Going Up to the Sunset Grill

The Sunset Grill

900 North Main Street
(Highway 191, north end of town)
Moab, Utah 84532

Phone: 435-259-7146

Website:  http://www.sunsetgrillmoab.com/index.html

The Sunset Grill is the former home of Charlie Steen, who put Moab, Utah on the map when he found uranium.  The restaurant opened in 1993, serving casual fine dining to locals and tourists alike.  To reach the restaurant itself, prepare yourself for a winding climb 250 feet up into the Red Rocks.  From its location, one can see for miles the city of Moab and the stunning Red Rocks; at night, the stars shine brightly overhead.

My husband and I found ourselves at The Sunset Grill for Valentine's Day; it was a wonderful choice.  We were warmly greeted by the hostess and our waitress was a charming young lady.  We were seated at the topmost dining area, so were able to see the city lights of Moab from our table.

We began the evening with a popular appetizer, Artichoke Gratin Baguettes; diced artichoke in a rich cheesy mixture, topped with mozzarella cheese, spread onto French bread slices and grilled; they are served with a marinara sauce.  I say popular as it seems that almost every couple ordered this appetizer and understandably; it was absolutely decadent and delicious.

For a main course, I had the Prime Rib; a Texas style cut that was cooked medium-rare, tender, juicy and flavorful. The baked potato was fluffy and the steamed vegetables still had a crisp texture.

Roy chose one of the Valentine's Day special; Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon with a Balsamic Peppercorn Sauce; I had a taste and wished I had ordered it also. The beef was so tender and juicy; the sauce was sweet, tart and tangy with a hint of the peppercorns; just perfect.

The main entrees were not small in portion, so we had to forego dessert...no regrets though.

The Sunset Grill has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the staff reflect this well; no pretentious attitudes here. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a dinner out; dress fancy if you like, but jeans and a nice shirt would do just as well; The Sunset Grill will make your night. Better make reservations!

Mary Cokenour

Happy Blogaversary to Food Adventures of a Comfort Cook

One year ago today, the movie "Julie and Julia" inspired me to create this food blog.  Funny to think how often I had had the desire to write a cookbook, but no publisher would consider my work as deserving.  Yet, with this blog, I have done exactly that, written a cookbook online and through a popular media format...the blog.  Within my "cookbook" I have shared many a recipe from my life and explored new cuisines to share with my readers.  The year itself, as with any life, was full of ups and downs, happiness and sadness, gains and losses; there are no regrets and happy memories overshadow any negativity which tried to invade my life.

I increased my own culinary knowledge and potential by adding restaurant and product reviews to my lineup of posts.  While many enjoyed, and found helpful, these reviews, I found that many a coward tried to bash me with anonymous comments.  These cowards, of course, caused me much laughter at their sheer stupidity, so I must thank them for their lack of manners and intelligence.

Another adventure I started a journey on was the world of baking.  I must admit that I have not ever truly enjoyed baking due to the strictness of measuring and preciseness required.  However, by daring to learn I have acquired a new talent.

All in all, I have loved this journey, this series of culinary adventures.  I must however give thanks to those who were my guinea pigs, the many people who were often called upon to try my experiments and were required to give critiques.  I give thanks to all those people who have been reading my blog and hope that they will eventually join the rank of "Follower".  I especially thank my husband Roy who has had to taste, eat and critique every recipe; who has had to duck and cover when complete chaos erupted in the kitchen.  I love you dear and my life is totally complete with you in it.

To celebrate this day, a fine feast was prepared of roast chicken, cornbread stuffing and a steamed vegetable medley; simple and oh so comforting.  I hope you will make it yourself and join in the celebration of "Food Adventures with a Comfort Cook".  Thank you and Bon Appetit'!!!

Roast Chicken with Corn Bread Stuffing

Ingredients:

1 (5 lb) chicken
1 Tbsp butter
¼ cup each diced onion, celery and carrots
¼ tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp fresh minced parsley
2 ½ cups coarsely crumbled corn bread
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth, divided in half
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp each coarse sea salt, ground black pepper, onion and garlic powders; mix together
2 cups water
1 Tbsp flour

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray roasting pan and rack with nonstick cooking spray.

Wash chicken with cold water and make sure to remove any organs stuffed inside; discard or use for gravy making. Tuck wings over neck opening and skewer skin flap over to close opening and keep wings from over browning; set chicken aside.

In a small skillet, medium-low heat, melt butter and sauté onion, celery and carrots until softened; mix in ¼ teaspoon pepper and the parsley. While vegetables are sautéing, combine corn bread and half can of chicken broth in large bowl; add in softened vegetables and mix thoroughly. Stuff chicken with corn bread mixture and seal opening with skewer; tie legs together with butcher twine. Rub olive oil over all of the chicken and sprinkle seasoning combination all over; place chicken on pan rack (breasts side up). Pour remaining broth and water into roasting pan; place pan in oven and roast chicken for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165F and juices run clear.

Remove chicken to platter to rest; pour drippings from pan into small saucepan, set on high heat; whisk in flour and bring to boil. Carve chicken and serve with gravy.

Serves 4-6.

Mary Cokenour