United 120: SFO to IAD: Lunch
Heading back East and this time United was offering up a variety of sandwiches and salads (along with a selection of boxes of various snacks).
I opted for the turkey sandwich. Much better than I was expecting. Nice, old fashioned sandwich bread (no fancy roll or focaccia) with turkey slices and lettuce. Along with it came a very tasty aioli mayonnaise that was pretty good.
Finished off with a small bag of classic Kettle Chips (and I added in some orange juice).
Not bad for $9 (which is about what the various "grab and go" offerings at SFO were going for).
Meal: Lunch
Rating: N/A
Date Visited: 23 October 2009
Address: In the Air
Website: N/A
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Blue Mermaid at the Argonaut Hotel
Blue Mermaid Chowder House
On this trip to San Francisco, I stayed at a new place and new area of town. The Argonaut Hotel is located on the "fringe" of Fisherman's Wharf so it's protcted a bit from the noise and bustle of the wharf area.
Housed in a former cannery, the hotel and other establishments, the Blue Mermaid and a Starbucks, have a combination of cannery and nautical themes.
But I digress ... what about the Blue Mermaid?
Well, as a guest of the hotel, I received complimentary continental breakfast coupons, so, well, I had to use them.
Coming down in the early morning to the Blue Mermaid, I chose to sit at the bar. The continental breakfast offered coffee or tea, a choice of juices, fuit bowl, and choice of pastry or toast. During the six days I spent here, I stuck with the toast (sometimes wheat, sometimes sourdough), grapefruit juice and coffee for the mostpart. All were good and made for a nice little breakfast. As a change of pace one morning I went with the steel-cut oatmeal (served with currents and brown sugar). It was a good oatmeal, but not spectacular.
As part of a business meeting, I also had lunch at the Blue Mermaid. My colleague chose the Caesar salad and I went with one of the award winning house-made chowders. I find it slightly odd to order New England Chowder on the West Coast, but it's my favorite. The Blue Mermaid offers a variety of chowders in addition to the New England variety and has one a few chowder cook-off prizes. All in all, quite a good chowder. Just the right amount of kick to it; nice chunks of potatoes, a good amount of clams (including a few in the shell for aesthetics).
Service is quick and friendly. The morning staff were particularly attentive and after a day or so, would greet me by name and wave as I went past.
Recommended if your in the Fisherman's Wharf area, especially if you want to avoid the touristy, mediocre spots that line Jefferson St.
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
Rating: ***1/2 of 5
Date Visited: October 2009
Address: 471 Jefferson Street at Hyde, San Francisco, California 94109
Website: http://www.bluemermaidsf.com/
On this trip to San Francisco, I stayed at a new place and new area of town. The Argonaut Hotel is located on the "fringe" of Fisherman's Wharf so it's protcted a bit from the noise and bustle of the wharf area.
Housed in a former cannery, the hotel and other establishments, the Blue Mermaid and a Starbucks, have a combination of cannery and nautical themes.
But I digress ... what about the Blue Mermaid?
Well, as a guest of the hotel, I received complimentary continental breakfast coupons, so, well, I had to use them.
Coming down in the early morning to the Blue Mermaid, I chose to sit at the bar. The continental breakfast offered coffee or tea, a choice of juices, fuit bowl, and choice of pastry or toast. During the six days I spent here, I stuck with the toast (sometimes wheat, sometimes sourdough), grapefruit juice and coffee for the mostpart. All were good and made for a nice little breakfast. As a change of pace one morning I went with the steel-cut oatmeal (served with currents and brown sugar). It was a good oatmeal, but not spectacular.
As part of a business meeting, I also had lunch at the Blue Mermaid. My colleague chose the Caesar salad and I went with one of the award winning house-made chowders. I find it slightly odd to order New England Chowder on the West Coast, but it's my favorite. The Blue Mermaid offers a variety of chowders in addition to the New England variety and has one a few chowder cook-off prizes. All in all, quite a good chowder. Just the right amount of kick to it; nice chunks of potatoes, a good amount of clams (including a few in the shell for aesthetics).
