What's Cooking?

[rps]

For the first time in a year, the wife and I dined out at one of the two places that Eureka considers special. I posted comments on other social media. Some of you travel and visit here. I share only so you know.

"Nancy and I had a marvelous evening out in Eureka. We visited the Grotto Wood Fired Grill on Center Street.
In their defense, they were slammed. Also bear in mind, as you read these comments, that I am a very picky critic who has eaten in Michelin starred restaurants all over the world.
We found a wonderful atmosphere and great service that made the meal delightful. Much of the food was superb.
We also discovered several things that need some attention.
First, the parking sucked. That is not the restaurant's fault. Eureka has yet to master hospitality. If they would sort out traffic control, public transportation, and parking, everyone would make more money.
The good:
My cocktail was well made, cold, and prompt. The soup, mushroom with brie, was truly wonderful. We were tempted to lick the bowls. Nancy's smoked duck with seasonal BBQ sauce (cherry) was on point and presented beautifully over greens and shoe string potatoes. My wild caught salmon on cedar plank with a garlic chive butter was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I enjoyed every bite!
The things that needed work: The menu was uninspired. The wine list was less than ordinary - mediocre California wines, with a smattering of mid-level French. No Australian, cheap Spanish and cheap Italian. Note: they did have good wine if you were willing to buy a $100+ bottle. The salmon had pin bones. The plates were cold, which meant the decent grilled asparagus was cold at service. The desert menu was all ooohy gooohy cakes except for the pedestrian chocolate mousse (that did come with a real whipped cream topping!) No flan, no brulee, no pot de creame, no souffle, no cuisine desserts. They need to upgrade their coffee.
Eureka Springs is a SMALL tourist town that attracts primarily cheap tourists unwilling to money. Fine dining is extremely difficult to do in that circumstance. Grotto does a great job of trying to serve a fine dining meal under difficult circumstances. With a bit more attention to detail they could become some place I will give an unqualified recommendation."

[Chief Grey Bear]

1 hour ago, BilletHead said:

        Well yes, yes Chief we will take one! Did yo remember the celery salt? I remember my first one from Sonic.  Where is the poppy seed bun? . Looks good there buddy,

 BilletHead

I have the celery salt but no poppy seed bun. I didn't see any at the store. 

But I did use some Nathan's mustard!

Not outstanding but good.

[Gavin]

Busted my arse for the last couple weekends replacing wooden gates and fixing our wood fences. Gates are all hung and done mostly. Gonna drink beer, smoke meat, and pack for a trip to Canada tomorrow.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Now wait a minute. 

There appears to be more meat in the second pic.

[Gavin]

Nope, this brisket had a huge point on it, cut in half. Will have tons of burnt ends.

[snagged in outlet 3]

20 minutes ago, Gavin said:

Will have tons of burnt ends.

Best part!

[rps]

This afternoon I took some ground lamb and put together a casserole of pastitsio.  Some time soon, I will brace myself and make a full bore moussaka. In the mean time this "Greek Lasagna" will do. This is just before it went into the oven.

 

[Chief Grey Bear]

15 minutes ago, rps said:

This afternoon I took some ground lamb and put together a casserole of pastitsio.  Some time soon, I will brace myself and make a full bore moussaka. In the mean time this "Greek Lasagna" will do. This is just before it went into the oven.

 

 Sometimes I wish I lived closer to you!

[Chief Grey Bear]

Playing around today!

[rps]

17 minutes ago, Chief Grey Bear said:

Playing around today!

I see chickens and a pork shoulder.  In the pans - beans or meatloaf?