Lunch at El Tovar

One of the many highlights of our trip to the Grand Canyon was lunch with Allison's parents at the El Tovar Hotel in the Grand Canyon Village. The dining room was beautiful and built like a log cabin with a fireplace on each end.
Even though there was no dress code (we were in the middle of a National Park) the servers were all dressed in tuxes and bowties. Our server took very good care of us and made a couple of excellent suggestions. He didn't specifically say any thing about a starter but I couldn't resist ordering the French Onion Soup.

It was marvelous. A very crispy top and a deliciously cheesy and oniony broth. I enjoyed every bite.
For the main course Allison and her dad ordered the Navajo taco. Instead of a tortilla it was made on a housemade frybread and made with a vegetarian chili. I had a bite and it was probably the best taco I've ever tasted. Allison's mom and I both ordered the Prickly Pear Natural Chicken. I also had a local beer along with my meal, which you can see in the background of this picture. It was a Grand Canyon Pilsner. Quite good. Allison's dad ordered the Grand Canyon Starry Night Stout that had a great roasted flavor to it.

It was organic chicken marinated in a prickly pear sauce and covered with a jalapeno jack cheese. The chicken was perfectly done and the marinade was very tasty.
And then came dessert...

Mmm, housemade chocolate chip cookie cheesecake! Not only was there a big cookie and piece of dough on top of the cheesecake but the cheesecake itself was cookie dough flavored with chocolate chips inside. Drizzled over the top was chocolate and caramel sauce with a chocolate "mint leaf" sticking out of the back. Allison ordered the vanilla bean creme brulee. It was exquisite. Even though I am still glad I ordered the cheesecake I will admit the creme brulee was better. Thankfully Allison couldn't quite finish her's and I got to eat a good portion of it.

Do you remember our Valentine's dinner? I sure do. The service was subpar, the food was okay, and the price was outrageous. How about lunch at El Tovar? Supurb service by a very friendly gentleman. The food was excellent and their entrees were priced between $10 and $15. What a deal! I highly recommend everyone going to see the Grand Canyon some time in their life and when you're there have lunch at El Tovar.