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| Restaurant Eighteen 1 Rates 5 out 5 Stars |
 EagleEats writes, "I've played over 100 rounds of golf at Eagle Hills Golf Course in my lifetime. I've spent countless hours loitering around the driving range and golf shop. So other than a hangout to satisfy my craving for self-imposed agony on the golf course, Eagle Hills has never even entered my mind as a place to eat a gourmet meal; boy I couldn't have been more wrong."
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Stopping in for Sunday Brunch at Restaurant Eighteen 1 at Eagle Hills Golf Course has turned my view of this unassuming neighborhood venue upside down. If the $4 bottomless Mimosas and complementary freshly-baked donut holes don't immediately punch your ticket for a return trip, the highly attentive staff and delectable menu will.
With prices ranging from $9 for the Eggs in a Hole (two AAA eggs with house toasted brioche topped with smoked bacon hollandaise and Swedish hashbrowns) to $11 for Vanilla Bean Buttermilk Pancakes topped with Vermont Maple Syrup and $13 for a six egg omelet made to order with your choice of meats, cheeses and veggies, this menu offers great selection for a variety of taste buds.
I immediately focused my late morning hunger pains on Eighteen 1's Daily Special, a take on the brunch classic Eggs Benedict (which is also available). This unique spin on a breakfast tradition starts with two towers of Chef Aaron Horsewood's morning version of a crab cake; perfectly-crunchy outside filled with crab and potato flavors bursting in each bite. The cakes were topped with a delicate fillet of halibut, perfectly poached egg, then beautifully covered with a mouth-watering dill Hollandaise sauce. The entree was accompanied by melt-in-your-mouth Swedish hash browns and a garnish of fresh berries and a few sprigs of chives. As the plate arrived I sat somewhat dumbfounded, gaping at the artful presentation of food. Once I got over the disappointment of having to destroy the elegance in which the plate was built, I was swept up again in how the three key components with the Hollandaise burst with flavor. From texture to flavor, color to aroma, this meal was perfectly balanced and portioned. As it was Sunday, I almost returned to the church to pray for a bigger appetite.
Not proving successful in keeping my wife away from my crab cakes, I was able to make a trade and indulge in some of her Roasted Pear Foster's French Toast ($13). Again, Chef Horsewood does a masterful job pairing flavor and texture while both respecting the individual notes of each component and constructing new compelling flavors. The brioche being light and spongy played a perfect counter point to the exterior’s deep fried Bailey's egg batter. Topped with a succulent and sinful caramelized rum & pear glaze, the six large pieces of French toast are exactly what Willy Wonka would have created if he turned his attentions to breakfast.
The "Hole" experience was...get it, because it's a golf course? Never mind, the whole experience was simply the best in casual dining. Featuring low light, contemporary furnishings, high-backed leather booths, and vibrant custom artwork by Christy Radcliffe, the atmosphere is inviting to a younger generation while holding up to tradition. And the food, Oh the food!!! Did I mention I overheard two different tables state that their food was "fantastic?" Oh, yes. And if brunch is this good, I can't wait to get back and see what magical manifestation appears from their dinner menu.
Eighteen 1 hit every aspect of Eagle Eats five start rating system for Cleanliness, Friendliness, Service, Price and Taste...the only thing that disappoints me is that I only have but fives stars to give.
But don't take my word for it. Go. Experience. Share!
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Posted on Mar 10, 2011 13:29pm.
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