Kestrel A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge

Review summary

1. M

   Maria

   Palm Springs

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Dinner Service was slow and we were not in a hurry. Servers seemed confused as to what table was getting which dishes. Also, we had lunch over the weekend, food and service was very good.
   

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2. J

   James

   VIP

   Palm Springs

   49 reviews

   3.0

   49 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We have eaten at Kestral 4 times. They have been open long enough to have polished their menu and service. Well intentioned young people who provide the “welcome you guys” to two 75 year olds! Or the other favorite, “no problem”. They were very accommodating with substitutions and the timing from order to food delivery was ok. In past visits the fish of the day was excellent. Tonight the seared Ahi appeared to have been cooked from frozen. Very little flavor. Topped with a tasty fruit topping - more suited for halibut. A soy dipping sauce would have been preferred.
   

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3. S

   Sherry

   VIP

   Seattle

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   I was very excited to visit the new venture by Richard Blaise. I was aware that it was a New Year’s Day brunch but assumed it would be presented with the attention and care I have associated with him as I followed his career. I want to start by saying that the restaurant is a lovely space with sweeping views of the golf course and the surrounding mountains. The service was attentive and excellent. I was very disappointed in the quality and presentation of the menu. It felt like hotel food presented under the name of the restaurant and if this was the case it should have been clearly noted when you made the reservation. Items such as the crab noted on the menu were not presented. Other dishes such as the cauliflower were was listed as prepared lemon roasted with Z’Atar spice was a cauliflower gratin which was a watery stew of cheese sauce. The Jidori chicken was supposed to have pimento cheese and hot honey which was absent. The waffles were also MIA. I am sad to say that the hash brown under the chicken was the star of the meal, and you can get this at Arby’s pretty consistently. Once again the service was lovely, the Pistachio Old fashioned and the Jail Break (a take on a Rusty Nail) were light and tasty, however the food was astonishingly mediocre. Buffets can be a delight but sadly this one was as disappointing as the Oregon versus Ohio state game I rushed home to watch. Richard I hope this review is available to you and you have the opportunity to discuss with Indian Wells as they represent your food and vision and if this is not your menu you make sure they do not market it as such. I have had better meals at conferences sadly.
   

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4. S

   Stephen

   VIP

   San Diego

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Another great holiday brunch - delicious food and great service!
   

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5. T

   Terise

   VIP

   Orange County

   21 reviews

   1.0

   21 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We went to New Years day brunch and was so disappointed. First when we walked in they sat us outside and when asked if we could get a view table we were told that those are reserved for reservations which we had one and there literally was nobody there. We ended up moving inside and all we could hear was the manager telling the wait staff "Don't forget to smile". For the food we were taken back at how little food there was at the buffet. The omelet was great, but everything else was horrible. The bagels had no utensil to pick it up, they were cold like they were frozen and the toaster was way in the back . It was like they picked up the food up from somewhere else, froze it and served it. Especially the pastries. The potatoes were luke warm at best. I didn't see anything that was cooked from the chefs recipe at all which was the whole reason we went was to taste his food. The whole experience was so disappointing and on top of it it was $75 each and that didn't include coffee and when we got the bill they automatically added on a 20% gratuity which wasn't right. Overall not a good experience.
   

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6. S

   Suzanne

   VIP

   Vancouver

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Mediocre food for the cost,sent food back that was cold. Long wait for food and restaurant half full. Service was not great, waiting 10 min for acknowledgement and water, once we were seated. Bill was incorrect and had to be fixed twice. Would not recommend this restaurant.
   

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7. D

   Dineen

   VIP

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Service was great! Carlos our server was great. Food was overpriced. French fries were too hard and forgot to put bacon and cheese on our burger.
   

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8. T

   T

   Manitoba

   16 reviews

   5.0

   16 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Kestrel | A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge exceeded all expectations with its stunning scenery and impeccable dining experience. Nestled amid scenic views of lush golf courses and majestic mountains, the ambiance was serene and captivating—a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. The wine and drink selection was fantastic, with each sip expertly crafted to complement the setting. Our appetizers set the tone for the evening: the shrimp and pork rolls were bursting with flavor, and the truffle fries were irresistibly indulgent. For the main courses, we opted to share a variety of dishes, each one better than the last. The shrimp cocktail and flatbreads were light yet satisfying, while the taco salad bowl with chicken offered a refreshing, hearty option. The prime sandwich and burger were both perfectly executed, delivering rich, savory flavors in every bite. The attention to detail in every aspect of the experience, from the food to the views, was extraordinary. Kestrel is a must-visit for anyone seeking a culinary delight paired with breathtaking scenery. We can’t wait to return!
   

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9. J

   Jill

   VIP

   Chicago

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Don’t miss the opportunity for a wonderful experience. More than just a meal.
   

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10. T

    Tamra

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    Service was excellent!! Brussels Sprouts excellent. The most Moroccan aspect of the vegetable tagine was the tagine it was served in...bland!! Couscous no flavor. Took three attempts to get the steak properly cooked....
    

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