By Michelle Sathe

Casual fine dining. Valencia’s Salt Creek Grille has it down to an art. After nine years in business, the restaurant continues to thrive with an expanded covered patio, a new menu that includes a Chicago-style prime grille section and home style specialties, plus live jazz brunches every Sunday. With a prime location the middle of Valencia’s entertainment and people-watching Mecca, Town Center, it’s a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

When he was approached to open the third restaurant of the Southern California chain, owner Greg Amsler knew instinctively it was a recipe for success.  “I thought, what do I want when I go out? I want a place that’s comfortable to go with family, business associates or friends, whether it’s right off the golf course or in a suit and tie,” Amsler said.

He also wanted a dedicated staff. Many of the servers at Salt Creek Grille today came aboard at the restaurant’s inception. The camaraderie is just one reason why, according to Amsler. “We were lucky enough to be one of the first large fine dining restaurants in town, so they didn’t have reason to go anywhere else. Plus we make a really concentrated effort with their development, so it’s a very worthwhile, fun experience for everyone,” he said.

That experience extends to the customer, who has the option to enjoy a drink or meal in Salt Creek’s clubby yet cool full-service bar. Known for having some of the best martinis in town, including “Chell’s Mandarin Crush” or “The Lemon Drop,” draft beers, from Guinness Stout to Widmer Hefeweizen, are also on tap. An extensive beer and wine list features chardonnays, merlots, pinots, cabernets, as well as cutting edge red and white varietals, champagne and ports. On Friday and Saturday nights, acoustic artist Jay Bolan performs classic rock and pop hits for the crowd, while 94.7 The Wave broadcasts every Sunday morning from the covered patio.

In the dining room, decked out in deep, dark leather and wood, the menu has something for everyone to enjoy, from the unique to the classic or a combination of both. Hearts of romaine are quickly grilled over mesquite before the drizzle of dressing and parmesan and asiago crouton topping. Stuffed shrimp starts with a piquant bite from horseradish and chipotle honey dipping sauce, then immediately mellowed by the richness of bacon. 

Entrees include spectacular seafood options such as seared ahi, grilled Atlantic salmon, and stuffed Alaskan halibut. Carnivores delight in thick-cut pork chops blanketed with hot apple chutney, filet mignon, top sirloin, and rack of lamb, as well as.a “Prime Grille” menu that offers USDA prime, 36-day dry aged meats and hearty family-style sides, all presented tableside before cooking. Recently, Salt Creek added some hearty home style specialties like meatloaf and roast chicken, priced under $20.

And to end your meal, nothing beat’s Salt Creek Grille’s chocolate ganache souffle…literally. Ordered in 25 minutes in advance, handcrafted, then brought to the table with a pitcher of chocolate sauce, the decadent treat was voted Santa Clarita’s best dessert by The Signal.

Don’t miss this Santa Clarita restaurant. To find more, please visit the Santa Clarita Valley Restaurant Directory at http://www.food411scv.com.