Que c’etait delicieux!
We arrived at about 6:15 to a nearly-empty restaurant, but that’s because it’s shoulder season in Mammoth Lakes and every business is either closed or deserted until ski season. We were seated at a table with a panoramic view of the mountains.
Food: absolutely delicious. We started with a basket of the best housemade brioche I’ve ever had. My wife said, “It doesn’t even need butter.” She had the housemade foie gras torchon with toothpick-speared sweet local crab apples as a whimsical add-on, and was in heaven. She then moved on to the perfectly rare elk medallions, also a huge hit. I had the heirloom tomato salad, which was perfection, and followed with the pork mignon in a mushroom cream sauce. The sides were identical for both our entrees, which was fine because they were delicious: sautéed young carrots, flash-fried greens, baby bok choy, root vegetable puree, and more.
She wasn’t up for dessert, but I had housemade pear ice cream (pears from the same local orchard as the crab apples). Subtle, smooth, delicious.
Our server, Nate, was attentive without being obtrusive, and his timing throughout the meal was spot-on. We had a couple of glasses of white wine (Au Bon Climat), then with the entrees we had a pricey but nicely dusky Barbaresco (vacation splurge). The wine list is not especially extensive, but it is wide-ranging and I can’t imagine anyone not finding something they’d enjoy.
The chef came out a few times to check on us, to ask if we had any questions about the specials, etc. I’d go back here in a heartbeat the next time I’m in Mammoth Lakes.
Curtis J. – San Jose, CA
We had read the great reviews on Yelp before driving up to Mammoth and were very excited to try this relatively new restaurant. We stopped by earlier to take a look at the restaurant and to see if we could change our reservation. We were greeted by the chef a lovely, gracious man who took our reservation and assured us he would take care of everything.
As we were leaving we decided to bowl!! It was such fun, the manager or owner stopped by to help us when he saw us start without switching on the game. He was very nice and quite helpful. After our game, we went back to our hotel to get freshened up then proceeded back to the Brasserie.
We were seated by the window and the server came by and recited their specials, we were impressed with his ability to memorize everything… We looked around us and it was pretty full and everyone seemed to be having a great evening. We ordered the Heirloom tomatoes and Caesar salad and salmon ($26) and halibut ($36) specials. When the fish arrived I was initially disappointed as it had a white sauce, and I really prefer clean food. HOWEVER, once I tried it, it was not a heavy cream, it was light and so yummy. Everything was delicious, the heirloom tomatoes were particularly beautiful to look at and tasted great.
We highly recommend this to everyone… I loved it!!
Kathleen Y. – LA
Amazing!!! I didn’t think that a restaurant of this caliber could be upstairs from a bowling alley. I had the Lam Shank and it was delicious. My girlfriend had the Filet Mignon, it was perfectly cooked with a peppercorn sauce on it. Will come here every time I visit Mammoth.
Dylan S. – Imperial Beach
We discovered this place after bowling downstairs. The service was exceptional. The halibut was delicious. It was a relaxed environment with a view of the mountains. The chef comes by and checks on your meal. I’m definitely coming back for more.
Isabel H. – Tehachapi
Read about this place on Yelp and in some of the Mammoth visitor materials so we had to try it.
We’ve been coming to Mammoth annually for almost 20 years and didn’t know about there was a bowling alley. But it and the restaurant were easy to find. We walked through the nice bowling alley and went upstairs to the restaurant. We were warmly greeted by the hostess upon arrival and got a seat next to the window with a lovely view of the mountains.
We were quickly greeted by our server who took our drink orders and told us about the specials. There were so many good selections that it was hard to choose. For starters, we got the French onion soup and the heirloom tomatoes. Both were excellent.
Next, we had the braised lamb shank and a fish special – sea bass. Each came with a beautiful presentation of vegetables that included orange mashed potatoes (carrot puree added for color and extra flavor), caramelized brussel sprouts, tomatoes, and baby squash. We loved the variety of vegetables, the color and the taste.
They had a nice selection of desserts, but we’ll have to wait to try them until our next visit.
Sue B. – Lake Forest, CA
We had a tremendous first experience here last night. When you want fine dining in Mammoth this is the place to go. We were a party of 8 celebrating a birthday.
