Hawthorn Grill

 

To celebrate my grandma's birthday, we decided to eat out for dinner and were willing to go somewhere a little more expensive than we normally go.  Like me, she likes trying new places and after reading an article about the Hawthorn Grill and checking out their website I suggested we try it out.

We got there around 5:30 on a Saturday night so we would beat the Saturday night dinner crowd and since the restaurant doesn't take reservations.  Only a few other tables were occupied when we got there so we were seated very quickly.  We sat in a comfy booth with walls high enough we didn't even notice the other customers in the restaurant.  The place was decorated with warm colors, white trim, and a fireplace.  The dim lighting, cloth tablecloths and napkins definately added to the atmosphere and the special occasion.  Just a warning though: This restaurant isn't somewhere I'd bring your kids.

                            

The menu was one page front and back with plenty of choices.  It took a little while to get our food but we had plenty of conversation and bread was served while we waited.  Along with the bread came a dill flavored butter and oil dipping sauce.  The bread was good but the butter added a very fresh unique flavor. 

I ordered the chicken and pasta dish served with Ed Hill Natural Chicken Breast, Orecchiette Pasta, Sweet Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Green Beans. It was delicious and a generous portion size.

My grandma ordered the Sauteed Shrimp dish which was made up of White Gulf Shrimp, Cavatappi Pasta, Lemon-Dill Sauce, Sweet Peas, and Spinach.  This was the half portion size and came with four shrimp (the full size comes with 8 shrimp and a little more pasta).  I tried a bite and enjoyed the flavor of this dish as well.

I liked the fact that the restaurant gets their chicken from Ed Hill who raises natural chickens in Xenia, and fresh produce from a farm in Bellbrook.  Their pork comes from hogs raised humanely on small family farms in Canada without antibiotics or steroids.  Even their carry-out containers are recycled and land-fill friendly.  Anytime I hear about a restaurant that is environmental friendly and uses fresh natural ingredients I tend to like them even more. 

All in all eating at the Hawthorn Grill was a great experience.  The food was very tasty, the atmosphere warm and calm, and service was just right.  My grandma loved it and since it was her birthday that's what really mattered.  I plan on returning sooner rather than later although it will probably be for another special occasion since the price and atmosphere is a bit more than I typically drag my friends to! (www.hawthorngrill.com)