Two of our favorite restaurants, Fuddruckers and Caffe Belissimo, had previously occupied this location and had closed due, in part, to lack of business. We really didn't want to find another restaurant we liked only to see it close also. However, it was Saturday and we had been out shopping at several nearby stores and, as we often do, we decided to eat our main meal out and just have a snack for dinner back home.
Interior and Dining Preliminaries
As we entered the restaurant we noticed some upgrades in the interior from the time of its prior owner. The bar and lounge is still located at the front of the restaurant and the nice booths over by the side windows remained. The rest of the interior had been totally redesigned with dark wood tables and chairs all surrounding a large salad bar.
We were seated in one of the booths that we enjoy and were promptly greeted by our server Eve who introduced herself, explained a bit about the restaurant and promptly took our drink orders. We selected a carafe of the house white, a very pleasant California Cellars Chablis which was a bargain at $12.00. Most wines on the menu were around $5.00 a glass or about $20.00 for a bottle.
The mixed drink and house specialty drink list was extensive. I almost tried their Blue Hawaii (misnamed Blue Hawaiian on the menu), but decided to just have some wine with our lunch.
We were pleased that glasses of water were brought without our having to request them.
Lunch Menu
As we looked over the extensive lunch menu, I was disappointed that they did not offer more of their signature steak entrees on the lunch menu. Instead they primarily featured sandwiches, burgers and wraps and a few seasonal specials. We noted that Mondays through Fridays they offer a daily lunch special which features such items as pot roast, fried pork chop, meat loaf, buttermilk fried chicken platter and fish & chips. They also have a number of items on their express lunch section which they guarantee will be served in 10 minutes or less from time of order or it is free.
Our Selections
My wife selected their new Chicken Mozzarella Griller for $7.99 which featured a marinated grilled chicken breast, grilled veggies and fresh mozzarella cheese folded into soft Panini bread, grilled and drizzled with balsamic glaze. On inquiry our server advised her that the veggies included peppers which Eileen dislikes, so she ordered her entree without the peppers. She also elected to try the "Farmer's Market" salad bar for an additional $2.99.I chose to order one of their winter specials, the Sliced Filet Mignon which consists of thin sliced filet mignon medallions sautéed with a cabernet peppercorn sauce and wild mushrooms. It is served with cooked carrots, thin sliced onion crisps and a choice of potato or rice pilaf. It also includes an unlimited salad bar. I am not a fan of mushrooms, so I ordered my entree without the sauce.
"Farmer's Market" Salad Bar
The "Farmer's Market" salad bar was impressive especially for my wife who enjoyed the numerous sides and toppings available which included slices of fresh ham, steak and turkey. A wide assortment of dressings was available as well.
Food Quality and Service
Our meals were delivered within 15 minutes. Both contained large portions and were presented very nicely.My wife quickly noted that her griller had a distinctive taste of red peppers and indeed tiny pieces of red pepper convinced her that the chef forgot that she did not want peppers and tried to remove them before the entree was served. Still, she found the meal enjoyable. After consuming about half, our server brought her a styrofoam box to take the remainder home. We much prefer this practice to those restaurants which take your food back to the kitchen and pack your leftovers for you.
My Sliced Filet Mignon entree was very enjoyable. The filet mignon medallions were tender and flavorful, but a tad on the salty side as confirmed by my wife when she tasted them. The garlic mashed potatoes and carrots were both excellent.
Next Page > Desserts, the Bill, Frequent Dining Club and the Bottom Line