They have: a Dining room with a great view; Tremendous staff- the feeling is very comfortable as the Chef and the owner both participated in delivering the food, refilling water and clearing plates; Reasonably priced; Wonderful selection of items that were all prepared perfectly.
Starters that we tried, and loved: Mushroom stroodle, tomato-based fish soup, home made foie gras mousse and toast points, beef carpaccio with a light drizzle of truffle oil, French onion soup (sweet from the onions, not salty), escargot.
Main Course Items: Prime fillet mignon with a light sauce (sous vide). Fantastic pommes frites. Elk fillet medallions (prepared perfectly rare, as requested). Bone in rib-eye. Fillet of Mediterranean Sea bass “loup de mer” (very light).
Final Course: home made light strawberry sorbet, home made chocolate mousse and apple tarte tatin.
The wine list and aperitif selections were also very good. We couldn’t have been more pleased.
Skip C. – Carlsbad
A must stop for good food after a great day skiing. I have to say, I was skeptical. French food? Up on a mountain town? Showing up 30 minutes before they close?
Yes! It is worth it. The service was fantastic. Our waitress was very charismatic and smiled a lot. She made good conversation and helped us pick out our food.
We showed up late in the evening and it helped to call beforehand to check that they were open. When I called, 30 minutes before they closed, the hostess checked and told us to come right away because they would hold the kitchen open.
The whole thing with the bowling alley downstairs… well… it’s there…. I was interested in the food. I LOVE French food. This does not disappoint. It’s more of a “back to basics” version of French food with the occasional nouveau cuisine dish here and there.
When I was little (and I used to be fat), I loved making French onion soup. And whenever I go out to anything French, French onion soup and escargot are musts in my book. And Rock Brasserie’s French onion soup and escargot are delicious!
Now, price-wise, we weren’t too hungry so ordered a whole bunch of appetizers and it was pretty reasonable. The chef came by to make sure we had enough bread for the escargot and checked that we were happy with the food.
Overall, they have a good thing going for them. The bowling alley downstairs is very lucky!
Bobby N. – Pasadena, CA
Excellent service and excellent food with reasonable prices. Who knew you could get food this good right above a bowling alley in a ski town? Started off with the escargot – perfect balance of garlic, butter and parsley which I dipped the ciabatta from Schat’s and scooped up every garlicky morsel.
We ordered the albacore with peppercorn sauce and ribeye for dinner. Delicious! For dessert the dark chocolate mousse was to die for! Vanilla bean creme brûlée was rich but not too sweet. My decaf coffee was the best coffee that I have had since our week long trip to Mammoth (much better than Starbucks hands down) – it was the only regular coffee that has been served to me with crema.
Looking forward to coming back!
Jo T – Los Angeles
Over the years we make it a tradition on our trips to have one night where we try to find excellent food in a comfortable atmosphere with a good bottle of wine. You would be surprised at how difficult this is to find. My wife and I were treated to a perfect dining experience at The Lakefront Restaurant. The atmosphere allows you to enjoy the obviously world class meals slowly. Having over 100 bottles of wine in our wine cellar, we were surprised at the favorite wines of ours that were on the wine list.
Larry Muell
Tres Manifique! We love the consistently superb comfort food served with passion and flair. A great value for the price. Although celebrated for fine dining and special events, we eat here as often as possible when we are in Mammoth, like it was our neighborhood restaurant at home.
Jay and Karlene Wilder
We recommend Fred´s restaurant to all our clients. They rave about the food, and when Fred comes to visit them at the table, they feel special. That makes us look special.
Jefferson Lanz
City Concierge Reservations
Whenever I have a nice dinner out, I always order creme brulee for dessert, just to see if maybe it will compare to Fred’s. But alas, I am always disappointed! Fred’s lavender flavor is unbelievably good, still my favorite dessert of all time!
Heather Edwall
Lakefront at Tamarack Lodge is the first place we take our discerning clientele. It exudes ambience, charm and amazing cuisine set in a forested view of twin lake waterfall and lakes. For years and years we have had the utmost in confidence that Frederic and his staff will deliver amazing meals for all occasions. He has never once failed us. Each and every visit brings another special memory. Our company brings visitors from all walks of life in the greater Los Angeles/San Diego/Orange County areas where nice restaurants abound. We have yet to find anyone who doesn’t think Lakefront rivals the best of the breed.
