Timber Lodge
Quite a few years ago, we had visited Steve’s Dakota Grille shortly after it opened for business. Our first experience was fairly negative (to say the least). We decided it was just due to the fact that they were new and still working out the kinks (don’t want to use the word “bugs” relative to a restaurant). We gave them about a month and went back for a second time – same basic result. Mr. Z had ordered the rotisserie chicken and it was literally raw! The owner was called over and was horrified; corrected the “error” and took care of our entire bill. He ended up sitting with us for a while and was really a nice guy, so several weeks later, we went back for a third time. We were convinced that the chef accidentally poured an entire salt shaker on EVERYTHING! It was awful, so as nice a guy as the owner was and in spite of the fact that it was always really crowded, we were done! Now here we are some 6 years later and it is no longer Steve’s, but Timber Lodge! Without knowing the reasons why the former suddenly disappeared, we were anxious to try this “new” place! Weren’t we surprised to find out that the ONLY thing that had changed was the name! Same owner, same décor and the same staff (including the chef). It had been so long since our last visit, we couldn’t tell if the menu had changed much though (except we had to laugh about the fact that they no longer offered rotisserie chicken).
So in spite of our negative experience(s) in the past, we figured we’d try again! To our pleasant surprise, everything was pretty darned good! Mr. Z had the salmon which was excellent. He commented that he’d definitely order it again, though ask for the Dijon glaze that it is topped with, to be put on the side (a little too much). I had a filet and though it was very flavorful and tender, it was over-cooked (asked for medium and it was prepared medium well to well) and somewhat dry. I felt that it was extremely over-priced for the quality of that particular cut of meat. I would expect to pay half that amount and get the same exact same thing at a place like Applebee’s or Friday’s – not somewhere that professes to be a ‘fine steak house’. A little disappointing and I probably should have sent it back, but didn’t want to be 4 for 4!
Our server was outstanding! She was professional, attentive and very nice! Overall, we WILL pay them another visit (primarily because they are so close and convenient) and hopefully, we’ll start a new, more positive streak!
Timber Lodge is located at: 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, OH. (330) 725-6288