2.22.2008

350 MAIN


350 Main Street,Park City, UT
435.649.3140
Open Nightly from 5:30 p.m.
Reservations Recommended
http://www.350main.com/

Whaaaaaa? You went to Park City? I thought this was Salt Lake Chowhounds.... Ok, we know, but when you hear awesome things about a place you have to go right? And isn't our sleepy town neighbor just the place to venture out too? We would say so and if we're going to be venturing out, why not to a restaurant with a great reputation.


What we loved:

The Environment: There is a reason why 350 is so popular, it does have a very cozy feel. Its nice to walk into a warming arena when you've been hiking up ye ole Main Street. The basement can feel a little enclosing, but some people would just think it was cozy. The decor is a mixed of Tuscan wine cellar mixed with winter cabin and just a dash of upscale eatery.

The Appetizers: Lentil Cakes and Ahi and Hamachi Tower are both divine. (for pics of these, scope the website)

The Variety: It was hard to nail down a specific theme on the menu. Imagine a asiameircan/sprench.....yeah. Something like that.

The Calories listed on the menu: Oh yeah its true...however we're not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. Is guilt a good side dish with dinner? They seem very health conscious. Thumbs up in our book.

The Food: When it all boils down isn't this what it's about? As we mentioned, there is something for everyone to try. Scallops...yum. Cooked perfectly. No one likes a had scallop. Sea bass...sesame crusted and delicious. Jasmine Rice Cakes.....Oh yeah. The mango salsa will make you soooo happy. Ono-Ono...Very tasty. We have to be a little picky though... one preparation of the Ono was a tad overcooked....sorry. However, everything we tasted on the the menu was light yet still extremely flavorful. You felt like you had a hearty meal without having to poke another hole in your belt....know what I mean. Every thing made for "happy hounds all around."

The Deserts: Chocolate is the best part of the day. Want some hot chocolate cake wrapped in phillo dough and surrounded by some awesome vanilla ice cream? DONE! Want a cup of the most amazing mocha pudding/creme topped with some fresh berries and rolled wafer cookies? Done and DONE! Deserts...represent.

And what about the wine....Here's Andrew's take on his experience.
Let me start by saying that expectations ran high walking into this experience based on the fact that Joshua Cowart is the Sommelier... Josh has had some of the best mentors in the industry and loves wine with the same passion that I love my Harley (which, lets just say is border line unnerving!)Anyhoo... The wine list is as perfect as it gets. Plenty of unique wines and familiar favorites with a price point to make most diners very happy. Even the “by the glass” list had some great selections. I know you’re just dying to know what we had so let me cut the suspense! We started with a 2006 Dr. Loosen Riesling which kills it every time! Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (The region of Germany that Dr. Loosen calls home) is quickly becoming the rock star of the Riesling world, but the great thing is... it’s still an affordable glass of good grapes! On to the purple stuff... A 2001 Medrano-Irazu Reserva Rioja. Sometimes it feels like you need a Rosetta Stone to decipher certain wine labels, so let me help you with this one... Medrano-Irazu is the producer, Reserva is the level of quality (3 basic levels for Rioja... Crianza, Reserva, Grand Reserva – Grand is highest quality), Rioja is the region and it tells you that you are drinking predominantly Tempranillo grapes. I would say that this was the least universally loved wine that we have had on our adventures, but it was because it was so interesting and unique. Earthy with olive undertones instead of the fruit explosion that a lot of Cali reds tend to be... this is what makes it not fit everyone's taste buds. Those of you who are Tempranillo fans... buy a freakin case! IT’S A GOOD (said with a bad Spanish accent).Now, I’ll make this quick... which by now you’ve noticed is not my forte. The server’s knowledge of the wine list was my only complaint. She had a few favorites that she recommended, but when I wasn’t enthused by her fav’s, she did not know the list well enough to make solid alternate suggestions. Not what I expected from one of Josh’s servers. To her absolute defense and redemption... she had fun and, dammit, that is what wine is about (sorry snooty wine demons... I know you like to be serious and pretentious as you sip the night away).

What we didn't love as much:

The Parking: Park City Main Street...Nuff said.

The Poached Apple Desert: Yeah sorry.... It's not your grammy's apple pie. That's for sure.

The Service: Ok, we know, we know we're asking a lot....but when you are in a restaurant that is known for its impeccable service, you expect they very best. Our water glasses sat empty quite a few times and the wine service was lacking. Our server was lighthearted and friendly, but we felt that there was just wasn't a sense of professionalism and hustle that you come to expect from upscale restaurants.

Remember, Park City is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the good ole SLC and where else can you see every variety of furry boots and over sized parkas? All in all, 350 Main is a hit. The food is great, the menu is unique and that is what its all about.

350 Main at a glance:
Food: Very Good, Fresh and Delicious.
Service: Good, but could and should be amazing.
Bathrooms: SO good. Clean and sanitary.
The Price: Big Bucks, but worth it.
(Who dined? Kara, Melanie, Andrew, Michelle and our guest Tyra.)

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