It’s sunday morning and I’m still recovering from a night of carnage. Last night, I went down to Orange County to meet up with my “once-a-year” friend to catch up and have some good food. Since Flemings in Newport and Mastros in Costa Mesa were packed beyond belief, we thought we’d give another steakhouse a shot.
Turner New Zealand’s claim to fame is that all their steaks are organically grown and from New Zealand. Started by a man named Noel Turner, the company’s main focus is the distribution of quality meats and seafood around the world.
The restaurant is located in a very corporate part of Costa Mesa near one of Southern California’s most famous malls - South Coast Plaza - and has an old Tuscan Villa feel (think Maggiano’s). We sat out in the heated patio area and proceeded to order
- Potato Gratin
- Half Dozen New Zealand Oysters - served w/ Malt Vinegar, House made Vinegar and House made Mignonette
- Roasted Vegetables
- Grilled Tomatoes
- Mashed Potatoes
- Turner Beef Ribeye 16oz (Medium Rare)- my friend’s order
- Turner Beef Porternhouse 36oz (Rare) - my order
- Banana Flambe
First off, I’ll have to say that the waiters took their time getting to us after we were seated, but I turned the other cheek and blamed the influx of early valentine dinners. After about 15 minutes or so, we finally got some water and menus. It didn’t take us long to order, but it took almost 30 minutes for the food to come out to our table. I was excited to get started with my slab of meat, since I was extremely hungry from running errands all day plus the thoughts of killing a 36 oz of meat brought out the carnivore in me. Of course, once the waiter placed the dish in front of my face, the following conversation ensued
Me - “I’m sorry, I don’t think I ordered this.”
Waiter - “Yes you did. You ordered the Lamb Porterhouse, right?”
Me - “No. I ordered the Regular 36 oz Porterhouse.”
Waiter - “No problem sir. I’ll be right back with your order”
30 seconds later
Waiter - “The chef just informed me that the Porterhouse will take about 30 minutes to prepare. Are you sure you don’t want the Lamb Porterhouse?”
Me - “Yes, I’m sure. Thank you for giving me the option though!”
I received the porterhouse within 15 minutes and even though the steak (yes, i finished) and potato gratin (best I’ve ever had) were delicious, my experience with the staff left more to be desired. I will also have to point out that while sitting in the patio, I noticed a cricket climbing the walls, then i noticed the same cricket climb through the window and onto the shoulder of a posh looking older woman. Of course, she freaked out and her husband had to shoo and squash the cricket away. Both sides of the window had a good laugh about it, but you know both parties probably won’t be coming back for a long time.
Here are my ratings for Turner New Zealand:
Presentation - 7
Service - 5
Food - 8
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Mastro’s is one of my all time favorite steak restaurants. I don’t think I will be trying Turner New Zealand. When you pay good money for food, you should be getting good service.
I can hear your conversations with the waitstaff. Isn’t it frightening when they tell you it will take 30 minutes, and you get your food in 10? Always puzzled me. Do they have a nuke machine that cuts your steak time? Do they take somebody else’s steak so that they too get crappy service? Questions from the war room.
Mmmm…giant steak. I had a 36 oz. steak once and it almost killed me.
We have some damn fine Mexican food up here too! I know a couple great places up here to get good tacos.
Nothing like eating until your pants don’t fit anymore!
take a try at my best drink recipe: Gringo Grande’s Borracho Margarita