Pascal

My girlfriend and I went here for Cristmas Eve dinner 08'. The ambiance was definately nice and romantic. But our waitress was less than interested in being prompt or even courteous.The service we received was definately not of the standards one could reasonably expect to receive at a TJ McDonalds. We both ordered the 3 course price fix dnner. Both of our appetizers were excellent. My Venicon loin was Exceptonal. But my girlfriends Halibut/Salmon duo was night and day--- the halibut "5" stars phenomenal, but the salmon was inedible//somewhere between harvest and it arrival to our table this piece of salmon had been criminally mishandled and it tasted horrific. It was the worst salmon that we have EVER tasted!
When we brought this to our waitresses attention she was flippant and dismissive of our complaints. But after our continued insistance she said "she would see if something could be done?" No accomidation was made nor was one offered. Desert was shortly , it was nice & tasty. Then the check arrived - No adjstments had been made for the uneaten and insuling Salmon, and to my further dismay they had automaticallly given my waitress a 20% tip for giving us attitude and disservice. So, then i brought the issue to the managers attention and he was flippant and dismissive. Then the Chef became involved-He attempted his rendition of condesending and arrogant(obviously of refined french breading). He spoke of the Salmon being of SUSHI grade and that there was no way that it could have tasted bad. And he also made a comment about me being in a bad mood on Christmas eve! But after my repeated insistence that their behavoirs , service and especially that piece of salmon were exceptionally bad -- they realized that i was quite upset from their inept handling of a quite easily resolveable situation. If bad service, flippant staff and leaving a resteraunt with a really bad taste in your mouth is what you and your loved ones looking for??? Then stop what you're doing and head directly to TRADITION-------

If your looking for a fine dining experience this can't be beat. Try his store next door to the restaurant for a quick snack or lunch.

My Wife and I are new to Orange County and we found this restaurant to be the closest thing to actually visiting france. The food was great, and we were privaledges enough to meet Chef Pascal on our trip. He is a very charming man that takes ordinary food and turns it into a masterpiece. This is a must for any real foodie.