Short for FAMiliarization, these are intense, immersive experiences that allow a group of travel media to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. I’ve been on a few FAM trips, so I’m used to cannonballing into a destination. I ordered an old standard, getting a Dirty McNasty made with vodka, olive juice, and beautiful bleu cheese stuffed olives. Being the crazy kids that we were, he went for a basic 007 made with vodka, gin, and vermouth. We opted for a seat at the bar and perused the list of 160 martinis. There was live music to serenade the cigar smokers on the enclosed patio. We skipped dessert because we were going to do date night right, so we headed to Old Town for a nightcap at Mort’s Martini & Cigar Bar. It was like we’d been living on lunch meat wraps and trail mix for the past week or something. Jim indulged in the cheese and spinach stuffed ravioli topped with lobster. We were in Kansas, so I had to get a steak, and that KC strip, aged for 21 days at nearby Creekstone Farms, was the stuff of which carnivore’s dreams are made. It was the most sophisticated dish we’d had since we’d left Elgin. We began with housemade burrata accompanied by roasted red peppers, pesto, and grilled crostini. This is part of our EPIC Southwest USA road trip from the Chicago-area to San Diego and back!ĭinner was downstairs in Fireside Grille, and as the name suggested, we sat next to the fireplace, a glass-enclosed window in the light-colored brick wall. Compound that with our exploration of the outdoors for the past week and getting gussied up sounded divine.įor the first time in a week I put on makeup, and for the first time in two I wore shoes that didn’t have laces or velcro. Oh, sure, we’d showered that morning, but after seven hours in the car we were in definite need of refreshing. Because this was a classy establishment, no one remarked on our disheveled appearance. Walking into the Wichita Marriott, we felt like actual Pig-Pen, swirls of dirt and grime clouding around us in the perfectly pristine lobby. I would definitely recommend this restaurant.On our drive through Arizona we’d felt like soggy versions of Pig-Pen, stalked by rain instead of dust clouds. So far our visits have been very quiet allowing us to have nice conversations. The margaritas were just perfect for us as we don't like them too strong. Many dishes come with your choice of a side dish. My mother had the chicken and it was very flavorful, so much so that I want to order that on our next visit. I ordered the filet and it was cooked as ordered and very well seasoned. We started with the burrata which was served with warm grilled bread. Even though there were only a few other persons in the restaurant, I have been to plenty other restaurants where the service is lousy even when they are not busy. The services has always been great and it was again this time. The decor is understated elegance with a beautiful fireplace. The restaurant has never been very full on any of our visits which I don't understand as it is in my top five places to. This is the third time that we have eaten at the Fireside Grille.
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