Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Perfect Restaurant for a Family Celebration

As I pulled into Red Robin's parking lot jam-packed with cars, I knew that I was in for a treat. Red Robin specializes in mouth-watering gourmet burgers and perfectly seasoned fries. This family-oriented dynasty was founded with four core values: honor, integrity, continually seeking knowledge and having fun. All four of those values are definitely shown as soon as my family and I enter through the revolving doors that children seem to love to play in.

We were welcomed by a smiling, Red Robin hostess and a diverse crowd of families and people also waiting to be seated. The diversity ranges from African Americans to gay people or maybe even old seniors who are eager to eat out. No worries! We were seated in less than 10 minutes even though it was a Saturday night. For Red Robin, Saturday nights are the busiest times of the week. While waiting for our table, we sat in the most comfortable, bright red couches. Our minds relaxed as we enjoyed the sound of happy-go-lucky music that one might normally play while lying on the patio with a glass of lemonade in your hand. There were certainly a few crying babies begging for the Red Robin balloons that adorned the counter, which was covered with crayons and coloring books for these fortunate children. These same children very shortly in the tradition of the restaurant, might be seen running away from the giant, Red Robin bird that wants to innocently give every child customer a big Red Robin hug. This added to the very relaxing and filled with laughter and cheery faces atmosphere.

Excited to be seated, we were greeted in less than ten seconds by a young, very attentive waiter ready to meet our every need. It was apparent that the waiters at Red Robin were trained to be willing to help any customer that asks for something even if it is not the table they are serving. As we were ordering our drinks, a toddler girl cried as her bright green balloon floated in the air towards the ceiling. Our waiter kindly excused himself from our table and turned the little girl's frown into a smile when he retrieved the balloon from the ceiling using a tool that was purchased by Red Robin solely for that purpose. Our waiter rushed from that heroic deed to the bar area to fetch our sweet, thirst-quenching freckled lemonades. This delightful drink is filled with abundantly-sugared strawberries floating around in fresh-squeezed lemonade. The exotic, bowed-shaped, spiral glass accentuates the strawberries which float at the top of the drink that made us feel like we were on an island loving life.

After placing our orders, we took the time to observe and appreciate everything that surrounded us. Families were laughing and having a great time as they watched at least one of the sports games playing on the four flat screen televisions fastened to the pictured memorabilia wall. It was very soothing to sit amongst jolly, vibrant families and children whose eyes lit up full of admiration and excitement when every member of the Red Robin crew clapped around the birthday guest's table encouraging all of us to join them in singing happy birthday with them.

The striking bright, fiery red walls contributed to the fun environment. The decor of the restaurant gives off a south-western type of vibe. The booths that we were seated in were boasted gold, burgundy and black colors while the glossy, wooden tables featured burnt red and brown colors. The lighting everywhere in the restaurant was perfect and was sheltered by the wooden blinds which kept all the unwanted glaring sunshine out. The surrounding walls were filled with colorful pictures of pop culture famous celebrities from the 70s' and 80s'. Our eyes feasted on the over-sized bold yellow duct work channeled throughout the ceiling and the 3D cartoon-like Red Robin plane flying out of the duct work tubing.

After we enjoyed 15 minutes of scoping out the place, my father yelled out "Let's eat!" That was our cue that the food was coming! What was coming was a result of some hard decision making. The menu had at least twenty different types of Red Robin famous burgers to choose from; including Guacamole Bacon, Whiskey River BBQ, Banzai, Sauteed Mushroom, A1 Peppercorn, Terryaki Chicken, Blackened Chicken, etc. No matter what kind of burger ordered, it overflowed with meat and vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, red onions) and was topped off with a finely-toasted sesame seed bun. The burgers were sloppy and they bursts out from the wrapper that they were presented in as soon as the first bites were taken. Accompanying the gourmet burgers were the infamous seasoned french fries. The thick, long potato wedges were sprinkled with Red Robin seasoning consisting of salt, old bay, garlic, paprika and other spices making the fries taste just right. Red Robin satisfies everyone by allowing free "fry fills." Anytime you get close to running out of fries, the waiter comes out with a fresh basket of fries. Even though they are not supposed to, your guests can munch off of your free "fry fills."

I encourage you to try the "Buzz Clucks and Fries." Once you take your buzz cluck bite, you will never go back to anything else on the menu. Buzz Clucks are five spicy buffalo chicken strips thick with juicy, white meat. These red-hot, rugged pieces of white meat are the best chicken strips you will ever taste. Of course, you will also receive the bottomless fries to round off your abundant meal.

It was very hard for dessert to compete with the appetizing meals but attempts were made. My mother ordered a Mountain High Mudd Pie. It was delivered on a red, over-sized plate. This thing of beauty consisted of soft smooth gourmet chocolate ice cream mixed with Oreo cookies. The whip cream that bordered the mudd pie melted in her mouth as she chased towards the warm, squashy cookie at the bottom of the spoon. Working her way through the sweet melted chocolate fudge, cherry and sprinkles, her taste buds were rewarded with the hefty, scrumptious chocolate chip cookie. If that does not meet your fancy, you can indulge the Hot Apple Crisp. This delicious dessert is loaded with warm, sliced apples and a touch of brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It is then topped off with ice cream, caramel and oatmeal cookie crumbles.

No one is ever eager to pay the bill. Thankfully, every meal on the menu was not more than twelve dollars. Even during a recession, everyone can afford Red Robin. The service and the quality of the food definitely outweigh the cost. Red Robin restaurants are typically perfectly placed in the center of wholesome towns. Their strategic locations are a key to their success. Red Robin is in walking distance from popular malls, many hotels, and office buildings. Whether you are a teenager, worker or traveler, you can easily get to Red Robin and have the best meal of your life.

After leaving the restaurant with a full stomach, I can testify that Red Robin accomplished its goal of fulfilling its four values: honor, integrity, continually seeking knowledge, and having fun. The workers' service is honorable. I believe that their customers are honored to be able to eat in such a well ran establishment. Red Robin has earned a reputation of integrity and is relied on as a place where people can unwind and have an enjoyable meal with their family and friends. Judging by the prominently placed suggestion box visible as we left the restaurant, Red Robin is eager to learn from its customers what it can do better. The next time you are looking for an enjoyable meal at a quality family-style restaurant, check out the closest Red Robin near where you live, work or play.
Red Robin
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picture: www.planetblacksburg.com/images/redrobin.jpg




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