic Ceasar salad with coddled egg, anchovies, and toasted croutons prepared tableside, this wasn’t close. Secondly, wine was ordered from the vast wine list. Minutes later I was informed by the waiter that the wine ordered was not available. I then ordered another bottle of equal value. This time, the manager arrived with the news that this bottle was also not available. At no time was as bottle from the same vineyard offered. After three attempts we finally got a bottle of wine. Although having a large and varied wine list is a good thing, actually having the wine there would probably be better. The sides we ordered, gratin potatoes, asparagus were very good. The creme brulee was ordered and was one of the best I have tasted. All in all, the restaurant didn’t live up to our expectations, considering the entree’s are upwards of $40. Whenever I dine at a “fine restaurant” I always ask myself, would I return, my answer for Great Oak was a resounding NO."
