Description: My niece recently moved to Santa Barbara. We wanted to give her a California welcome. I often recalled a brunch I had at the Biltmore (pre - Fours Season's days) as on of the best brunches I had ever expierenced. Returning to an old favorite is sometimes dangerous the expierence may not repeat itself and you leave with a feeling of disappointment. I took my chances and hoped it was as good as I remembered it!
Thankfully, I can say it only got better! This is the quintsesional brunch. My only dissappointment this day was requesting an outdoor table at the time of reservations and the maitre'de not being able to fufill my request. Brunch is served in three areas, the outside patio with a lovely view of the sea, the enclosed patio with a limited view, (We ate here, but had no view, due to being stuck behind a bus station) or inside which would only be desired during foul weather.
Once seated champagne is served to you immediately. A harp is playing and a feeling of elegance embraces you. What is California without a star sighting - today we had Ryan Seacrest at the next table!
The food tables are overwhelming. My favorite is the caviar station, with four kinds of caviar and all the fixings. There is also crab, shrimp, oysters, eggs, sushi, salads, meats and much, much more. The kids have a special area with a low table, just their size.
Please make sure you leave room for dessert. The dessert area is filled with delcious goodies. However the most outrageous is a WIlly Wonka style chocolate fountain that flows lucious chocolate. You can choose fruit, berries or marshmallows on sticks and let the chocolate flow over your treat. It's outrageous!
This brunch costs $62 for adults and $25 for childern. It's worth every penny. They do add an 18% gratiuty on the bill, which I found a little high for a buffet. The wait staff was great, but all they have to do is clear plates and fill champagne glasses.
After dinner you can stroll the grounds, there is a lush lawn, putting greens, croquet and blooming gardens. The brunch was every bit as perfect as I remembered it and I can't wait to go back again!
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