Service is quick and friendly. The morning staff were particularly attentive and after a day or so, would greet me by name and wave as I went past.
Recommended if your in the Fisherman's Wharf area, especially if you want to avoid the touristy, mediocre spots that line Jefferson St.
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
Rating: ***1/2 of 5
Date Visited: October 2009
Address: 471 Jefferson Street at Hyde, San Francisco, California 94109
Website: http://www.bluemermaidsf.com/
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Feeling Lucky? Like a Shamrock: Little Shamrock
Little, Lucky, Dirty, whatever, Becky, oh, right, it is Little Shamrock!
One of the oldest bars in San Francisco, the Little Shamrock, established in 1893, is yet another in the comfortable, friendly bars that San Francisco has.
Located on the north side of Golden Gate Park, the Little Shamrock is a favorite of my colleagues from the California Academy of Sciences. The backroom has darts and wall-to-wall blackboards suitable for erudite (or profane or even downright dirty) graffiti (our additions were the Linnean citation to Zea mays and a quote from James Smithson's will - "for the increase and diffusion off knowledge"). Get a Maker's Mark on the rocks, choose from a great selection of beers on tap, or take a shot of the other San Francisco treat, Fernet-Branca.
Meal: Drinks
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 21 October 2009
Address: 807 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122
Website: N/A
One of the oldest bars in San Francisco, the Little Shamrock, established in 1893, is yet another in the comfortable, friendly bars that San Francisco has.
Located on the north side of Golden Gate Park, the Little Shamrock is a favorite of my colleagues from the California Academy of Sciences. The backroom has darts and wall-to-wall blackboards suitable for erudite (or profane or even downright dirty) graffiti (our additions were the Linnean citation to Zea mays and a quote from James Smithson's will - "for the increase and diffusion off knowledge"). Get a Maker's Mark on the rocks, choose from a great selection of beers on tap, or take a shot of the other San Francisco treat, Fernet-Branca.
Meal: Drinks
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 21 October 2009
Address: 807 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122
Website: N/A
Saturday, October 17, 2009
United 874: IAD to SFO: Contintenal Breakfast
I was very sad when I couldn't get a flight on Virgin America for my San Francisco trip. No wifi. No mood lighting. No cheerful pilots at the gate.
Instead, I went on my old standby, United. I had a window seat in Economy Plus and an empty middle seat, so plenty of space to spread out and work on my presentation. I wasn't going to get anything to eat, but the continental breakfast looked good, so I had that, orange juice, and coffee.
The breakfast wasn't bad, yogurt, dried fruit, and an apple danish. Not overprised at $5.
Meal: Breakfast
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: N/A
Instead, I went on my old standby, United. I had a window seat in Economy Plus and an empty middle seat, so plenty of space to spread out and work on my presentation. I wasn't going to get anything to eat, but the continental breakfast looked good, so I had that, orange juice, and coffee.
The breakfast wasn't bad, yogurt, dried fruit, and an apple danish. Not overprised at $5.
Meal: Breakfast
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: N/A
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Arlington Sandwich recommendations
Arlington Sandwiches!
Getting a good sandwich is sometimes not as easy as it sounds. How many times are you somewhere when suddenly it hits you that all you really want is a good turkey sandwich with swiss on sourdough bread with a pickle on the side ?
You don't want Potbellies, or Subway, or Au Bon Pain. You don't want to wander into an anoymous food court and try and find a good deli sandwich. What do you do???
Well, if you find yourself in Arlington, Virginia, here are three suggestions; two are in the northern part of the county along the Wilson Boulevard corridor, and the third is in south Arlington, in the Village of Shirlington.
Earl's
Earl's resides in an unassuming storefront that's seen a couple of different sandwich places over the years. I really hope that Earl's is here to stay, however!
There's not much by way of seating, so it's best to go on the off hours or be prepared to carry out.
What makes Earl's great? Fresh roasted meat. You won't get something out of plastic or shipped in from somewhere. Earl's fresh roasts their turkey, beef, and pork daily. And it pays off in the taste of the sandwiches. Try one of their signature sandwiches, or make up your own. On this visit, I had the Turkey Cranberry (Freshly roasted turkey breast served on a toasted honey wheat bread cranberry mayonnaise and lettuce). Nothing like the taste of fresh turkey (unless its pork or beef!).
Earl's also serves soups and salads. A real winner!
Euro Market / Cafe
The Euro Market / Cafe is just what it says, a market and a cafe. In the same location now for a number of years, the always friendly staff hails from Mongolia. Offering a nice selection of sandwiches and other choices, Euro Market / Cafe is known around our house as the "Jelly bean store" for it's amazing selection of gummy candies!
If you want to take advantage of the "market" portion of the establishment, you can get a variety of imported goods as well as a nice selection of wines.
Try the chicken salad sandwich!
Seating inside is basic but comfortable and there are also a few outdoor seats. And free wifi! An added bonus, it's one of the few places open on Christmas and Thanksgiving if you need to escape the house.
Best Buns
Part of the "Great American Restaurants" group, Best Buns is adjacent to The Carlyle.Primarily a bakery, with a fabulous selection of tasty treats. Best Buns also offers up some nice sandwiches made on their baked in-house breads.
On this visit, I was feeling in the mood for something spicy and went with the salami and cheese on a long roll. A goodly amount of meat and a tasty bread. What more could you want.
Come for the buns, stay for the sandwich.
Earl's
Meal: Lunch
Rating: *****
Date: 20 June 2009
Address: 2605 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3817
Website: http://www.earlsinarlington.com
Euro Market / Cafe
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ****
Date: 31 May 2009
Address: 2201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3323
Website: http://www.eurocafemarket.com
Best Buns
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ****
Date: 13 September 2009
Address: 4010 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 22206
Website: http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com
Getting a good sandwich is sometimes not as easy as it sounds. How many times are you somewhere when suddenly it hits you that all you really want is a good turkey sandwich with swiss on sourdough bread with a pickle on the side ?
You don't want Potbellies, or Subway, or Au Bon Pain. You don't want to wander into an anoymous food court and try and find a good deli sandwich. What do you do???
Well, if you find yourself in Arlington, Virginia, here are three suggestions; two are in the northern part of the county along the Wilson Boulevard corridor, and the third is in south Arlington, in the Village of Shirlington.
Earl's
Earl's resides in an unassuming storefront that's seen a couple of different sandwich places over the years. I really hope that Earl's is here to stay, however!There's not much by way of seating, so it's best to go on the off hours or be prepared to carry out.
What makes Earl's great? Fresh roasted meat. You won't get something out of plastic or shipped in from somewhere. Earl's fresh roasts their turkey, beef, and pork daily. And it pays off in the taste of the sandwiches. Try one of their signature sandwiches, or make up your own. On this visit, I had the Turkey Cranberry (Freshly roasted turkey breast served on a toasted honey wheat bread cranberry mayonnaise and lettuce). Nothing like the taste of fresh turkey (unless its pork or beef!).
Earl's also serves soups and salads. A real winner!
Euro Market / Cafe
The Euro Market / Cafe is just what it says, a market and a cafe. In the same location now for a number of years, the always friendly staff hails from Mongolia. Offering a nice selection of sandwiches and other choices, Euro Market / Cafe is known around our house as the "Jelly bean store" for it's amazing selection of gummy candies!If you want to take advantage of the "market" portion of the establishment, you can get a variety of imported goods as well as a nice selection of wines.
Try the chicken salad sandwich!
Seating inside is basic but comfortable and there are also a few outdoor seats. And free wifi! An added bonus, it's one of the few places open on Christmas and Thanksgiving if you need to escape the house.
