A Thanksgiving feast is not just an American tradition, but also can be a fun social way for families to get together and bond. That is why I am super excited about writing this article about the special Thanksgiving event at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.
The Rancho Bernardo Inn is a resort in a suburb of San Diego, CA, spread around a golf course. Each year for Thanksgiving they roll out a gourmet buffet, in one of the banquet rooms around the resort. I tried it this year at a family gathering, and thought some of the ideas can apply anywhere for Thanksgiving. But firstly, this is a review of the Thanksgiving dinner buffet at the RBI.
They had both traditional and non traditional food. I decided to share all of the things I tried and share my experience with you.
Vibe
The vibes at the event were amazing. There were fall decorations everywhere. Also, there was a musician singing covers of popular songs. I love music so that made me really happy.
Set up
Something that my Grandma pointed out that she loved was that there was not a table turnover. Our table was ours for the afternoon. We did not have to feel rushed. It made for a relaxing time, and we actually were the second to last table to leave.
Drinks
There was an open bar with two fall specialty drinks. I got the fall spritz. It had apple cider, pear, cinnamon, and Champaign. I loved it. It somehow tastes like lemon meringue pie filling. My cousin and his girlfriend liked it as well. The only downside was that it got a bit watered down as the ice melted.
Appetizers
Apple Jam
This was one of my favorites. I put it on sourdough bread. It was so good I got seconds. It was super fresh. I love anything apple flavored.
Apple Cranberry Salad
This was Christy’s favorite and I liked it as well. It had Frisee, Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese, Honey-Ginger Vinaigrette. My favorite part was the blue cheese.
Carving Station
Turkey
This was my Cousin’s Girlfriend’s favorite part of the meal. There was a turkey being carved right at the station. It was so moist. Also I accidentally got some apple jam on it but surprisingly good so it was a happy mistake.
Sides
Stuffing
This was my Grandma’s favorite food. The stuffing was super creamy and full of flavor.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is always one of my favorites. This one was the perfect mix of sweet and sour. It was also so juicy. It tasted perfect with the turkey.
Mushroom Risotto
This risotto was a bit untraditional for thanksgiving but it was super good. It was super creamy. Also the mushrooms added a new layer of flavor.
Deserts
Bread Pudding
This was the Rancho Bernardo Inn’s signature dessert. It had caramelized bananas in it. It was super moist and flavorful. It was also warm.
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
This was one of my favorite things I had. I love white chocolate and cranberry combination. It was also a soft cookie which is my favorite part. I went back for seconds.
Cranberry Cheesecake
This was a super fun fall twist on cheesecake. It was super creamy. My Dad liked it a lot.
In conclusion, I had an amazing time. This was both an amazing meal and an amazing experience. If you have the chance to go to the thanksgiving buffet I would highly recommend it.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
