Today I am going to profile Mammoth Rock Brasserie, located at 3029 Chateau Road in Mammoth Lakes.  The Brasserie is higher end, has a delicious French style menu, and is located with breathtaking views of the Sherwins.  If you are looking for a nice night out, Brasserie will not disappoint. The Quick Details Hours: Everyday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Kid Friendliness Level:  They have highchairs, although the strap/clip function is not working on them.  No kids menu. Dog Friendliness Level: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio. Vegetarian options: The menu had many vegetarian dishes and our server gave us several daily specials, which included multiple vegetarian/pescatarian options. Gluten Free options:  Nothing advertised on the menu, but there were several dishes that could be modified to be gluten free. Drinks: Brasserie has an extensive wine menu, as well as a refreshing cocktail list. Price point: More expensive side.  Main courses were in the $30-$50 range. Parking: There is a parking lot for the building, but on weekends it will get full.  DO NOT park at the blue roof apartments across the street.  You can park in the Cast Off parking lot next door as long as it is after hours. Reservations: The Brasserie takes reservations over OpenTable.  We went early on a Wednesday evening, and we did not need reservations.  I would recommend them on a weekend, at a busy time of year, or for a large party. Ability to accommodate large parties: The Brasserie is in a huge building that would be able to host a large party.  The night we went the downstairs back patio was rented out for a private event. The Experience Mammoth Rock Brasserie exceeded expectations for the beauty of the setting, the meal we shared, and the service.  The restaurant is located above the bowling alley, so you need to walk through Mammoth Rock N Bowl and go upstairs to get to the restaurant.  Do not be confused or thrown off by that set up.  Brasserie is fancy and the atmosphere is not at all hindered by the bowling alley downstairs.  In fact, parents, Brasserie has done you a golden favor.  If your kids are older, you rent them a lane, buy them a pizza and pitcher of soda, give them quarters for the arcade, and then go upstairs and enjoy a phenomenal date. (See my blog piece on Mammoth Rock N Bowl for more information).  You cannot plan that any better and everyone wins. We sat outside on the back patio. They have heat lamps, though the evening I went they were not needed.  I have looked out at the Sherwins a good many times, but I am always struck by the beauty of this part of the Sierra range. The location of the Brasserie is such that there are no other buildings obstructing your view, just the town path and Sherwin Creek.  The indoor seating area was behind us, and the whole wall was glass so that during the winter patrons could still enjoy the view. Right away, we had water glasses and fresh bread.  Of course, our server knew my husband and had worked with him at a ski shop two decades ago.  He did not steer us wrong with the menu.  We ordered the mushroom strudel and French onion soup to start.  This was a great decision, because not only were they delicious but the fresh bread came in handy.  We sopped up every morsel.  I do regret not getting one of the salads.  The couple next to us ordered the mussels appetizer, and that looked very good as well. Between courses, my toddler ran around the restaurant and took several trips up and down the stairs between the Brasserie and Rock N Bowl.  Everyone was friendly and sweet with him, and we did not get dirty looks for his running laps.  However, we went early on a weekday, and I imagine that on a busy evening we likely would have had a different experience. For an entrée, my husband ordered elk medallions.  Our server agreed it was the best dish from the kitchen.  We think it was the blueberry balsamic demi-glace that made the plate such a standout, plus it melts in your mouth.  It came with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies.  I had the lightly smoked salmon dish.  Similarly, the peach glaze was what made it so delicious.  I cook a lot of salmon at home, which made me hesitant to order it out.  I was not disappointed; I have yet to cook a salmon like that.  A table nearby ordered the vegetarian dish “grilled vegetable wellington” and I honestly wish I tried that too.  It had a perfect flaky texture and was bursting with veggies. We ended with the apple tart a la mode.  It was baked in a brick oven and it was divine. I love dessert, and I often order it as an appetizer so that I am not too full to have the best part, but at Brasserie I was able to clean that plate despite having eaten so much already.  The tart is baked with brandy, which is delicious, but if ordering for a child I would get one of the other desserts.  I think the alcohol is all cooked off, but it does have the taste.  Another party had three young children and they ordered the chocolate mousse and crème glacee, which appeared to be a hit with the kiddos. Overall, Mammoth Rock Brasserie was a fantastic date spot.  We will be back!  As always, please comment with any questions, thoughts, or your own experiences.