Will Fargo’s: An Exceptional Eatery with Old-fashioned Integrity

By Kelly Grace Thomas

The best meals have the ability to take you back in time. And that’s exactly what Will’s Fargo, the steakhouse owned by Holman Ranch, aims to do,  remind people how amazing (and delicious) simplicity can be. 
Will’s Fargo, a rustic eatery in Carmel Valley, with its ranch-inspired ambiance and exceptional cuisine, whisks their customers back to a time where quality was key.  At Will’s Fargo food comes directly from the farm, or ranch, straight to the customers plate, and hospitality is always served with a smile. In a day and age where quantity is valued over quality, it is refreshing to see a restaurant that values preserving the integrity of the whole dining experience - from the first greeting to the last bite. It is no wonder Will’s Fargo is voted the Best Steakhouse in Carmel Valley, receiving numerous accolades by visitors and locals alike.

Edible Skinny was lucky enough to visit Will’s Fargo, owned by Holman Ranch, while staying on their gorgeous property. Holman Ranch is a local vineyard, and its jaw-dropping beauty and outstanding organic wines it has quickly become an Edible Skinny favorite. The owners of Holman Ranch used to be frequent visitors of Will’s Fargo, taking clients there for business lunches or after dinner drinks. Once the restaurant went up for sale Holman Ranch saw buying the restaurant as a natural extension of their service and offerings. Holman Ranch was already giving their guests breathtaking grounds to stay on, making exceptional wine at the highest standards, the only thing missing was a delicious meal to go with it.

And those meals come with some history. The Will’s building has actually been around since the 1920’s and served as a road house located on the “milk run” between Monterey and Tassajara. Later it became a dinner house named The Carousel before Will Fay established Will’s Fargo Restaurant in 1959. The name was inspired by what the then-owner called a “dressed up saloon” interior. The design merged the personalities of a Victorian parlor with a western “Fargo” way station to make customer feel like they in a past era, dining at the ranch.

Under the ownership of Holman Ranch the ambiance of Will’s Fargo has stayed the same but culinary creations and melt in your mouth meats has transformed their menu. Headed by Executive Chef Greg Karjala, Will’s Fargo seeks to strike a perfect balance between fresh flavorful concepts and honoring the traditional taste of Carmel Valley. Karjala emphasis the beauty of seasonal cooking using only the freshest ingredients and the finest detail.

Edible Skinny was blown away by Will’s Fargo. We were very impressed by not only the quality, but the ingenuity of simple dishes that combine one or two ingredients to create big flavors, flavors that compliment not overpower.
Edible Skinny started our meal with light appetizers that were refreshing and delicate. Our favorites were the sourdough crouton with paprika, a 6 minute egg, white anchovy, and arugula.

As well as the wedge salad trio, classic blue cheese, blue cheese vinaigrette, green goddess dressing placed perfectly in lettuce cups, with flavors that were bright and complex. For dinner we loved the braised short ribs that melted like butter in our mouths, which were served with goat cheese, polenta and pickled green tomatoes. 
Another standout was the rich and creamy, asparagus and asiago raviolis, with a soubise sauce and braised green, grana padano. We also enjoyed some of Will’s Fargo’s famous sides like their -sweet corn with cilantro and lime and roasted mushrooms, with tarragon butter and lemon. Ending the night on a sweet note, Will’s Fargo created simple and sweet desserts that are just the right portions for any sweet tooth. For dessert we enjoyed a white chocolate mousse with hazelnuts, brown butter, pineapple as well as roasted strawberries with pernod poached rhubarb, balsamic glaze, and sweet cream. Just remembering this meal makes our mouth water.

And no meal would be complete without an exceptional glass of wine. Especially when you have three outstanding Holman Ranch labels to choose from (more about that from Edible Skinny later this week.) Jarman, Holman Ranch’s, higher-end label has a tasting room next to Will’s Fargo, so dinner can sip on their various organic varietals while waiting for a table. Or they can enjoy one of Holman’s original label with a number a delicious options to choose from. Edible Skinny loved Jarman’s Chardonnay made from the finest local fruit, as well as Holman’s rich and velvety Pinot Noir. Will’s Fargo also has their very own label, featured at the Hofsas House, when guests get a wine and cheese plate upon check in.

Whether you want a great glass of red wine and steak so tender you could cut it with a spoon, or a glass of Chardonnay and wedge trio that is light and tangy, Will’s Fargo has something for all palettes passing through. Will’s Fargo, hands down one of the best, can’t-miss eateries in Carmel Valley, owned by an exceptional winery with uncompromised taste only offers the best service and most delicious dining, guaranteed to bring you back in time.

For more information about Will's Fargo visit http://wfrestaurant.com/