The Hobbit
Wednesday November 23, 2005 at 9:08 pm | Filed under General
For my birthday, instead of a party we decided that we’d have a nice dinner out to a place we’d never been before. Monique had remembered that we used to drive by a place in Orange that we always wanted to try, but never had. It’s a place called The Hobbit. We didn’t know too much about the place but after checking out their web site, we found out it’s even more interesting than we thought. We learned that they only take reservations. They have a rotating menu where they feature a different main dish each week. The place isn’t really themed to Lord of the Rings or anything. Sunday night after we dined, we learned that it was the best meal we’d ever eaten.
When we got there we were greeted at the door and they immediately asked what name the reservation was under. They had one of those tiny sliding doors on the door as if they ask “what’s the password” too. At least we didn’t get that treatment. The man explained that we would be ready for hors d’oeuvres in the wine cellar in a few minutes and we were free to enjoy the lounge or the bar upstairs. So we did. As we made our way upstairs we figured out that the restaurant seemed to be a big converted house. The bar and the lounge were bedrooms in the house. We went into the one with the bar, which was just a few comfy places to sit and a small bar in the corner. We each had a drink and hung out a few minutes until we were told that hors d’oeuvres were were being served in the wine cellar.
We made our way down two flights of stairs and found ourselves in a chilly wine cellar. Not a very roomy space for the 30-40 people that were in there. We were greeted by two men pouring glasses of The Hobbit’s own brand of champagne. Good stuff! We were told that we could pick our wine for our dinner from the selection of bottles in the cellar. There were hundreds of different kinds of wine, and some snacks to eat. My favorite was the baked brie (could have been feta) with pruscitto in it. Man that was tasty! After deciding that we would do the offered wine pairings that would bring us a different glass of wine with each course, we were told they would be seating for dinner.
I was really glad that unlike some of the fancy restaurants I’ve been to, this was not the type to give you an itsy bitsy artsy bit of food that leaves you wanting more the minute you leave. This was a 7 course meal that didn’t have one thing I didn’t eat. I even had some mushrooms that were really tasty! Needless to say I was stuffed afterwards. Whoever the chef was really outdid themselves. Whoever paired the wine was impressive too as the wine with each course just made it that much better. I’ve scanned the menu for the evening for those of you keeping score at home. It was amazing!
Wondering why the place is called The Hobbit? You got me. I can only assume it’s because Hobbits love to eat, eat a lot, and eat well. The only reference to the Tolkein-folk in the house was a few framed words in the entryway:
HOBBITS… are little people, smaller than dwarves. They love peace and quiet and good-tilled earth. They dislike machines, but are handy with tools. They are nimble, but don’t like to hurry. HOBBITS have no beards. There is little or no magic about them, except the ordinary every day sort. They are inclined to be fat in the stomach; they dress in bright colors (chiefly green and yellow); wear no shoes because their feet grow natural leatherly soles and thick brown hair (which is curly); have long, clever brown fingers, good-natured faces and laugh deep, fruity laughs (especially after dinner, which they have twice a day when they can get it.)
You can check out some photos of our evening here on flickr. Monique and I were joined by Tim and Shana and the four of us had a great time.
Oh yeah… The Hobbit restaurant was built in 1972, the same year I was built! 33 years ago today for me, actually!
7 Responses to “The Hobbit”
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Uncle Olt Says:
November 24th, 2005 at 12:47 pmHappy Birthday dood! Let’s stop by there next month when I visit . . . or we could just go to Taqueria de Anda. I’ll be happy with either one!
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Dianne Says:
November 24th, 2005 at 9:05 pmHappy Birthday. I too heard good things about “The Hobbit”, but never made it there. Glad you did. Hey, and I didn’t forget your day, I sent you an e-greeting to your e-popp e-mail, not sure if you’ve received it yet.
I can’t belive you’re 33. You don’t look a day over 32.
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Shana Says:
November 25th, 2005 at 9:15 amThat was a night to remember. The food was so incredible! And Monique made you her special Asian wraps on your actual day! How awesome is that! I’m glad you had a great birthday - you deserve it!
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Joe Says:
November 25th, 2005 at 11:39 amThanks everybody. Shana, you’re gonna miss the aspargus paninis tonight! What’s up with that?!
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Shana Says:
November 25th, 2005 at 12:32 pmWhat!! You are breaking my heart. My ache-breaky heart - gee why doesn’t someone write a song with that phrase. Ha-ha!
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Joe Says:
November 26th, 2005 at 1:10 pmWe actually ended up having something different. And it was horrible.
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Birthdays Dinner at joepopp.com Says:
November 19th, 2007 at 11:17 pm[…] We haven’t quite managed to match the one a couple of years back when we went to The Hobbit, but this year we came close. Before we left for dinner we started off with a cocktail and Tim and […]