On June 17, 2011 I, Eric Stephens, and my fiancé at the time, Ashley, would embark on a bucket list dream trip to take a custom car and drive it across The Mother Road… Route 66. We would start in Chicago and end in Kingman, Arizona before taking the turn north to Las Vegas to get hitched. This trip was not only a test to see if two people that were madly in love could survive each other for a week on a 2,000 mile road trip, but also a chance for Ashley to visit states west of the Mississippi (she is a typical Alabama girl) and for both of us to enjoy the different cuisines along the way.
We took notes of some of the places we dined at and wanted to share it with all those interested so if you are ever in some of these areas you could check them out. Due to our schedule getting a tad behind, we were not able to enjoy as many restaurants as we had hoped, but we did find some gems along the way.
June 19- Grill Marx
Located in Shorewood, IL just off Interstate 55 heading south, Grill Marx was a rare find. We took the exit in search of food and were just about to give up when we came across a small shopping center. That’s when we saw the restaurant and decided we would check it out. Being in a small strip mall, the place just kind of blended in and had the same outside décor of the surrounding stores, but it was a very new looking and seemed promising. Inside the restaurant was very nice and modern looking and had a classy feel to it. You didn’t have to be dressed up to belong. The staff was dressed very professionally and was quick to make sure each person was taken care of.
I ordered sweet tea (it was shocking to me that they offered it since that is something hard to find up north) and Ashley had water. We were ready and hungry enough to do the whole experience so we started with an appetizer of Calamari. This is a popular item on just about any menu. My friend Mark turned me on to these during one of our trips and I turned Ashley on to them. I have yet to get any that I didn’t like.
Moving on to the main course, we both settled on a fish dish and by settled I mean there were so many good things to choose from. I went with the local flavor of a Lake Superior White Fish that came with whipped cauliflower, mashed garlic potatoes, and a salad. Ashley went with the Santa Fe Salmon and a Chicken Mediterranean soup. The White Fish was fantastic and the whole concept of whipped cauliflower was new to me, but worked well and, to be honest, would be great for kids that struggle with eating their veggies. I was not a fan of the garlic mashed potatoes simply because it was too lumpy and dry, plus I still
question why everybody has to put garlic in their mashed potatoes nowadays! Ashley thoroughly enjoyed her soup and the Salmon was cooked perfect with just enough spice but not overbearing. Upon hearing what Ashley was eating for dinner, and my dad being from New Mexico, he jokingly informed us that there are no salmon in Santa Fe.
With the dinner portions being just right, we were able to leave room for dessert. We decided to share the Caramelized Banana Split. A banana split alone is good, but brought out like this is it becomes an even better treat.
I would rate Grill Marx as a must visit if you are ever in the area. The price was perfect for the quality of food and dining atmosphere and it didn’t come close to breaking the bank. Even being Fathers Day, the restaurant never got too crowded and was a nice dining experience. With our bellies full, we were back on the road to put some miles behind us and stumble upon our next dining experience.
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