Seasonal Specials at Tartan of Redlands: A Year-Round Culinary Journey
When the seasons change in Redlands, Tartan transforms. The kitchen shifts, the menu evolves, and diners experience flavors that capture the essence of each passing season. This isn’t just about changing ingredients—it’s about celebrating the natural rhythm of the year through food that tells a story.
Spring Awakens the Senses
As winter fades and blooms emerge, Tartan’s spring menu bursts with vibrant colors and fresh flavors. The season of renewal sees the kitchen embrace light, fresh ingredients. Tender asparagus spears, picked at their peak, pair with delicate herbs from local gardens. Sweet spring peas, almost candy-like, find their way into creamy risottos and bright salads.
The chefs at Tartan focus on letting ingredients shine, not hiding them with heavy sauces. Expect dishes with early strawberries, young lettuces, and the first catches of the season—all prepared simply to highlight their natural qualities.
Summer: When Abundance Meets Creativity
Summer at Tartan celebrates California’s bounty. Farmers’ markets overflow with treasures, and the kitchen becomes a playground for creativity. Heirloom tomatoes, stone fruits, and zucchini blossoms are just a few of the summer gifts.
In these warm months, Tartan serves bright, refreshing dishes. Think chilled soups, grilled vegetables, and seafood that transports you straight to the coast. Dining outdoors becomes even more inviting as you savor dishes slowly under the California sun.
Stone fruit desserts steal the show—peach galettes, grilled nectarines with house-made ice cream, and cherry clafoutis.
Autumn Brings Comfort and Warmth
As leaves turn and the air grows crisp, Tartan shifts to heartier offerings. Root vegetables take center stage, and squashes roast to caramelized perfection. The kitchen fills with cozy aromas that make you want to settle in.
Autumn specials often feature game meats and wild mushrooms, foraged from nearby forests. A butternut squash soup might feature brown butter and sage, while Brussels sprouts could be shaved thin and tossed with apple, offering a delightful texture play.
Richer reds pair with autumn’s robust flavors. It’s a time for gathering and savoring longer dinners with dishes that stick to your ribs in the best way possible.
Winter: Sophisticated Comfort
Winter at Tartan is about creativity. Though the selection may seem more limited, the possibilities are endless. This is when California citrus comes alive, and hearty greens like kale and chard shine at their sweetest.
Winter specials showcase the kitchen’s skill. Short ribs braise for hours, becoming tender. Root vegetable gratins emerge golden and bubbling. Fresh pasta dishes feature rich ragùs that develop deep flavors over time.
Blood oranges, pomegranates, and persimmons brighten winter plates. Even in the colder months, California produce shines.
The Philosophy Behind the Seasons
What makes Tartan’s seasonal approach special isn’t just the changing ingredients—it’s their commitment to sourcing and sustainability. The relationships with local farmers and purveyors mean your food travels minimal miles, often harvested at its peak.
This farm-to-table philosophy ensures summer tomatoes taste as they should—intensely sweet and perfectly acidic. It means fall mushrooms carry the earthiness of the forest floor. Spring greens offer delicate tenderness that mass-produced produce cannot match.
Beyond the Plate: Seasonal Beverages
The seasonal rotation extends to beverages as well. Cocktails shift with the calendar—herbs in spring, muddled berries in summer, apple cider in fall, and warming spices in winter. The wine list complements the seasonal menu, while craft beers rotate to match the mood.
Even non-alcoholic options receive the seasonal treatment. House-made sodas, fresh-pressed juices, and mocktails change throughout the year.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To experience Tartan’s seasonal specials fully, time your visits to coincide with the season transitions. These moments bring the freshest ingredients and the most exciting menu changes.
Ask your server about the day’s freshest dishes or what the kitchen is most excited about. The staff’s passion for seasonal cooking is genuine. They love sharing the stories behind each dish—the origins of vegetables, the fish’s catch, or why a certain preparation was chosen.
The Redlands Advantage
Tartan’s location offers a unique advantage for seasonal cooking. The Inland Empire’s climate and proximity to diverse agricultural regions provide access to a variety of produce year-round. From nearby avocado groves to local citrus, Redlands itself is part of the seasonal story.
The restaurant celebrates this local connection by sourcing ingredients from just a few miles away. This approach ensures freshness and supports the regional food system.
A Dynamic Menu
Tartan’s seasonal specials aren’t just reflections of the changing seasons—they’re living entities that adapt week by week or even day by day. The menu constantly evolves, influenced by the freshest available ingredients. Every visit offers the chance to try something new, with dishes that may only be available for a brief moment.
This dynamic menu keeps regulars engaged while offering something special for first-timers. It’s a celebration of the art of cooking, where attention to nature’s bounty and the changing environment come together on the plate.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a cherished local gem. Known for its prime rib, premium steaks, Redlands Tartan Burger, and fully stocked bar, Tartan has become a staple in the local dining scene.
Founded on April 15, 1964, by brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau, Tartan began as a dream to offer quality food and exceptional service in downtown Redlands. This vision created a beloved institution.
As years passed, Larry Westin joined the Ctoteau family, and together with his wife, they guided Tartan to success. After Larry’s passing in 2003, leadership passed to his son, Larry Westin Jr., who continued the tradition until Jeff and Lisa Salamon took over in 2015. Jeff, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, remains dedicated to upholding Tartan’s spirit and legacy.
Despite the years, Tartan retains its welcoming atmosphere. It continues to be a cornerstone of local dining, often referred to as the “Cheers of Redlands,” where regulars and newcomers alike feel at home.
