Sammy's New Cowboy Bistro

I think the name is New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro..... Run by an eccentric older couple who escaped Northern California 8 or 10 some odd years ago. Verne, the owner, is famous for his extensive cellar and you'll see amazing bottles on hi ... more

I think the name is New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro..... Run by an eccentric older couple who escaped Northern California 8 or 10 some odd years ago. Verne, the owner, is famous for his extensive cellar and you'll see amazing bottles on his list. But expect to pay for them, though, he charges the going rate. The food is really excellent - as good as a meal as at the Ritz Carlton dining room in San Francisco, think Chez Panisse standards. Each and every ingredient was carefully combined and chosen by his wife, who does the cooking with an assistant. DH had amazing, tender bison. I had duck breast on your standard balsamic reduction but very, very moist and perfectly cooked. It was served with a flan of duck foie gras on a toasted polenta cake about 3 inches across. The heirloom tomato salad tasted like you dream tomatoes taste like. Now for the eccentricity - it was 100 degrees the week we were in Ashland. They only have a "swamp cooler", so the room was at least 85 degrees and full of mosquitos which made an obvious appearance at 9 pm. They were temporarily held at bay by a table with 2 other couples where the women were wearing perfume. But once those 2 couples left, we were immediately attacked. We couldn't even stay for dessert because we were slapping at mosquitos. With a $100+ tab with only 2 glasses of wine (although superb wine) you expect them to put _some_ money into infrastructure like screens on windows which fit the window frames. So go expected to be delighted by the food, astounded by the wine and irritated by the mosquitos and heat if you are there during the height of the summer. Clearly people forgive alot because getting reservations is very difficult so reserve at least 60 days ahead if you want to try this very unusual restaurant. less