Really enjoyed the experience as a whole. I had the opportunity to speak to the owner who was very pleasant. The food was great. You could tell everything was made from scratch and the chef brought her knowledge and experience of traveling throughout Europe back to Santa Anna, TX as it shined in her diverse dishes. It was like being transported to a whole other place. The fact that someone could do this through cooking amazes me. The stroganoff was not like the hamburger helper that I am used to but it was very well prepared. The owner was very accommodating and was even willing to make noodles by hand to accommodate my daughters food allergy. I have heard rumors from a trusted source that if she doesn’t have what someone is looking for she will send them down to one of the other restaurants in town. Don’t be afraid to try something new: I highly recommend the cottage pie and Chicken Schnitzel (one of the best chicken dishes I have ever eaten and to be honest it would have been the last thing I picked from the menu). I am so glad my nephew shared with me! I will say the prices are higher then the town is use to but you can tell you are paying for the quality of the ingredients and not being overcharged. I have eaten out at a lot of different restaurants and her prices are comparable to if not better than most. This lady is skilled in the kitchen and of high integrity. Just what a small town TX community values. I am so glad she has brought her personality, values, family, cooking skills and unique dishes to my hometown. I really hope this catches on because I will be eating here every time I’m in town.
If you live in, near or are traveling through Santa Anna Texas you owe it to yourself to stop in the Vineyard restaurant at Carroll House. Offering an eclectic selection of fine foods in a cozy atmosphere, this restaurant is great for casual dining, family dinners or large gatherings with a spacious dining room and quaint decor.
My experience there today began with a glass of sweet tea from people who understand southern sweet tea, not cloying but doesn’t leave you wondering if they even walked the carafe by the sugar bin. Complimentary appetizer consisted of lavash that was interesting, but unless you’re wholly unfamiliar or just dying for lavash, pass on this free offering as the Italian dressing barely moistened this fare.
That being said, absolutely spring for the dark chocolate steak. A light dusting of dark chocolate beautifully compliments what I suspect is smoked paprika used to season a healthy, (my guess would be an) at least 12oz bone in ribeye. Cooked to order with spinach and cheese stuffed mushrooms that once again compliment the elegantly complex flavor profile of the steak. The steamed redskin potatoes are unnecessary and a little mild on flavor, but filling and round out the meal.
Their desert offerings for the moment range from cheesecake to sesame seed cookies currently being offered. While not a fan of the sesame seed cookie, I did try their authentic New York style cheesecake and baklava. The cheesecake delighted with light citrus notes and a smooth but firm texture. Now the baklava was truly something special with perfectly toasted almonds in a flaky and decadent pastry drizzled with what I suspect may well be local honey. This dessert was washed down and perfectly enhanced by a cup of their Ethiopian Longberry coffee that is bold with a light berry finish without being too strong like some dark roast coffees offered at chain coffee houses that will go unnamed. All in all my early dinner was a delightful experience and I look forward to going back. With such a wide range of offerings and an advertised 101 omelettes someone could eat here every day and never grow tired of their delicious food and beautiful atmosphere.
TL;DR. Leave the lavash, take the steak and baklava.
Generous portions, mildly seasoned, could be more daring in that area. Lots of bread with Italian dressing dip provided. Would prefer oil and herbs for dipping. Lots of pasta. Nice salad with meal. Read the menu carefully and ask questions as descriptions of dishes are not detailed. Attentive, friendly service. Nice relaxed atmosphere. Not fast food.
Great dessert and coffee. Love the atmosphere and family vibe