The Chef's Table — Restaurant in Rocklin

Upon entering we were told to "sit anywhere." I mentioned that we had never been to the restaurant and was told to "sit whereever you are comfortable." This would probably be okay, but my party just came from the bright sun into a dark tavern like establishment. We were greated by the waiter who welcomed us with, "Hey, whats going on?" Honesty we didn't know how to respond..ahh, we are here to eat? Two things I noticed straight away after ordering: The bar tender was handling money and bottles and then without washing his hands, strained what looked to be an egg white into a cocktail glass from his bare hands and made a drink for a customer. Second, there was an employee eating pizza in the back where they were preparing food and standing there smacking and talking while eating and food flying out of his mouth while all the employees laughed and said, "Don't eat too much pizza man." Our food took over a half hour to get to us and saying we were disappointed is a gross understatement. We ordered the french dip which boasted about its premium cuts of meat. The portion of meat was laughable for the price of $23.00 and the fact that it came with nothing but the sandwhich, no fries, sides etc. The meat itself was thin like tissue paper and tasted like it had been soaking in dish water. Honestly, without the grilled onions and sauces, it was not edible. My daughter took two bites and said she didn't like it and then went for just the meat, hence the discovery of that flavor. We informed our waiter who rudely said loudly while walking away from our table, "Well, now you know!" I was astonished at the spectacle he made and then he ignored us for about 10 minutes. Then as he was walking by us again delivering a glass of wine to another table he yelled back at us and asked if we wanted a box. Shaking my head no, I was stunned at how this was handled, especially being in the hospitality industry myself. He then walked back through and asked again if we wanted a box. I again said no and he said, well maybe you want to eat it. I wanted to mention that I didn't care for mine either, but took the meat off and ate it with everything else on it because I was hungry. Not one time did he ask if she would like to have something else but instead wanted to know why she didn't like it. Before she could even tell him he started making assumptions and telling her why he thought she didn't like it. He said, "Was it the meat...the meat, was it that? I bet it was the cheese, the cheese is strong, ok, yeah." Then walked away. To add more insult to injury, he charged me for it. This is the first time ever I have had to pay for something awful that wasn't eaten. We will never...

Chef's Table is decent to good if you compare it to general bar food. Given the size of the bar and large selection of craft style draft beers and the tables pushed against the perimeter, in what seems like an afterthought, the television screens and children running about, leaves little other comparison. The atmosphere, although not uncomfortable, is so diametrically opposed to the quality, preparation and presentation of the menu, that the resulting dichotomy creates a confusing experience. While most of the menu I sampled was good to very good in regard to taste, presentation and portion size, I found the scallops extremely over-priced at $25 for the three half-dollar sized ones we received. Overall, I would not have been disappointed with the meal or the service or even the prices or portions had I experienced the dinner in a more complementary environment. This is located in a shopping center with somewhat adequate parking but absolutely not enough accommodations within the bar/restaurant. Our party of 6 arrived for an early dinner at 430 and still waited approximately 25 minutes for a table. The waiting was unfortunately standing outside in front of the bar on the sidewalk. There is no waiting area, no seats or tables, no lounge area. We were able to order drinks and did receive them in a somewhat reasonable time frame. I find it hard to give even four stars, given these conditions at this price point. There are far too many places, where one mightn't encounter as many obstacles for fare that is incapable of allowing you to forget the immense effort expended...

This place is truly a hidden gem! I'm so glad a friend recommended TCT! The service from beginning to end was perfect, we didn't have to wave down anyone for anything because they just come to you but they are not overbearing either! The food is amazing! I got myself the filet mignon with fingerling potatoes, brocolini, and pomegranate molasses. I was worried about not liking the pomegranate molasses but I absolutely loved it! it's so much better then bbq sauce or steak sauce, it's lite, not super tangy, and has a nice after taste with the steak! The fingeeling potatoes where done perfectly, and the brocolini was seasoned and grilled just right! My husband got the spare ribs plate. Restaurants are usually a hit or miss for him but he loved his plate as well. I got my toddlers the pesto fries (the best pesto fries I've ever had) a side of brocolini, and mashed potatoes! We just ended up shating everything and my daughter especially loved the steak with the fingerling potatoes dipped in the pomegranate molasses! We unfortunately where not able to stay and eat just because our youngest was getting anxious halfway through but they where more then happy to box up all of our food to take home so even eating it at home was still so yummy for all of us! Great experience! it's so hatf finding a highly rated restaurant that is just soooo good with great service, great atmosphere, and great vibes! Our family highly recommends this place!!! Even having 2 little children we where comfortable!! Our new favorite place...