Having passed it by on numerous occasions without a second glance... hiding in plain sight strikes…read moreme as the perfect semantic descriptor for this rather intriguing eatery. Tucked away within the precincts of the Club at Shannondell, a public golf course, Chadwick's is a hidden gem that is certainly well worth discovering.
Locally owned and operated, the restaurant not only offers patrons a casually comfortable environment in both the main dining room and the cozy bar area, but also a menu of classic American fare filled with a variety of provocative gastronomic eye-openers. Yes, the usual suspects are present and accounted for. However, the kitchen has a tendency to team them up with a number of unusual and curiously compelling accoutrements. Which, needless to say, makes for some rather interesting - and thoroughly enjoyable - dining.
Consider, for example, the Sweet Jersey Corn Flatbread. Most diners have encountered flatbread in one form or another and realize that the ingredients may vary greatly, depending upon the individual restaurant and/or whims of the chef. Here, as the name indicates, one of the slightly unusual features is the inclusion of kernels of roasted sweet corn. Old familiars like tomato and mozzarella are cast in supporting roles, with crumbles of crisp bacon contributing additional flavor and texture. But the pièce de resistance is clearly the irresistible splash of chipotle crema, which succeeds in generating just enough heat to push up the "wow" factor by several significant notches.
Chadwick's Chophouse Salad (pictured) is yet another interesting variation on a favorite theme... The mixed greens and grilled chicken are certainly straightforward enough. But then things take a surprising turn with the addition of items such as dried cranberries, candied pecans, hickory-smoked bacon, apple slices, goat cheese, and white chocolate. Unusual? For certain. But also deliciously addictive... with a sinfully seductive white-honey vinaigrette providing the perfect complementary finishing touch.
My dining companion and I were fortunate enough to share the two above-mentioned items during a recent luncheon sojourn; and I freely confess that we were more than just a little impressed with the kitchen's adventurous innovations. However, should you decide to put in an evening appearance - with menu entries such as Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, Potato and Horseradish Crusted Salmon, Marry Me Chicken, and Slow Braised Mojo Pork - I'm certain that your taste buds will be equally inspired.
The dessert menu, if you'll pardon the pun, is short and sweet. There are just four possibilities; but, in their own way, they are just as titillating as many of the items that have preceded them: Honey Jack Daniel's Bread Pudding, Chadwick's Peanut Butter Pie, Dubai Chocolate Torte, Brandied Cherry New York Cheesecake.
As I have undoubtedly noted in previous reviews, any mention of peanut butter on a dessert menu is an immediate draw... and Chadwick's Peanut Butter Pie (pictured) is certainly no exception.
That being said, however, incorporating proper peanut butter taste into cakes, pies, and pastries is definitely something of a "sticky wicket." In other words, problematic. So problematic, in fact, that in my years of reviewing various and sundry peanut butter-laced desserts, I have, for the most part, been consistently disappointed. Fortunately, that is not the case here. The taste of Chadwick's Peanut Butter Pie is subtle, yet exceptionally pleasurable. Ditto the texture... which succeeds in gently caressing the palate rather than overwhelming it.
