Les D.
Yelp
Very quaint spot for a meal near to the Lincoln National Historic Site. Howling wind on a balmy February night. Bellied to the bar and requested a beer recommendation. Two shot glasses with small tastes in each. That's quite nice. My taste buds get to choose, and Obed's Pride Amber it was.
Of the two I tasted, they are both quite hoppy, West Coast-style, but with more depth and structure. Amber has a beginning bite and then a sweet finish, quite nice for sipping, especially if rested for a couple minutes.
I ordered one of the Valentine's Day specials: pork medallions (appeared to be butterfly chops separated), mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and cake. Pork was quite nice with a simple, sweet barbecue sauce, sweet corn ample yet simple; but the tators were the big hit. Rough mashed with a thick gravy with a mole consistency. Just worked really well. This was a nice plate of food. One thing that deserves noting: if a place wants to sell beer, dump salt in the food. Yet, nothing was over salted. I can't stress how significant this is.
The dessert was the only thing that missed. Sheet cake is a whimsical touch, but it's still sheet cake: dry and rather flavorless. I'm reminded of the scene in the film Kingdom of Heaven when Saladin is asked what Jerusalem means and he responds, "nothing," turns and walks away, momentarily pauses, turns back and finishes, "everything." Such is my attitude toward dessert. It's important and I can't really explain why.
This is a five star joint, great service, fun menu, good food, fine beer, lots of fun. And, I got a free cup! Look forward to returning when I'm back in Springfield.