Best Buns
Part of the "Great American Restaurants" group, Best Buns is adjacent to The Carlyle.Primarily a bakery, with a fabulous selection of tasty treats. Best Buns also offers up some nice sandwiches made on their baked in-house breads.On this visit, I was feeling in the mood for something spicy and went with the salami and cheese on a long roll. A goodly amount of meat and a tasty bread. What more could you want.
Come for the buns, stay for the sandwich.
Earl's
Meal: Lunch
Rating: *****
Date: 20 June 2009
Address: 2605 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3817
Website: http://www.earlsinarlington.com
Euro Market / Cafe
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ****
Date: 31 May 2009
Address: 2201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3323
Website: http://www.eurocafemarket.com
Best Buns
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ****
Date: 13 September 2009
Address: 4010 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA 22206
Website: http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Snowbird, UT, Dining at the Bird
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Billing itself as an all year resort, I had high hopes for the culinary options at Snowbird. Perusing the website, the descriptions of the various eateries led me to believe that I was going to have quite the dining experience.
Sadly, things weren't quite what I expected. The food was by no means poor, but overall, things were of a generally average nature. The coffee spot, Baked and Brewed, offered up some good coffee and baked goods (at a relatively high price). A few spots were closed or only open certain days.
The biggest disappointments were the big ticket restaurants - The Steak Pit and the Aerie Lounge. Caveat, we ate only at the Aerie Lounge, the lower end version of the Aerie, but after the meal there and at the Steak Pit, the perceived value of the Aerie was in such doubt, we passed on it in favor of another stop at El Chanate. El Chanate was the big winner, two dinners and a lunch.
In any resort environment where there's a captive audience, the diner is at the mercy of the establishment. When you're on top of the mountain, prices, selection and quality take back seat to "can I get anything? Please!?!"
Overall, I'd give Snowbird (summer version) a solid 2.5 stars.
Here's some details:
Forklift
For a nice little sit down breakfast, pancakes, the works, Forklift is a good option. The oatmeal was quite good as were the bacon and pancakes!
Meal: Breakfast
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/forklift.html
Baked and Brewed in the Bird
Okay, I'm in Snowbird, Utah. I want coffee and it's early in the morning. Where's my Starbucks!?!?! Huh? Where is it? What? Down in the valley? Yikees! What do to do?
Okay, I'm calming down, there's some coffee in the Cliff Lodge lobby (but nothing but powdered white stuff - and I don't mean snow) to lighten it. Where to go?
Okay. Baked and Brewed. Whew. The best little spot (ok, the only spot) to get a really good cup of coffee and a baked good.
I had the cinnamon roll which was light and tasty with just the right amount of frosting. It was really too big for just one person, but well ... it was vacation!
Meal: Breakfast
Rating: ****
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/bakednbrewed.html
General Grits
General Grits was a good, all around spot for getting supplies while staying at Snowbird. The sandwich bar, located in the back, could get pretty busy during breaks in the Botany meetings, but the crew of sandwich makers soldiered on.
There were the usual offerings (ham, turkey, etc.). I went with a tasty salami on a roll. A nice, relatively inexpensive option at Snowbird.
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/generalgritts.html
El Chanate
I had one and a half dinners and lunch at El Chanate. We arrived late at Snowbird and El Chanate was our only option. We had great service and a nice and lovely light meal with enchilladas and chips (note: you pay for the chips and salsa!). I also, with some business colleagues, had the "all you can eat" lunch. A nice hot table of options as a reasonable price.
We ended with another dinner on the patio (surrounded by potguts - the local ground squirrel). Good service and serviceable food.
Meal: Lunch/Dinner
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/keyhole.html
Aerie Lounge
It was getting late and there weren't that many options. It was also pretty busy since the Botany conference that I was attending was getting underway and the botanists needed to eat!!!
We went with the Aerie Lounge on this night.
Service was very slow (but I blame the staffing levels and crowds for that). Worse, the food was extremely mediocre. We had a fusion spring roll apetizer and for a main course, I had what sounded like a good pizza offering. Overall, it felt like the Aerie Lounge had ordered their foods from Chef Tontino and zapped them all in the microwave.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: *
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/aerie.html
Steak Pit
Well, the Steak Pit was the big disappointment at Snowbird. I don't go out for steak often and when I do, I like it to be an event. I was hoping for an event at Snowbird. If this dinner was an event, it was not a big event!
