We have made food our hobby for approaching 28 years. We dine out way too much, cook not nearly enough and far too often make reservations at the last minute. Just on a lark, we called on our way home from a shopping trip. This would be our 3rd attempt to dine at this fine establishment. They book quickly on weekends and now we know why! The hostess was very kind and offered us the only table left open in the restaurant - "the kitchen table". A quaint little table for two, located just outside of the double swinging kitchen doors. I said I didn't mind at all. Because I'd rather be in the trenches amidst the busy restaurant hustle and bustle, than miss the opportunity to try a new food experience. The kitchen table was the right decision!
As my husband dropped me off and dutifully parked our car, I made my way into the entrance. Classic decor yet on trend the atmosphere of the Apollo was nearly tangible. The gracious hostess, (I found out later was the co-owner) showed me to our table - right near the kitchen, bustling with the sounds of creativity and magic happening behind those swinging doors. A sign on the right door that read - "Danger - A Slither Only Zone". This is just a clue into the playful, joyful mood that somehow permeates the whole restaurant.
Then the magic began to happen. Our server Alicia introduced herself and we knew at that moment we were in for a fantastic culinary ride. Alicia shared the specials of the day and took our drink orders. When asked if she ate there, she gave a huge smile and replied yes with such elation, we both couldn't wait to start this newest food journey.
Next the sweetest,kindest gesture ever. The owner, Ron came out of the kitchen like a whirlwind, asked us if we liked Tuna, we said yes and he disappeared back into the kitchen like a tall, handsome, leprechaun. When he reemerged he presented us with black and white sesame seed crusted Ahi tuna sliced fine and served on puff pastry with seaweed salad and an amazing sauce that I think was sweet chili but I'm not entirely sure.
We ordered Garlic bread with Gorgonzola sauce (heavy cream, Gorgonzola, Parmesan and parsley). To die for!!!
Creamy texture with a bold cheese flavor and the bread was very warm soft garlic laden and just sent us into food-happy land. The portion was very generous.
We also ordered Cauliflower cakes, served with a creamy fresh herb sauce. It was truly amazing! The cauliflower was mild, not bitter and had a crisp exterior. They looked like crab cakes at first glance and had just the right flavors to make a real meal! Vegetarians would adore this dish!
We also ordered the Sweet potato & horseradish crusted scallops with a lemon beurre blanc sauce. This dish was simply heaven! The sweet potato flavor came through complementing the fresh scallops. The horseradish was very limited, so limited I couldn't really taste it, but that didn't detract from the spectacular seasoning of this luscious savory dish.
Gruyere, caramelized shallots, thyme, Granny Smith apples, arugula on 7grain bread, grilled cheese was my entree choice. I was drooling over this combo and it was everything I thought it would be and even more. I love that this upscale restaurant has grilled cheese on the menu! It should be called "Grown-ups grilled cheese" because it is sophisticated yet still fun to eat.
Then there was a dessert list, there were 9 selections plus several liquid desserts. I truly wanted 5 of the 9 and 4 of the 7 liquid desserts. So we compromised, we ordered the Pecan Bourbon bread pudding, with vanilla bean ice cream, the Vanilla shortbread cheesecake Napoleon with blueberry compote, the caramel pretzel ice cream, and the Lemoncello and Orangecello creams.
All were the most amazing tastes and delectable desserts any one could ever ask for.
My favorite was the pecan bourbon bread pudding! It had pecan halves throughout and a caramel/butterscotch sauce that was creamy and perfectly sweet, not cloyingly sweet.
All this was to say - we plan to visit again soon and absolutely highly recommend the Apollo Grill to anyone that truly loves great food.