SUR at The Barnyard — Restaurant in Monterey

It was an interesting experience, particularly with our server (whose name I did not know because he did not introduce himself). Overall, I will say that the staff addressed my concerns and looked out for us. I will say the server was odd in the sense that he really did not want to engage and when we asked him questions, he would respond (not every time) and then just turn around and leave without addressing our table. It was really odd, not sure if I would put him front of house as a server. Second demerit for us was with the clam chowder, chicken and waffles, and fresh grilled salmon. Maybe it was because we went there late, maybe it was because the staff was tired, or maybe because the kitchen is afraid of seasoning and salt due to the various health conditions our here in society.

The clam chowder tasted really good, but the problem was that it was weird to eat without bread or crackers of some sort. We had to ask for bread. The chicken and waffles plate would get a 3 out of 5 for me. The syrup tasted very close to honey (maybe it's an exotic type of syrup). The chicken breast was rubbery and dry, (I stopped and did not eat the thigh, even though the thigh is a juicier than the breast, but the breading was bland as I explain later) not seasoned, and the breading was pretty bland. We know when you fry chicken you must season the chicken and the breading well, you can't be shy on seasoning the breading. Also, my guess is that the breast was dry because the chicken was frozen or already cooked when they breaded and fried it. This is the only reason I would see the consistency this way. Only concern with the grilled salmon, was that it had no flavor. If you like your salmon bland, this is the place to go. I did not taste lemon, salt, or really any flavor (it is not because I have COVID either).

The good: The setting is wonderful, the bussers and other non-wait staff (including one of the managers) set our party up outside and put heaters everywhere. Couldn't have been more comfortable out there. When the awkward server asked how the food tasted, I told him my honest thoughts (not sure if he shared it with the kitchen staff). When the busser (his name is Adam because he told me) came and checked on the table multiple times he was extremely positive, joyful, and very personable. I thought he was part of the wait staff because he was more attentive and pleasant then our own server (as I mentioned, whose name I do not know, nor did I ask him). I also shared my concerns with Adam, guess what he did, he validated them and said, "I am so sorry, is there anything I can do." That's what you'd expect a reasonable person to do. I appreciated that and mentioned that we were all good. My better half went inside and asked for a to go carton (We did take the well-cooked and tasty steak home). At that time, she also spoke with the manager, not about the food, but about the server.

Without anyone asking, management at Sur came out, spoke with the table and listened to what we had to say and appreciated it. In addition, without asking her, the manager adjusted the ticket. I appreciated it, because I was not expecting it. I was happy to pay the tab with question, but I did want the establishment to know what I experienced because they should. When I go to a place, good, bad, or indifferent I have expectations. With the combination of experiences there, I gave it a 4 out of 5. I look forward going back before Adam goes off to trade school, maybe I can get a special request to have him serve my table when I return. See...

Taking a break from the bustling city life, we chanced upon the charmingly rustic yet sophisticated SUR Restaurant. Nestled within the green heartlands, the SUR serves up much more than just a hearty, farm-fresh meal. It's a refreshing reminder of the simplicity of life we sometimes forget, complemented by a lively atmosphere, an inclusive approach, and the utmost respect for locally-sourced ingredients.

Stepping into the SUR Restaurant is like taking a leisurely walk down memory lane, to those blissful childhood summers spent at the farm. Rustic wooden beams, exposed brick, and well-curated farm-style decor create a welcoming atmosphere, inviting patrons to sit back and relax.

The outdoor patio is a standout feature, presenting an airy and well-maintained area for al fresco dining. A sun-kissed nook adorned with greenery and fairy lights, the patio is an idyllic space where you can kick back and watch the world go by. On a sunny day, the ambience is magical – think cozy, chic, and completely comfortable. They have equipped it with a cooling system and plenty of umbrellas to make those hot days bearable, and patio heaters for those chillier evenings.

The SUR takes a refreshing turn on inclusivity, offering something not many restaurants do – dedicated menus for both dogs and kids. Yes, you heard right! There's a specially curated menu for your four-legged family members, a delightfully thoughtful move that enhances the dining experience for dog lovers. They've got everything from canine-safe lean meats to wholesome vegetables, offering your furry friends a balanced and nutritious meal.

As for the kiddos, SUR's menu showcases a wide array of child-friendly options that are both nutritious and appealing to the little ones. From mini burgers to mac n' cheese, and even veggie sticks with hummus, the options are plenty. The dishes are a great balance between comfort food and healthy eating, ensuring parents don't have to compromise between nutrition and their child's cravings.

As for the food, SUR's menu is an intriguing mix of classic comfort food with a gourmet twist. Ingredients are locally-sourced, with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining. While the food is delightful, there's room for some refinement and consistency across dishes to ensure the dining experience matches the restaurant's wonderful atmosphere and service.

All in all, SUR Restaurant is an enchanting escape from the everyday, offering a memorable dining experience in a tranquil, rural setting. With its family-friendly environment, pet inclusivity, and a lovely patio setting, it's the perfect spot for casual lunches, lazy weekend brunches, or even intimate evening get-togethers. Here's to hoping that with a bit more finesse in their dishes, they can elevate their offerings to a perfect...

Last night's dinner was a total bust. While they accommodated our party of two without a reservation, the service and food were meh at best. It was a busy Sunday evening on a holiday weekend, but our order, two veggie Ratatouille entrées, took an usually long time. Eventually, our server (Grant) came by our table to tell us they were cooking it and would be out soon. A few minutes later, we got our orders. The plates were hot. Unfortunately, that was the extent of the heat as the food was cold, not warm. The polenta was hot but the Ratatouille itself was cold. Both of our orders were the same temperature. Once we told Grant about it, he took both plates and assured us another one would arrive shortly. While waiting, not once did the manager come by to apologize for the goof or to offer some kind of compensation since our dining time was extended more than we planned. Finally, our freshly-made entrées arrived, and they were hot! Bread arrived a few minutes later and that was lukewarm at best.

While we noticed some customers get a cool-looking dessert (mud pie?), given how long our dinner had taken, we decided against that or any other dessert. We were already late to a friend's gathering, so we wanted to end the dining experience.

The server put two Lindor chocolates on the table since "no one can turn down a piece of chocolate" as he put it. While it was a nice gesture, tje presentation could've been improved. (Putting thr chocolates on a plate would've seemed less gauche). Furthermore, an apology from the manager would've been even nicer or even some kind of compensation for the lengthy dining experience. We understand things happen in a restaurant on a busy night, but there's no excuse for poor service. Shoot, even the major food chains excel in this area.

Regardless, when we return to Carmel, we will not be returning to this establishment. They need to improve in the customer...