Located in the lower level of the Snowbird Center, the Steak Pit aims for the basic "western steak house" look. Seated in a large booth, we made a good selection from the nice wine offerings. Snowbird is big on coupons and we had one for a free appetizer. We went with the artichoke. A nice selection, but basically, it was a boiled artichoke. Good, but, well, I make the same - and better, trimming the spiky tips - at home.
A nice touch was the family style salad. A salad was served in a large bowl with dressings on the side for the table to eat from.
For my entree, I went with the 7 oz. snake River Farms Wagyu Petite sirloin. The steak was a bit dry and didn't have a good grill look to it. Might have been done in a broiler or even in a pan. Tender, but not terribly flavorful. My wife had the chicken and my daughter the burger. Both, again, adequate, but leaning towards the dry and basic.
Not the "best western steakhouse" that I had been looking forward too.
The service was attentive and informative.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/steakpit.html
Billing itself as an all year resort, I had high hopes for the culinary options at Snowbird. Perusing the website, the descriptions of the various eateries led me to believe that I was going to have quite the dining experience.
Sadly, things weren't quite what I expected. The food was by no means poor, but overall, things were of a generally average nature. The coffee spot, Baked and Brewed, offered up some good coffee and baked goods (at a relatively high price). A few spots were closed or only open certain days.
The biggest disappointments were the big ticket restaurants - The Steak Pit and the Aerie Lounge. Caveat, we ate only at the Aerie Lounge, the lower end version of the Aerie, but after the meal there and at the Steak Pit, the perceived value of the Aerie was in such doubt, we passed on it in favor of another stop at El Chanate. El Chanate was the big winner, two dinners and a lunch.
In any resort environment where there's a captive audience, the diner is at the mercy of the establishment. When you're on top of the mountain, prices, selection and quality take back seat to "can I get anything? Please!?!"
Overall, I'd give Snowbird (summer version) a solid 2.5 stars.
Here's some details:
Forklift
For a nice little sit down breakfast, pancakes, the works, Forklift is a good option. The oatmeal was quite good as were the bacon and pancakes!
Meal: Breakfast
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/forklift.html
Baked and Brewed in the Bird
Okay, I'm in Snowbird, Utah. I want coffee and it's early in the morning. Where's my Starbucks!?!?! Huh? Where is it? What? Down in the valley? Yikees! What do to do?
Okay, I'm calming down, there's some coffee in the Cliff Lodge lobby (but nothing but powdered white stuff - and I don't mean snow) to lighten it. Where to go?
Okay. Baked and Brewed. Whew. The best little spot (ok, the only spot) to get a really good cup of coffee and a baked good.
I had the cinnamon roll which was light and tasty with just the right amount of frosting. It was really too big for just one person, but well ... it was vacation!
Meal: Breakfast
Rating: ****
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/bakednbrewed.html
General Grits
General Grits was a good, all around spot for getting supplies while staying at Snowbird. The sandwich bar, located in the back, could get pretty busy during breaks in the Botany meetings, but the crew of sandwich makers soldiered on.
There were the usual offerings (ham, turkey, etc.). I went with a tasty salami on a roll. A nice, relatively inexpensive option at Snowbird.
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/generalgritts.html
El Chanate
I had one and a half dinners and lunch at El Chanate. We arrived late at Snowbird and El Chanate was our only option. We had great service and a nice and lovely light meal with enchilladas and chips (note: you pay for the chips and salsa!). I also, with some business colleagues, had the "all you can eat" lunch. A nice hot table of options as a reasonable price.
We ended with another dinner on the patio (surrounded by potguts - the local ground squirrel). Good service and serviceable food.
Meal: Lunch/Dinner
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/keyhole.html
Aerie Lounge
It was getting late and there weren't that many options. It was also pretty busy since the Botany conference that I was attending was getting underway and the botanists needed to eat!!!
