18 Oaks — Restaurant in Bulverde

18 Oaks is worth every penny and so much more. The setting is not your typical steakhouse setting, the rooms are far more open with soaring ceilings, light fixtures made of carved wood, a roaring fire in a limestone fireplace and beautiful windows that look on to the perfectly manicured greenery of the JW Marriott landscape. We were greeted by Steve. I don’t even want to call him our waiter because he truly became more of a guide to us. He is a trained chef and sommelier; his love for the dishes that 18 Oaks creates is evident. If he recommends something… TRY IT. He changed my mind about a few foods and beverages. I am not typically a red wine girl, but he coaxed us to try a particular bottle. By the end of the evening not a drop of that bottle was left. He even taught us about the differences in aerators and decanters. We started with salads. My boyfriend had the wedge salad and I tried the citrus and roasted beet salad. When I tried to eat the salad the lettuce was so amazingly tender that at times my fork slipped right through it. We learned that all of the lettuce as well as most of the organic veggies are grown hydroponically at the Marriott for 18 Oaks. The restaurant has a gardener on staff to grow your food. WOW. Steve then brought out the most amazing scallops. They were seared in a honey-jalapeno sauce and served over riced potatoes. The scallops were firm on the fork but just melted in our mouths. Then the mains came. My boyfriend had the rib eye and I chose the Axis Deer. Much like the care they give their vegetables, their meat is sourced from local ranches that use no hormones and have grass fed livestock. The meats were sublime, grilled to perfection, each with a sauce on the side to perfectly compliment the particular taste of the cuts served. I was afraid that the Axis would be gamey but to my joyous surprise the flavor was addicting. I wanted more stomachs to fill because as mine started to fill I just wanted to taste more and more. The sides that we got with our meal were all flavorful. In particular the caramelized cauliflower opened my eyes. Normally I think “cauliflower?... Meh.” But this cauliflower had a smoky sweet flavor with the perfect texture. I cannot believe it but I was excited about cauliflower! By this time Steve was asking about dessert. We told him to bring us two of his favorites. He produced a molten chocolate cake with a handmade vanilla bean ice cream and a crème brulee. Again 18 Oaks changed my mind. Most crème brulees are way too sweet for my palate, but this egg nogg crème brulee was not overly sweet and I found my spoon dipping into it again and again seemingly of it’s own volition. We will definitely be back often. I want to thank 18 Oaks and Steve for making the second anniversary of our first date into a very special evening. To those of you reading this review… do yourself a favor and go to 18 Oaks, they will surely impress with their fabulous food, their expansive knowledge and their...

18 Oaks Restaurant Review: A Disappointing Celebration

Our recent dining experience at 18 Oaks for a birthday celebration was unfortunately underwhelming, especially considering the cost and reputation. While the food was generally good, several factors detracted from the overall experience, leaving us with a sense of disappointment.

We were a party of five and had a reservation, for which a credit card was required with clear cancellation policies. While we were promptly seated in a restaurant that never appeared to be more than 50% full, the service and ambiance fell short of expectations.

For appetizers, we shared the Shrimp Cocktail and Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. The crab cakes were a highlight, well-presented and delicious. Our main courses consisted of the East Texas Rub Salmon, three Filet Mignons (medium rare), and my choice, the 18oz Bone-in Ribeye (medium). While my ribeye was cooked to the correct temperature, the overall quality of the food, while good, did not justify the price point. Furthermore, the presentation of the dishes lacked the finesse expected at this level of dining.

A significant issue arose with the ambiance. Despite it being a cold evening, the prominent fireplace, a clear focal point of the restaurant, was not lit. Our request to have it lit, about 30 minutes into our meal, a clear lack of attention to detail on the part of management.

The service, while initially attentive, deteriorated as the evening progressed. During our coffee, the staff began seating a large party directly behind and adjacent to our table. The close proximity forced us to rush through our cappuccinos, as two of the seats in the incoming party would have been unusable had we lingered. This felt particularly inconsiderate given the low occupancy of the restaurant.

While the reservation system inquired about special occasions, and a note was present at our table, the promised attention to detail for our birthday celebration was absent. For a bill exceeding $650, we expected a more personalized and celebratory experience.

Finally, while parking validation is a plus, it doesn't compensate for the other shortcomings. Overall, 18 Oaks failed to deliver the ambiance, service, and attention to detail commensurate with the price. The food, while enjoyable, did not reach the level of excellence needed to justify the expense. We left feeling that the experience lacked the charm and special touch one expects for a significant occasion and a...

Restaurant Review: 18 Oak at Marriott Resort at TPC

Nestled within the serene confines of the Marriott Resort at TPC, 18 Oak offers a dining experience that is both inviting and sophisticated. The ambiance of the restaurant strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Soft lighting, tasteful decor, and a warm color palette create an atmosphere that is both relaxing and refined. The large windows provide a lovely view of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the dining experience with a touch of natural beauty.

The service at 18 Oak is another highlight. From the moment we were greeted at the door to the final farewell, the staff was consistently friendly and attentive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations, ensuring that we felt well taken care of throughout our meal.

As for the food, it was undoubtedly tasty. The menu offers a variety of dishes that showcase fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with skill. The appetizers were a delightful start, particularly the crab cakes, which were perfectly seasoned and cooked. For the main course, the filet mignon was tender and flavorful, paired with a rich, savory sauce. The sides, such as the truffle mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, complemented the entrees well. However, while the meal was enjoyable, there was a sense that the flavors could have been elevated just a bit more to match the high standards set by the ambiance and service. A bit more seasoning or a touch of innovation in the dishes would have made the meal truly exceptional.

Despite this minor critique, 18 Oak remains a wonderful choice for a special occasion or a leisurely dinner. The combination of its beautiful setting, attentive service, and delicious food makes it a standout dining destination within the Marriott Resort at TPC. With a few tweaks to the menu, it has the potential to be truly...