Drive-In to the Silver Spring House

      It was a rainy day as Karen, Melissa, and I ventured out for lunch at the Silver Spring House.  I mention that only because when we arrived the ample parking lot was full and we had to circle around to wait for someone to leave.  It's obviously a popular place!  Despite the full lot, we were immediately seated and approached by our servers, one of whom was in training.

Original Drive-In Building

Bar and Dining Area

Wall Covered "Famous" Photos

      Originally a drive-in, the atmosphere was casual and resort-like with its open air dining space.  When the weather turns colder, the windows come down and the heaters come on.  There's also an indoor dining room in the original building.  Seating is at regular and bar height tables, as well as numerous booths.  The walls are covered with framed photos of famous visitors and not-so famous friends.  It immediately commands you to relax and stay a while.

Potato Soup

      I had been there before over the years and always found the food to be above average.  The menu had been reworked, but the signature marinated and grilled chicken was still the centerpiece as the house specialty.  

Spring House Chicken Dinner

I had no reason to veer from their signature dish, so I chose the Spring House Chicken Dinner consisting of a breast and wing.  Accompanied by two side dishes, I had my choice of several.  I went with the Potato Soup—a combination of cream and vegetables that had earthy overtones allowing the potato flavor to clearly be the star.  The addition of Steamed Broccoli was a generous portion lightly coated with butter.  The chicken had a crispy and seared skin that sealed the juiciness inside.  The citrus marinade was prevalent.

      Karen had the Reuben, but chose to have it made with turkey as she so often does.  It looked highly stacked with meat and she enjoyed it.  

House Salad

Paired with a House Salad of mixed greens (topped with goat cheese, sliced almonds, and their ranch dressing), it appeared to round out her lunch in a very fresh way.  

Chicken Salad on Croissant

Melissa was willing to try the Chicken Salad  Croissant.  She asked the server for an explanation of how the sandwich was dressed and she replied that it was rather creamy and made with lots of mayonnaise.  Melissa allowed me to try it and it was VERY creamy.  I like my chicken salad that way, but I realize not everyone does.  It's always good to ask.  Melissa felt it lacked a little seasoning, but I thought they were attempting to allow the full chicken flavor to dominate.  Saratoga Chips were her side dish...homemade and very good when dipped in the Silver Spring House barbeque sauce.  It's sweet and tangy at the same time.  

Black Bean Salad

She also wanted to sample the Black Bean Salad made with corn, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.  We all tried it and agreed it had a nice south-of-the border taste.  Something for everyone.

        

http://www.thesilverspringhouse.com

Hey, I like chicken!  Can I go the next time?