Calamigos Ranch Restaurant

09/08/09

Great wedding with only a few hiccups

by tracy88 at Citysearch

We just had our wedding at Calamigos Ranch, at the Oaks on August 29. It was truly a beautiful magical place. This was definitely in part due to our hard work. We brought in our own cutlery and plate chargers, and linens, as Calamigos offers terrible cafeteria style cutlery, linens. The place was transformed. We had an 8 piece band, Entourage by De Bois Entertainment, that played fantastic music. We still are receiving compliments and raves about the band and how beautiful the venue was. The setting is beautiful and lush and well taken care of. However, it requires a lot of "fixing" to get it up to speed. The process along the way was fairly smooth. Because there are several people in the weddings "department," I never knew who to exactly contact. So, I would contact a few of them and wait to see who responded first. Once, I received two different answers for the same question. However, this was remedied quickly withe the correct answer. At first their communication was slow, or nonexistent, in response to my emails and telephone calls. However, this improved quickly, after by accident I CC'd Calamigos on an email to a vendor, complaining that they never respond via email or telephone. The on-site coordinator is really just someone to make sure all the staff is operating correctly and that the tables are set appropriately. You definitely need a coordinator or point person the day of. I have to mention how fantastic the wait staff and head captain were for the evening. In perfect times did the head captain always ask if we needed anything, if he could help with telling the band anything, keeping me on schedule, etc. He was gentle, helpful, and amazing. The food was very good. Prime rib was delectable. We were supposed to have the pecan crusted chicken. However, two days before, Calamigos emailed me asking for the final numbers of "artichoke chicken." I responded saying I wanted X number of pecan crusted chicken and asked what she meant by artichoke chicken. I heard no response. I followed up after the wedding informing them that it would have been nice to know that our chicken was being prepared differently than expected, since we had the menus printed, and guest had chosen their meals. Still no response. We selected the chicken because it was very moist because it was pecan crusted. The artichoke chicken was moderate, nothing special, and a bit dry. A few of my closest friends told me the same.

Lastly, seems like an odd operation, but after the first few required deposits, the final payments were required in cash or cashier's check.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this venue because of it's natural beauty and landscape. It did require a bit of patience on my part to deal with the staff, but it was a good practice.

• Pros: Beautiful lush grounds, fairly organized, wait staff
• Cons: Communication, linens, cutlery, plates, cash payments

06/24/09

Horrible Venue

by emilyweston at Citysearch

We had our wedding here and it was an absolute disaster. The sales people were unhelpful, the food was terrible, not to mention the price is ridiculous. Go somewhere else and save your money. Yes its pretty but that is all it has going for it.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Service, Food, Sales

04/22/09

Greatest Wedding Venue

by lauracmay at Citysearch

My fiance and I are getting married at the Ranch House in Calamigos ranch next weekend and I have to say that they've made this whole process very simple! They respond to all of my emails within the day and are very helpful when it comes to handling all the vendors, food, and guests for the wedding day. I would recommend this beautiful site for anyone who is looking to get married!! Ask for the coordinator Maria...she is wonderful!

• Pros: Beautiful location, resonable pricing, Best customer service
• Cons: added taxes

03/19/09

Terrible Service!

by UnhappyCouple at Citysearch

We contacted Calamigos via email requesting to book their venue. I had made a special trip out to California specifically to view and book a wedding venue. I live out of state because my fiance is an Air Force Pilot stationed in Texas. When I didn't hear back from our sales contact Erin Bagaason, who had been fairly unhelpful during the process but whom was supposed to be sending us the contract and taking our deposit, I decided to call and confirm the booking. I was told that another bride had a two-day hold on the date. I forwarded the email correspondence to the sales and management team but they didn't show any concern that a mistake had been made. They decided to honor the recent hold over our previous request to book. Both my fiance and I are very disappointed in their disorganized and irresponsible handling of the situation and I would not advise any couple to book with Calamigos Ranch. If this is how they treat you before you sign a contract I can only imagine what can happen after your are locked in with a deposit. Beautiful venue but definitely lacking in organization and service.

However, keep in mind that since this is a sponsored result, this review will likely be deleted by Citysearch. Funny how that works.

• Pros: Beautiful location
• Cons: No one calls you back, rude salespeople

04/19/08

Perfect ambiance for an upscale lush garden wedding

by Browneyedbaby61 at Citysearch

I went to a wedding at the Cal Amigos Ranch today. Not knowing what to expect, I looked up where the event would be held on the web last night. I was surprised to see only one review and to be honest with you after reading THAT review, I was looking forward to being there as it was my nieces wedding and I knew that everything would be beautiful. I looked forward to seeing their waterfall and lovely, lush grounds (which by the way it is ALL true...it is beautiful there).but, ...I thought about the only food review they have had and I was less than excited to eat lunch there. When we arrived they had valet parking...nice touch. I was greeted immediately with the warm smell of a indoor fireplace (perfect for the outdoor setting). Indoors there was fresh coffee or refreshments before the wedding (and for anyone who cares..I LOVE coffee and the coffee was great.) When we were gathered for the wedding it looked spectacular.Truly lush surroundings with lights in the trees, arches of beautiful fresh flowers and comfortable chairs( and a hidden microphone for each as we heard everything. How often does that happen?) The wedding was FANTASTIC. Afterwards the staff immediately served champagne with fresh strawberries to toast the happy couple. The indoor reception was just a few feet away from the outdoor wedding. Inside there was a warm fire in the fireplace (it was a cold morning) and the atmosphere was perfect. We all mingled and waited for lunch while enjoying our family and friends ...and I must admit...I did remember AGAIN ...gray meat? Lunch was served timely and I truly don't know where they ate because there was not one thing I thought was undercooked/ overcooked or tasteless on my plate..it was actually very good. The chicken was tender and flavorful and same with all the side dishes. I would strongly encourage anyone who wants an elegant outdoor wedding to consider having it here. We had a lovely time and an honest thumbs up on the food.

11/22/07

nice place for a wedding

by famousblueraincoat at Citysearch

my friends got married here recently. the grounds are lovely. outdoor ceremony beautiful. note they host 2 weddings at once in separate areas. food was pretty awful tho. our steak was literally grey! the salmon was suprisingly better, not completely overcooked. wine selection could also use some work. but overall, for a wedding this was a nice location. i think the couple were very happy with their choice.

• Pros: gorgeous grounds, romantic setting
• Cons: food awful, wine very so-so