Enjoy!

Well, Sarah Olin is finally home from Egypt! To celebrate Sony (her loving sister) rounded us all up and we headed out to Enjoy! in Apple Valley.

What a perfect restaurant selection, on the side of the building it says, "Food, Friends, Life" - I mean what could be a better summary of an evening? All in scenic Apple Valley!

This was my third time at Enjoy! but my first as an official reviewer...

Erica and I met there early (I was busy showing off my new toy - my new earpiece for my cell phone - I couldn't stop gushing over it!) and we headed towards the bar. Sarah was there on her cell phone, jingling away in her new belt. It was one of her treasures from her travels and it was a belly dancer skirt that she wore as a belt - so stylish that Sarah. Wait till you see her bright blue rain boots...

I parked it at the bar and ordered my current favorite wine...Pinot Grigio - Stella. At $5.95 a glass it's pretty good. I also quickly ordered the warm cheese sampler. I had talked this up so much to Erica and pretty much anyone else who would listen that I couldn't wait any longer.

As the group went to their table, Erica and I sampled the appetizer at the bar. Roasted garlic (spreads smooth as butter!), bleu cheese, brie (I think) and gorgonzola (I think) yes, I should know the cheeses better but who cares - they are so good! And to round it off - chutney for the top. All on toasted bread...seriously...best stuff ever!

Upon joining the group at the table and deciding on our order - Sony brought out some old family photos...her prom picture with Jason is my favorite. The permed hair, big bangs and dte with the hockey mullett - all priceless. The family photo with all three Olin girls in perms and little Sarah in glasses - that should be hidden at all costs!

When the food arrived, please note - this was from their updated menu - it changes periodically, I had the parmesean chicken. It came with asparagus and roasted potatoes - which I subbed with garlic mashed. The chicken was great - a nice juicy chicken with a crisp crust. A dab of cream on the bottom of the plate was a nice touch. Only negative - only 4 pieces of asparagus. I don't think the USDA would count that as a serving of veggies. Bring on some more greens!

Erica ordered my second choice, the wild mushroom penne. This was NOT good! Very bland! It tasted like plain noodles and the mushrooms were too squishy. Erica was all set to eat it but I told her that we were sending it back and she had to get something else. To all diners out there - you are paying for the food you order! If you don't like it - send it back! You are the CUSTOMER!

Erica instead got the pizza with brie, green apples and mushrooms. Bellisimo! Very savory and cheesy. You definitely couldn't eat this in one sitting, it would be perfect as an appetizer though. The pizzas are a good size - if you are really hungry you could eat the whole thing for dinner - if not you will be taking some home.

I also sampled Sony's food - she ordered my third choice - the meatloaf. This also came with mashed potatoes and a bbq sauce. This was also excellent - if not a tish cold. But then again we were at a table of 11 - not sure all the food was done at once.

I also had the luxury of tasting the bbq chicken pizza which was good - the crust had a sweet taste to it and the bbq was very mild - good dinner choice.

I also tasted the artichoke, sun dried tomato and feta pizza - too many artichokes on this one. Good - but you better like the artichokes - they over power the tomatoes and feta.

I also tasted the shrimp linguine - this had a pesto sauce and it was very pestoey! Not a big fan and I do love pesto - but it was just too much for me - even in the one bite that I had.

The other highlight was the rigatoni with sausage, green peppers and onion. A very hearty italian dish that reminded me of a signature sausage and pepper meal. Nice amount of spice and good noodles. I would definitely recommend this.

I didn't try the burger last night but I have had one before - very good as well and they finally have better french fries. Before they were too shoestring like - now they are hand cut and much more normal.

I was too full for dessert (yes a shock I know) but I have had four of the desserts here. My recommendation is for the chocolate banana bread pudding - it's more of a cake - and it's awesome. I also recommend the crisp - when I had it, it featured raspberries and blueberries. Last night it was green apples. It's served warm with vanilla ice cream - a real treat. A good combination of warm crisp and cold ice cream.

Well, time for my rating...on a scale of 1-10...1-2 being loathed, 3-4 being regret!, 5-6 being delighted, 7-8 adored, 9-10 reveled in!

I give Enjoy! an 8...I'd like to give it a 9 but the entree menu needs a touch more attention to detail. I appreciate their keeping the menu fresh but in doing so they need to make sure the taste and distinction of each offering is correct. Their desserts, appetizers and drinks make up for that.

What to enjoy for yourself? 15435 Founders Lane in Apple Valley. Visit their web site at www.enjoy-dining.com.