When you enter the front door, you know you’re in for a treat at George’s Bistro. The décor and ambience of this top-notch family owned restaurant conveniently located in the Gateway Village shopping center at the corner of Rye Canyon and Newhall Ranch Road is worthy of a visit. Although upscale, it’s far from stuffy. We noted numerous families, several of whom had children that received a hug from Diana Rifold, General Manager and daughter of owners, George and Sheri Rifold. The Rifolds are proud of the fact that so many of their clientele are repeat customers.
Although George’s Bistro is relatively new to Santa Clarita, the Rifolds are not new to the restaurant business. They have owned and operated the highly successful George’s Bistro on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade for more than 20 years. And they are committed to bringing that same experience to our Valley. I would say, so far so good.
Our tasting began with three of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers, Bruschetta (8.95)…beautifully plated, Steamed Clams (13.95) and Roasted Artichokes (11.95). All three are great choices, but the Steamed Clams are particularly notable and the owner takes credit for this as one of his signature dishes.
Three salads followed with my favorite being the Thai Chicken Salad (12.95) topped with mandarin oranges and fried wontons. The dressing is listed as a sesame ginger dressing and has a slightly “peanutty” flavor. Only George knows the secret to making this dressing. Try it! The dressing on George’s House Salad (10.95) is light and fruity and the ideal flavor for the caramelized walnuts and dried cranberries that top this salad. We loved the Lettuce Wraps (10.95) and found the crispy bean sprouts a perfect complement to the tender butter leaf lettuce.
Next came two excellent pasta dishes, both with chicken but each entirely different. The Borracho Tequila Chicken (15.95) is served with penne pasta and loaded with diced chicken filet, sun dried tomatoes and artichokes. The entire dish is then tossed in a flavorful tequila-based dressing. The Chicken Chipotle (16.95) is a great choice for someone who enjoys just a little kick to their food. The creamy chipotle sauce on the penne, chicken and veggies is perfectly seasoned. I found it hard not to finish both dishes, but I knew more was on the way.
The Chicken Roulade Veronique (19.95) is an absolutely beautiful dish. A very large chicken breast stuffed with spinach and mushrooms is breaded and baked then topped with a Florentine sauce. Served with sautéed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, this dish is definitely big enough for two. The B.B.Q. Baby Back Ribs (Full Rack 26.95) were out of this world. The meat fell from the bones and the sauce that was used to baste the ribs during the long, slow cooking process was divine. My favorite dish was the Macadamia Crusted Chilean Sea Bass (Market price). The menu says, “quick seared”…it was cooked to perfection. Pure white and flaky, it is served with a tureen of garlic mashed potatoes. The final entrée was the New York Steak Risotto (19.95) and George’s Bistro knows how to cook risotto. Creamy and smooth, and the caramelized onions added a depth of flavor that held up to the steak.
As usual, with all the scrumptious appetizers, salads and entrees, it’s hard to save room for dessert, but we did. We had to try the tiramisu and crème brulee. The tiramisu is a traditional preparation and a little heavy on the coffee taste, so it can serve as both after dinner coffee and dessert. The crème brulee, prepared French style, stands up to anyone’s version.
George’s Bistro is all about quality and freshness. Even the lemon juice used in the Raspberry Drop is freshly squeezed.
Trained as an engineer and an architect, George and Sheri Rifold are in the restaurant business by choice, not chance and that’s nice. Stop by and enjoy their food and hospitality.
George’s Bistro serves lunch and dinner seven days a week with breakfast Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 661-257-7860