Best Historic Restaurants in Fountain Valley

Always love this place. The owner is always there helping, the staff is always polite, and the bartender Greg even remembered us, after having not been there for about a year. Plus? The whiskey prices are so very good. This should be a model for other restaurants.

We went to the Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach for an early Valentine's Day meal. We were able to get a table inside given the cool weather and had a nice view of the boats and harbor. Our meal was excellent. My wife had the France's Bouillabaisse. She enjoyed it. It had shrimp, fish, mussels, etc. I had the Tuscan artichoke rockfish (snapper), with panko artichoke hearts and parmesan risotto. It was delicious. Key lime pie rounded out the meal. The waiter was friendly but not hovering, which I appreciated. The atmosphere was laidback. A great experience!

Hostess named Sam acknowledged us as soon as we walked in out of the pouring rain. She got us seated earlier than I expected and she was friendly. The rest was amazing, but just the small things entering for the first time mean a lot.

It was a rainy night. We were met at the door by several members of staff, who handled everyone's coats and hats efficiently. This staff is excellent on every visit, and tonight was no exception. Do you avoid dining out on Valentine's day or near the 14th? Are the restuarants generally overburdened? Forget about that and dine at the Hobbit. Their routine for Valentine's day, while offering a slightly different menu, remains the same. They are not overwhelmed, because they only handle as many people as will attend one seating. The experience is preceded by a cocktail hour - then to table at 7 p.m. An amuse bouche of "three perfect bites", which are accompanied by a complimentary glass of champagne. The opening this time was a Hamachi crudo, that was plated perfectly, and delivered a wonderful amalgam of green apple, cucumber, tangerine and a tarragon oil opening. The second course, a crepe a la duck confit, worried my partner who does not favor duck. She loved the crepe and the duck confit! Very smooth and subtle. My filet with a bone marrow bordelaise was perfect, rare, as I love good beef. We accompanied our meal with an excellent 2005 Bordeau from Pauillac purchased from the well stocked wine cellar. The service was impeccable, and the entire serving staff assisted at one time or another to insure prompt service without hovering. I have been here many times, and you cannot go wrong dining at the Hobbit on any occasion.