by Ray Keating
Review
DisneyBizJournal.com
March 30, 2022
I recently came across a brief review of The Turf Club Bar & Grill at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the writer declared that this wasn’t a “destination restaurant.” Hmmm. Perhaps we differ on the definition of “destination restaurant,” but if you’re serving fine food with excellent service in a comfortable setting, then I call that a destination restaurant.
And yes, The Turf Club certainly ranks as a destination restaurant.
Before getting to the food, the Turf Club Lounge and the Bar & Grill nicely capture the feel and décor of an upscale and yet relaxing restaurant at or near a racetrack, with framed jockey silks, various tools of the horse racing trade, and a restaurant dominated by rich wood.
The service was some of the best we’ve had on property, with a friendly and attentive waitress, who asked about how our day went to our take on a certain dessert.
As for the food, the meal started with parmesan rolls with oregano, basil, and parsley, accompanied by butter topped with sea salt. The rolls had just the right amount of crustiness on top and were soft inside. The sea salt butter added to the already-flavorful rolls.
Our party chose two appetizers. The Fritto Misto offered tender and tasty calamari and shrimp, including the tempura batter, accompanied by broccolini, green beans and garlic aioli. However, the spicy marinara sauce was a bit too much (though that is a minor criticism). The New York cider-braised mussels also were tender, with the sauce ranking as sweet with a slight kick.
Each diner chose the grilled filet mignon, and no one was disappointed. Quite the contrary, the filet was juicy and presented with just the right degree of grilling. The sauce fit perfectly, and the accompanying vegetables were sweetly seasoned. And the mashed potatoes came inside a vidalia onion.
Finally, my meal was topped off by a Ricotta-Basil Gelato. This was one of the most unique flavor mixes I’ve ever had, including vanilla, basil, olive oil cake and strawberry consommé. It actually took a couple of spoonfuls to accept the combination, but then I came to realize the deliciousness, and heartily recommend it to others.
In the end, the quality of a restaurant is about the food and the service. And since The Turf Club shines at both, this truly is a destination restaurant at the Saratoga Springs Resort.
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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.
The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
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