We went with the Aerie Lounge on this night.
Service was very slow (but I blame the staffing levels and crowds for that). Worse, the food was extremely mediocre. We had a fusion spring roll apetizer and for a main course, I had what sounded like a good pizza offering. Overall, it felt like the Aerie Lounge had ordered their foods from Chef Tontino and zapped them all in the microwave.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: *
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/aerie.html
Steak Pit
Well, the Steak Pit was the big disappointment at Snowbird. I don't go out for steak often and when I do, I like it to be an event. I was hoping for an event at Snowbird. If this dinner was an event, it was not a big event!
Located in the lower level of the Snowbird Center, the Steak Pit aims for the basic "western steak house" look. Seated in a large booth, we made a good selection from the nice wine offerings. Snowbird is big on coupons and we had one for a free appetizer. We went with the artichoke. A nice selection, but basically, it was a boiled artichoke. Good, but, well, I make the same - and better, trimming the spiky tips - at home.
A nice touch was the family style salad. A salad was served in a large bowl with dressings on the side for the table to eat from.
For my entree, I went with the 7 oz. snake River Farms Wagyu Petite sirloin. The steak was a bit dry and didn't have a good grill look to it. Might have been done in a broiler or even in a pan. Tender, but not terribly flavorful. My wife had the chicken and my daughter the burger. Both, again, adequate, but leaning towards the dry and basic.
Not the "best western steakhouse" that I had been looking forward too.
The service was attentive and informative.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/steakpit.html
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Dining at Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Dining at Temple Square: The Garden and Nauvoo Cafe
The curious spot that is Salt Lake City features a wide range of dining options. From wine bars (yes, even in Utah!) to great Nepali food. However, the visitor to SLC, especially those following in the footsteps of Mark Twain, must sample some of the spots located in historic Temple Square and run by the Latter Day Saints (Mormon) church.
The Joseph Smith Building, formerly a grant, western-style hotel, now hosts many church offices and functions as well as a collection of restaurants. Just around the corner, in a house owned by Brigham Young, is the Lion House Pantry.
On this trip, I was able to sample to of the four: The Garden Restaurant and the Nauvoo Cafe. I missed The Lion House Pantry (featuring homestyle breakfast, lunch and dinner) and The Roof (a gourmet dinner buffet).
So, let's start with dinner at The Garden Restaurant. The first thing you notice about the restaurant is the amazing view. Located on the 10th (rooftop) floor, it commands a fabulous view of the Mormon Temple and the shimmering of the Great Salt Lake in the distance. The view (especially at sunset) through the floor the ceiling windows is almost enough to take your mind off the powerful smell of chlorine from the various pools and fountains that are in the restaurant!
For the food, well, let me first say how annoyed was I didn't order the speciality appetizer, Fried Dill pickles: "Quartered, lightly Battered and Quick-Fried to a Golden Brown. Garnished with Celery and Carrot Sticks and served with Thousand Island and Ranch Dipping Sauces." I wasn't that hungry, and just got a side salad, but the pickles sound great!
For an entree, I went with the French Dip (you know me!), here called the "Beef Dipper". Served with carmalized onions and sweet peppers and a side of au jus (plus fries) it was a nice, but not spectacular sandwich. My wife went with the grilled salmon (which was excellent) and my daughter, the kids' ravioli (which were deemed "best ever").
For beverages, well, no wine or beer of course, so ...
Service was pleasant, but our server had an uncanny resemblance to Phoebe (from Friends) both in looks and style, which was fun and didn't distract from the meal.
I would give The Garden a higher rating, if not for that darned chlorine smell!
The Nauvoo Cafe (named after the side of a Mormon massacre in Illinois), located on the ground floor of the Smith Building (and opening on to outdoor seating with yet another great view of the Mormon Temple) is a perfect spot for a quick, inexpensive lunch. With a selection of soups, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches.
