There was a lot of pressure on me this week as I needed to redeem myself from our disastrous trip to Wadsworth on my last round.
So I went with a safe bet – a place I had been to for drinks before but hadn’t ordered food, so it was still fair game for a pick. But I already knew it had windows and a less sketch crowd than what we experienced there.
“It had windows.” Really setting the bar high folks.
I had also nearly picked this place on a few different occasions a while back, but last summer their kitchen was being renovated and they only had things like hot dogs and fried items available. So I thought it best to wait until we had a fully functional kitchen.
Windows AND a functioning kitchen? We’re really asking a lot, I know.
But hey look, it’s actually open! Already we’re a step above last week.
Our server set us up for success by being on top of briefing us on what was good on the menu once she learned we were first time visitors. Not to harp on the differences between this and my last pick, but I mean, let’s just compare this to the question of “are you sure?” after we say everything we just consumed was fine, shall we?
Sometimes I wonder how we’ve survived this long given some of these experiences.
Anyway.
I bet you’ll never guess what the top picks of here were on the menu? These things we rarely ever order called “burgers” and “chicken wings.” What nonsense is this.
I’m just going to point out that if you’re known to have good burgers and wings there’s a good chance we’ll be repeat customers. Just saying.
And also make it easy for us to order. As the server walked away Ted was like well she pretty much chose my meal for me.
Although when I pointed out to the server that the Philly cheesesteak – what I usually order pretty much everywhere – was stated on the menu to be their a “top seller” I essentially got an “eh” from her.
Hmmm. Promising.
She further explained that it just wasn’t her thing. And tried to get me to order the bang bang shrimp. Which, random switch. Like hey, I just heard you state that you usually order red meat covered in mushrooms and cheese but can I interest you on some marinated and somewhat healthy grilled shrimp instead?
But then she followed that up with encouragement to just go ahead and get the cheesesteak because as she said “you’ll regret it if you don’t.” Fair enough.
Ted got the Locker Room Hero burger, which the best way to describe it is that it’s very similar to the Roman burger from the fast food chain Mr Hero. I see what they did there. Clever.
It arrived cut in thirds. So you know they mean business.
Because all meat must come with a side of meat in this group, he also got six of the hot garlic Parmesan wings, minus the Parmesan – because, well, Ted.
In a surprise twist of the evening, Shane bypassed the burgers, wings and fried food app selection, and ordered the special of the night – a penne pasta with Italian sausage and vodka sauce. And even though he asked a lot of questions about the breading on the onion rings, he then opted for a side salad as the side to go with his pasta.
I literally asked him “who are you?”
Like for real, what have you done with my husband?
I mean, in all these years doing this, has Shane ever ordered pasta when things like burgers and wings are also on the menu?
He was very happy with his choice though. He said the sauce was tasty and the entire dish was overall very flavorful and good. And that included the salad – as evidenced by this picture showing physical evidence of him eating a salad and looking super happy about it. Ha.
It also earned a spot on his coveted “top (insert number of the week here) pasta dishes” list – which, let’s be honest, before tonight I’m sure zero percent of us (including him) even knew existed, right? I mean, it’s not like he’s ordered pasta before in the, well, entire time we’ve been doing this. Ok.
But I think he felt compelled this time less because it was pasta and more because the server said every Wednesday the special changes and he wanted to try something new. She said that the cook just comes in that morning and decides what she wants to whip up in the kitchen – and, bam, there it is. Apparently people come in every week just to try the Wednesday specials. So it’s like us, but they go to the same place every week to try different foods. Interesting.
Anyway, all that to say that Shane tried to rationalize that we should be ordering what places are known for or having specials on so we’re able to give feedback here.
Let’s see how long this philosophy works before he goes back to the standard burger and wings, shall we?
Ted was happy with his burger. He said the bun had some sort of garlic and cornmeal seasoning on it that was really good. His wings were tasty as well. Especially since they took the cheese off just for him.
I was happy with my sandwich too. I don’t do top (whatever number floats your boat this week) lists like some people at the table – but if I did it would be up there.
The service here was excellent. Our server kept checking in on us frequently, and had a good sense of humor – which is very much appreciated in our group. And the atmosphere was just overall very chill and relaxed, with a good music selection. I think I can safely say we would return. I mean, especially so Shane can try another weekly special. Imagine how many new top (number) lists this might unlock!
Picked by: Steph
Oh – and because we were up north of course we had to stop in at our favorite craft brewery on our way home for a few rounds of music trivia with friends. We also learned that a brew tour exists for Medina County, which of course we signed up for – because we’re glutton for punishment, I guess, and also suckers for a free party with beer and food. I mean, we’re already committed to visiting 21 breweries in Summit County – what’s 16 more??
Keep an eye out to see where this takes us!
Where To Go Wednesdays 