Pamplemousse Grille, Solana Beach CA

Disappointing experience. I had literally been wanting to go to this restaurant for ten years because i had heard so many good things about it. A very successful wine merchant had told ne about it and he was a person who loved fine dining. So, I was ready to have my socks knocked off. When I made the reservation I included that it was my birthday. So, I expected just a little bit of special treatment. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are so many things that bugged me. Lets start with no parking and no valet parking. Next we were seated in he most awkward place. A table in the walkway between the real tables. My chair was knocked into a minimum of ten ties by servers passing by. Was really distracting and very upsetting. I couldn't relax. It was a special day for me.but that really sucked. We asked for a refill of bread. It never came. I sat for 20 mins and never got a refill on my coke. I ordered lobster bisque to start. My absolute fav soup. It was terrible. I ate it anyway because I didn't want to make a fuss. My 16 year old daughter whispers to me "is this supposed to be healthy? I think its better at Texas De Brasil (a corporate restaurant not fine dining) I ended up talking to the table next to me. She sent it back it was so terrible. I ordered the short ribs. They were "ok" Not terrible. But honestly no better than many restaurants in San Diego. I was expecting amazing They were pretty bland. My kids got the burger.with truffle fries. Barely seasoned and the meat was overcooked.we were anxious to get home. They never wished me a happy Bday, at the front when we arrived, during the meal or at the end. No bday dessert came out for me. All in the all the worst bday experience in a restaurant I've had. I would not recommend.