I went with one of the premium sandwiches; with choices of "carved before your eyes" options of ham, sirloin, roasted turkey, and, my choice, Coca-Cola Porkloin. After your meat is carved, it passes along to be put on bread, and then a little conveyor belt where it runs under a heater (those of you familiar with Pot Belly Sandwiches will know what I mean - see picture above). Final stop, dressing up with a choice of relishes and sauces. The porkloin was juicy and tender, the outdoor dining, wonderful. Highly recommended!
The Garden Restaurant
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **
Date Visited: 29 July 2009
Address: 15 East South Temple, 10th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
Website: http://www.diningattemplesquare.com/garden.html
Nauvoo Cafe
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ****
Date Visited: 31 July 2009
Address: 15 East South Temple, Main Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
Website: http://www.diningattemplesquare.com/nauvoo.html
The curious spot that is Salt Lake City features a wide range of dining options. From wine bars (yes, even in Utah!) to great Nepali food. However, the visitor to SLC, especially those following in the footsteps of Mark Twain, must sample some of the spots located in historic Temple Square and run by the Latter Day Saints (Mormon) church.
The Joseph Smith Building, formerly a grant, western-style hotel, now hosts many church offices and functions as well as a collection of restaurants. Just around the corner, in a house owned by Brigham Young, is the Lion House Pantry.
On this trip, I was able to sample to of the four: The Garden Restaurant and the Nauvoo Cafe. I missed The Lion House Pantry (featuring homestyle breakfast, lunch and dinner) and The Roof (a gourmet dinner buffet).
So, let's start with dinner at The Garden Restaurant. The first thing you notice about the restaurant is the amazing view. Located on the 10th (rooftop) floor, it commands a fabulous view of the Mormon Temple and the shimmering of the Great Salt Lake in the distance. The view (especially at sunset) through the floor the ceiling windows is almost enough to take your mind off the powerful smell of chlorine from the various pools and fountains that are in the restaurant!
For the food, well, let me first say how annoyed was I didn't order the speciality appetizer, Fried Dill pickles: "Quartered, lightly Battered and Quick-Fried to a Golden Brown. Garnished with Celery and Carrot Sticks and served with Thousand Island and Ranch Dipping Sauces." I wasn't that hungry, and just got a side salad, but the pickles sound great!
For an entree, I went with the French Dip (you know me!), here called the "Beef Dipper". Served with carmalized onions and sweet peppers and a side of au jus (plus fries) it was a nice, but not spectacular sandwich. My wife went with the grilled salmon (which was excellent) and my daughter, the kids' ravioli (which were deemed "best ever").
For beverages, well, no wine or beer of course, so ...
Service was pleasant, but our server had an uncanny resemblance to Phoebe (from Friends) both in looks and style, which was fun and didn't distract from the meal.
I would give The Garden a higher rating, if not for that darned chlorine smell!
The Nauvoo Cafe (named after the side of a Mormon massacre in Illinois), located on the ground floor of the Smith Building (and opening on to outdoor seating with yet another great view of the Mormon Temple) is a perfect spot for a quick, inexpensive lunch. With a selection of soups, salads, and hot and cold sandwiches.
I went with one of the premium sandwiches; with choices of "carved before your eyes" options of ham, sirloin, roasted turkey, and, my choice, Coca-Cola Porkloin. After your meat is carved, it passes along to be put on bread, and then a little conveyor belt where it runs under a heater (those of you familiar with Pot Belly Sandwiches will know what I mean - see picture above). Final stop, dressing up with a choice of relishes and sauces. The porkloin was juicy and tender, the outdoor dining, wonderful. Highly recommended!
The Garden Restaurant
Meal: Dinner
Rating: **
Date Visited: 29 July 2009
Address: 15 East South Temple, 10th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
Website: http://www.diningattemplesquare.com/garden.html
Nauvoo Cafe
Meal: Lunch
Rating: ****
Date Visited: 31 July 2009
Address: 15 East South Temple, Main Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
Website: http://www.diningattemplesquare.com/nauvoo.html
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