One of the most surprising things about this here blog space is the number of hits I get on the review I wrote for this restaurant last August. And the number of flaming comments I got on said review (most of which I just deleted. So, sue me.)

But last June a comment caught my eye. First, it was well written; had correct spelling and acceptable grammar all of that. Always a plus if you ask me. And the content was interesting too. It said this place was going to be under new ownership and that they were bringing in a new chef.

I agreed to give the place another try. And I have. YM and I walked down there last evening.

Obviously, the decor hasn’t changed that much. There’s not much you can do about booths and light fixtures in a building a year old. You go with it. And it still feels a little “new” (maybe not so much business over the year?) but the addition of some great local photographs was a plus. We’ve got a ways to go for it to feel lived in yet, but I think it’s coming along.

There were few people in there for a Sunday night. I say that because all the great independent restaurant/brew pubs I like are closed on Sundays and I would think that a place like this could attract the crowd. But give them time. I think they will.

Our server was the complete opposite of the last time. Helpful, friendly (without being smarmy) and knowledgeable about the menu and the food. I ordered a Blue Moon and he asked me if I’d ever had a Boulevard. Nope, can’t say as I have. He was able to describe it and on his recommendation I gave it a try. It was exactly as he described (and good…so I drank it.)

The menu is completely different than it was a year ago. There are still some of the standard bar appetizers but the rest of it appears to be actual food! Made with actual vegetables and ingredients and stuff. Not taken out of a frozen box or bag and reheated.

We started with the Smoked Fish appetizer. Generous portions of smoked trout, salmon and whitefish. With a little pile of baby-greens and three delicious sauces (horseradish, red pepper and honey-mustard) that appeared to be made on premises.

I asked our server what was good on the menu. He immediately and enthusiastically responded with a recommendation for the Shrimp and Scallop Fettuccine. I ordered that and YM ordered the walleye sandwich.

I know. Shrimp and scallops can easily be overcooked and rubbery. It was a test. If this food was Sysco-ized it would be easy to tell. But I think it was actually fresh!! One scallop was ever-so-slightly overdone. The rest were tender and perfect. The sauce was oil based, so not too light, but delicious. At least it wasn’t Alfredo! Garlic, red pepper and parmeasan. It was delicious.

The walleye was breaded and deep-fried. It was a large portion, even for YM who can be surprising in how much she’ll put away sometimes. The fries were skin on and tasty. Not too salty. The tartar sauce appears to have been made on site as well.

Price wise it’s a moderate evening out. We each had two pints, the smoked fish appetizer and two entrees and the bill came to $62. But you could have done it cheaper by sticking with the sandwiches and appetizers. The shrimp scallop fetuccine was $15 and one of the lower priced dinner entrees. But I thought it was an excellent value.

THIS is the kind of food I was hoping for last summer! THIS is the kind of friendly, helpful service I was hoping for too! I am delighted that these new owners went this direction.

I wouldn’t be heartbroken if they got rid of the giant screen TVs, but at least they weren’t blaring. Another needed addition is some music. Either an ethnic jam evening (like Keegan’s does with the Irish music on Sunday evenings) or something. Not to drown out conversation, but to make it a destination.

Bravo!

I’ll be back, with friends.
— — —
A year ago (or longer) on This Journey…

9th grade open house 2008
It’s about damn time! 2007
Just one picture for now 2006

August 27th, 2007 | Category: Restaurant Reviews | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL