A Night at the Lodge: Montana Grille

Hi, there! Tonight, I had the pleasure of visiting yet another local eatery, the Montana Grille. Located at 1740 Scottsville Road, this place definitely stands out. It looks like a rustic hunting lodge transplanted into the middle of a suburban strip mall, you really can't miss it. After hearing great things about their burgers and ribs I invited fellow cheeseburger enthusiast, and good friend, Josh.

The first thing you notice upon entering the Grille is the comforting and appetizing smell of a wood burning stove. This, combined with the dimly lit, wood paneled interior instantly made you forget about the hustle and bustle of the concrete world outside. We were seated immediately and given drinks and delicious cornbread appropriately named "Fire-bread." Even for those like me who don't particularly enjoy cornbread, I would suggest trying this stuff. The combination of the sweet bread, occasionally laced with hot pepper, is definitely one of a kind.

For the main course, Josh ordered "The Dude's Cheeseburger" and I got the "Tomato Basil Alfredo" for the sake of variety. My dish was good, no complaints there. The sauce was delicious, and the rotisserie chicken on top was a nice, flavorful touch. It wasn't until I tried Josh's burger that I realized what I was missing. Although Montana Grille, trying to be more marketable to their patrons, provides varying dishes to suit every palate, their specialty is definitely their grilled items. The cheeseburger, which was nearly perfect in every way, is definitely worth a return trip.

Josh and I were able to leave the restaurant about $30 poorer, between the two of us. The fair is kind of pricey for the average college student, so I would save this place for a more special occasion. Overall, I'd recommend the Montana Grille to anyone who enjoys a cozy, lodge-like dining experience and has a little bit of extra dough in their wallet. Thanks!

Podcast: Interview with Ashley

This week, I interviewed my good friend, and WKU freshman, Ashley about the on-campus dining challenges she faces as a vegetarian. Listen to learn more about Ashley and her college eating woes, and her suggestions on how to improve Western's dining facilities by making them more veggie-friendly.

Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and experiences below. Thanks!

Spring Again: The Ides of March at Mariah's

Hi, there! Sorry for the long absence, but spring break was last week. During my time off, I was able to find some much needed relaxation time. Unfortunately, whilst partaking in all of this overdue down time, I failed to update. No need to fear, because I'm back with a new restaurant review.

Tonight, I wandered into downtown Bowling Green with my lovely roommate Ashley to dine at Mariah's. Located on the corner of State and 8th street, in Bowling Green's oldest brick house, this place is a short drive, or walk (come on, WKU students are used to walking), from campus. Upon parking easily and walking through the entry way, we were immediately seated. This quick service might be account of us arriving on a Monday night, not exactly peak restaurant hours, but both hostess and waiter were courteous and attentive.

For dinner, I ordered a half turkey club with potato soup and Ashley ate a Gardenburger with a sweet potato. After eating deliciously hot rolls, we both enjoyed our entrees. As for my turkey club, I have to say that the bread was the best part. The light, warm flatbread outshone the thinly sliced flavorful turkey and even the subtle spice and olive oil dressing. The soup, although it could have been a little warmer (I'm a picky eater, my apologies), was honestly some of the best potato soup I'd ever had. Ashley agreed.

We were both very impressed with the renovations and the ambiance set within this historic building. It seems that the best elements of the old (i.e. the molding around the doorways and windows) were preserved, alongside the modern features including the open floor plan and colorful mural. I'd recommend this place for the college student looking for a nice, moderately priced dining experience. I was able to come away only $12 dollars lighter, though I shied away from the more expensive items on the menu. Give this place a shot, you owe it to yourself.

Dorm Cooking Adventures

So, I know that this blog has mainly been about eating out and around campus. It's true that most college students get the majority of their meals in the cafeteria, other on campus dining centers, or somewhere off campus on the go, but what about those who cook for themselves? On campus? I have to admit, for a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to cook, I've always avoided doing so. Not having a set of pots and pans and the like (what college student has room to store such things), or the money to buy all of my ingredients, I saw the idea of cooking for myself as a splendid one, yet hopelessly unattainable. Once I started brainstorming ideas for "The Starving Student," it became all too apparent that, at sometime, I would have to put my skills and patience to the test and ask the question: Can a college student successfully cook a full meal in a dorm kitchen? This week, I took on this query and have returned with an answer.

My task: Guacamole and chips, Chicken Fajitas, and Bananas in Caramel Sauce

The place: your average residence-hall kitchen.

It all started with a trip to the Kroger on Campbell Lane where I purchased my ingredients. I was able to get out of there for around $40, which is a steep price I know. Although, I did opt for organic poultry and more authentic ethnic ingredients, such as the tortilla shells and black beans. Upon returning to the dorm, I unloaded my four bags of groceries along with the pots and pans coaxed away from my father (bless him) over the weekend. My cooking experience is documented in the photo slide show featured in this entry. The photos were taken by both myself and my roommate.

Phase 1: Guacamole! Possibly the most fun part of the whole adventure. My roommate, the lovely Ashley, and I made the guac the real way, with our hands.

Phase 2: Chopping the veggies. I did the guacamole and veggie chopping in the room, not wanting to monopolize the kitchen any more than necessary. Note to self: chop onions in a more ventilated area next time.

Phase 3: Putting everything together. At this point, we wandered into the kitchen and began cooking the rice, chicken, and vegetables. Ashley took the photos from here on out, as I was busy monitoring all the range top and oven.

Phase 4: Good eatin's.

Phase 5: Dessert. Bananas in Caramel Sauce: trust me, you do NOT want to know how much butter we used here.

Overall, the cooking adventure was a success! It is possible to cook a full meal in a residence hall kitchen. I actually had some fun, and it was nice to get a break from on campus dining. I would not, however, recommend this for most meals as it is a hassle, and pretty darn expensive. If you'd like to know more about the recipes or ingredients used, feel free to email me at anna.anderson931@wku.edu. Thanks!