Three years ago we did a restaurant review of the old Turtle
Mountain and were curious to review the new and improved pub, now called the Fat
Squirrel. First of all, the only thing that the Fat Squirrel and the old Turtle
Mountain have in common is the parking problem, otherwise they are very
different. The old Turtle Mountain was a neighborhood bar that served great
pizzas and calzones and the Fat Squirrel is really a full service restaurant
with the air of an English Pub. There are two things you have to do on your
first visit; ask how the restaurant got it’s name and check out the bar, it’s
amazing.
First impressions are seldom wrong and the Fat Squirrel’s
interior atmosphere and the wait staff did not disappoint. The atmosphere is
lively, bright and fun with plenty of space for family meals or group
gatherings. The wait staff was excellent especially our server, Berta, who was
there when needed with a glass of water or a menu suggestion. She is easily one
of those servers that rate a 20% tip.
Now to the food. Like I said, the Fat Squirrel is a full
service restaurant with a page of various delicious appetizers from nachos to
oysters. We ordered schnitzel strips, breaded pork strips, deep fried with pan
gravy. They were as delicious as they were fattening. We also had an order of
fried pickles. They were grand and we fought for the last one.
The menu consists of everything from salads and pub
favorites, to sandwiches, burgers and steaks. Like I said, they are full
service. As always we each ordered something different and then shared tastes
with each other. My wife Patty had a Spinach Salad with grilled steak. The salad
was fresh and crisp with a perfect medium-rare flat iron steak. The steak was
very tasty, tender and perfectly cooked. My brother John had a Monte Cristo from
the sandwich menu. The sandwich was a perfect combination of turkey, ham, swiss
cheese and sourdough, beer battered and fried. The sandwich was so large he took
a portion home for a late night snack. My sister-in-law Donna ordered the
Jagerschritzel, delicious pan fried breaded pork cutlet, mashed potatoes and
fried cabbage to die for. Again the portions were large and the mix of flavors
made for a wonderful meal. As for me, I had the Shepherd’s Pie. The beef was
tasty and tender with gravy and vegetables covered with those delightful mashed
potatoes. What a great meal! We finished with a taste of the homemade Potato
Bread Pudding, warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pudding was a
wonderful way to end a great meal.
If you haven’t yet visited the new Fat Squirrel, make it a point to go soon
and invite a friend. The food and atmosphere must be shared with someone to be
fully enjoyed. The parking is still an issue just as it was with the old Turtle
Mountain, but with a bit of patience you’ll find a place and it will be well
worth it Have a great eating experience and say "hi" for us!
