May, 2006

Rating : 9 out of 10

Tariff : Mother's Day Brunch/Lunch for 4

• 1 soup
• 3 entrees
• two desserts
• tea
• tip
• $80

Atmosphere

Billed as one of a kind, Robin's is just that.  It is charming both inside and out, the menu choices are unique and, the service is casual and friendly, and the food is delicious!  Robin's is located on a side street in the quaint east village of Cambria (which is a fabulous place to stroll and shop). The little house or cottage that has become the restaurant is a cozy and comfortable place welcoming diners with stained glass windows, stucco walls, and Spanish style roof.  What I noticed first, however, were the beautiful flowers overflowing their beds out front along the walk like an English country garden. The decor inside is simple rough hewn wood floors, wood or mosaic topped tables, some country crockery atop the fireplace mantle, and fresh flowers (diners may find their food decorated with edible flowers, as well!).  Stepping out onto the large covered patio area visitors are enveloped in the shady cool created by the canopy and the walls of vines and flowers.  Even the real walls have trompe l'oeil paintings of crumbling brick and stucco and climbing vines.  From there you can continue down into the garden for a fully outdoor dining experience at tables set among naturally landscaped flowers, plants, and vines but yet totally private from the surrounding neighborhood.

Service

Although it was a busy day when we visited, the demeanor of the staff was friendly and helpful as it should be in a restaurant, but yet somehow casual enough that made me feel as if I were in someone's home.

Food

We dined at Robin's on Mother's Day and so we chose from a special menu. I have read and heard great things about the regular menu which is international and eclectic, but also has some simpler home-style items as well (something for everyone). But on our special occasion, we were first given our own individual bread plates with a piece of blueberry cake and a puff pastry square with jam topping--both were lovely. We tried the famous salmon bisque--entree size was huge--rich, creamy and loaded with chunks of salmon. Our second favorite of the brunch choices was the French toast with whipped cream and fruit compote, accompanied by real maple syrup. Another selection we made was the wild mushroom crepes; these were creamy and good but the delicate mushroom flavors were overpowered a bit by the sauce. My least favorite (although still good, mind you!) was the lobster chilaquiles. The dish was a bit messy and gooey with a heavy creamy filling and not very much lobster. (I may be biased because I cook a great chicken version of the dish and it turns out a firmer casserole.) I can't wait to return to try some of the dishes we've heard raves about, such as Malaysian Chicken Curry, Indian Lamb Rogan Josh, Herb Roasted Free Range Chicken, Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Portobello Burger, an array of delicious sounding salads, and more. I read online about a couple that drive several hundred miles to eat there, and then I spoke with a friend who had been there and summed it up by saying it's the kind of restaurant, where once you've tried it, even if you're only staying in town a few days you'll make sure to eat there two or three times!

Robin's Restaurant
4095 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA  93428
805-927-5007