We decided to try Meritage despite mixed reviews since we were staying at Desert Ridge (week of 5/16/11). What a disappointing mistake. \n\nAfter ordering our meals, we were served a pale and lifeless loaf of bread. It tasted as good as it looked. \n\nA short time later our salads arrived. I had the Meritage salad - it was overdressed and had just a scant trace of goat cheese. My husband had the Caesar - it was also overdressed and kind of skimpy. I would tell you about the flavor if I could but our waiter demolished mine with so much pepper (despite being told twice to stop) I'm not sure. Caesar was just ok. \n\nWe both had the filet. I ordered the steak medium with bearnaise and a side of asparagus. I was served an almost raw piece of meat. This wasn't pink folks it was red/purple. Flavor was ok. This could have been a great steak if someone competent had been behind the stove. Asparagus was very good. Bearnaise was bland. Second steak was ordered medium rare - it was raw. \n\nWhen our waiter came to take our plates he hesitated but asked nothing about the two almost completely untouched filets. \n\nAs we were waiting for dessert, a server attempted to pour tap water into our glasses despite the fact that there was a bottle of Pellegrino on the table. When I stopped her she advised that some people like having water added to their Pellegrino - give me a break, just say you're sorry for the mistake.  \n\nDessert came in the form of seven layer chocolate cake and banana cream pie. Cake was just ok and the cookie on the plate was burned. Banana cream pie was still frozen at the bottom and the fruit was mushy.  When  the server came by to remove our desserts she asked if we were too full to eat them, when we advised that they were terrible she said \"oh I'm sorry\" and that was the end of the discussion. \n\nI overheard two other tables send back their steaks because they were undercooked. We chose not to bother. If they were interested, someone would have asked about our meals. I have a feeling that no one asked about our meal or service because they knew both were poor.\n\nIf you're looking for a great steak restaurant, skip Meritage.