When you combine a spectacular natural setting with a chef’s gift for mixing and matching creatively prepared foods, you create a dining experience unmatched in the Eastern Sierra and beyond. It’s always a treat to dine at Lakefront with Chef Frederic, but Sunday brunch on the patio is my personal favorite and an unparalleled treat each and every time!! Lakefront is at the top of everyone’s must do list for Mammoth Lakes!!
DS
A quintessential Mammoth Lakes experience is having a meal at the Tamarack Lodge. Myself, and my husband have dined numerous times at this fantastic little place. You walk in through a long narrow hallway into a lovely little romantic, but classy setting. Our favorite is the mixed game plate and the venison is always superb. Make sure you listen attentively to the daily specials there you’ll find seasonal and local splendors…YUM! For dessert, we love to indulge in the delicious wild berry tart! Three cheers to an excellent wine list! Chef de Cuisine Frederic is always warm and friendly, and the wait-staff is great. We always recommend the Tamarack Lodge to our friends when they ask us for dinner places to go to in Mammoth. A definite must for anyone who’s never been there!
Irv and Pamela Wnuck
Laguna Niguel, CA
“Dat boyz gritz iz off da hook!” Seriously, the website is awesome and your food is ALWAYS insane… now go get some more Mushrooms!!!
Jeffrey
San Jose, CA
My husband and I live in Mammoth Lakes and LOVE the cuisine at the Lakefront Restaurant! It has been one of our favorite “special” occasion restaurants for years! Outstanding food and service!
Cheers,
Sue Walters
In a word, the dinner was fantastic, probably one of the best meals of my life. From appetizers to dessert, it was close to perfection. My sister-in-law compared it to the movie “Babette’s Feast” and she lived in Paris for 10 years! All I heard was rave reviews from my family and friends. We loved the intimacy of the room and the natural way our guests distributed themselves among the tables.
A bientot,
Neil Kogut
Pasadena, CA.
I have a home in Mammoth and have dined at the Lakefront on numerous occasions- many fond memories! Thank you!
Karen Fisher
‘This quietly superlative contribution to the legacy of French cuisine in the American West is chef Frederic Pierrel’s mountain redoubt—and unless you are skiing or fishing in the eastern Sierras, you might never find out that some of the best cooking in the country is happening here.
Wall Street Journal
Best Birthday Ever! Chef designed and catered a meal with my favorite ingredients – from Fois Gras Toasts served with a sweet Riesling, Duck Confit melting in my mouth and we topped the night with Lavender Crème Brule. Now a treasured memory.
GTH‘, ‘BEST FOOD EVER – Just combine Friends and Chef Freddie’s cooking. Mix with wine and one is in heaven! Thanks for the experience – see you next year!
Irving Getty
Just had a second great meal and experience at The Underground Lounge. We own a vacation home in Mammoth and have a list of our favorite places to visit when in town. Lakefront was a favorite for years and we were curious to try Chef Frederic’s new venture at The Underground. What a pleasant surprise!
Shannon L.
Santa Maria, CA
Chef Frederic, once again, did not disappoint. I had a wonderful Sea Bass with perfectly prepared green beans and a red wine recommended by Chef. The cheese platter was limited for what I was looking for, but still very pleasant. Warning: beware the bread. Chef’s bread is AMAZING – YOU WILL FILL UP ON IT. Crackly, flaky outside, soft, warm inside. As soon as the bread came out, I knew it was Chef Frederic.
Diana K.
Chino Hills, CA
We, once again, enjoyed another superb dinning experience at the Lakefront Restaurant last week. From the scallop & poki appetizers, to the beef & seafood entrees, all were exquisitely prepared. The presentation was a delight to the eyes & the service was outstanding. We always include this fine dining experience on our winter & summer trips to Mammoth – we can hardly wait for August!
Que c’etait delicieux!
Merci,
John & Robin Kirby
Amazing culinary experience!! We have dined in some of Europe’s finest restaurants and consider the food at Lakefront to be among the best. If you have the chance to taste Chef Frederic’s artistry, I’m sure it will be a memorable one. His passion and commitment to outstanding food is a rare gem these days. We dine at Lakefront each time we visit Mammoth.
Daniela & Christopher
My wife Abby and I have great memories of the meals you’ve prepared for us at The Lakefront, and look forward to dining at your new place the next time we visit Mammoth. Good luck!
Eric
LaGrange Park, Illinois