The Black Gryphon.
It turned out to be a cold, blustery, winter's evening but as soon as we stepped into the restaurant, the warmth of our greeting melted away the chill which we just escaped.
A nice, soft Beatles tune was being played by the band, The Reese Project. They were on set specifically for this night and the restaurant was full.
One of the reasons we love this restaurant so much is its atmosphere. It has been modeled to look like a Welsh pub with rich colors and dark woods. The lighting is soft and instantly you feel comfortable. The owners and wait staff are always friendly and quick to acknowledge you. It is relaxed and casual.
Once seated, delicious, fresh, baked bread is brought to you on a platter, waiting to be buttered.
They pride themselves on offering local, fresh meats and produce. They use these ingredients in traditional recipes extracted from the Welsh countryside. But to satisfy all palettes, they also serve American and Italian fare. They have a wonderful Tuscan Lasagna made with prime rib. The side vegetable is "melt-in-your-mouth" good.
The salads are crisp and Lindsay knows that Jon likes the Bleu Cheese and I like the 5 herb Vinaigrette - homemade by the way. I once bought a little tub of it to take home.
They do have a children's menu and our kids are always asking to go there. We have taken them and they love it. The staff is really good with kids and they are very welcomed. However, Jon and I tend to think of it as "our place" so that is where we like to go for uninterrupted time without having to corral 5 kids. But when we do take them, they swear by the homemade Mac N' Cheese, French fries, and real, plump, chicken tenders.
There is also a nice bar with a variety of wines, beers and spirits.
In our opinion, it is the best restaurant in Elizabethtown.
Besides the food being fresh and delicious, the people are genuinely friendly. It truly feels like a neighborhood gathering spot where everyone is welcome. I have seen the owners walk around and talk with people about the high school sports games and the artwork on the walls or the menu items. They really want you to have a good dining experience and it's important to them that you enjoy their place. No reservations are required and it is also a non-smoking restaurant.
A general rule in customer service is that those who provide it well are confident in the product they sell.
The Black Gryphon staff is confident and their product is excellent so go check them out!
For a full menu, price list and hours, go to http://www.blackgryphon84.com/ today.
Bon Appetit!
or as they say in Wales, "Mwynhewch eich bwyd"
