SIDEBAR Winter 2019-2020 - 10

MONTGOMERYBAR.ORG

RESTAURANT REVIEW
continued from page 9

In order to pretend we were eating healthy, our next course was
the Caesar salad ($12.00). What made the salad special were the
croutons, which were themselves infused with caesar dressing. The
romaine lettuce was fresh and the accompanying anchovies were
not overwhelmingly salty.
Our next dish was from the for the table category. We elected to
go with the chicken wings ($12.00). The hot sauce was tangy but
not overpowering. As we were seated next to the entrance to the
kitchen, we were able to monitor which dishes were more popular.
A definite favorite was the pretzeled parker house rolls ($9.00).
The rolls are served in a cast-iron pan and encrusted with sesame
seeds and whipped truffle butter. They looked delicious.
Finally, we moved to the entrée category. Ripplewood has received
significant press for its burger ($16.00). The decision was made
to split the burger and, after all the above choices, it was a good
decision. The double burger was stacked with gouda cheese, fried
Lebanon bologna, pickled red onions and their special caper-filled
sauce. I am a burger lover and I would rate this as one of the
best I ever have had. The combination of the ingredients worked
perfectly. Other entrée choices include a half-roasted chicken with
grits, rainbow carrots and salsa verde ($24.00) and an Iberico pork
tenderloin with a black garlic rub, caraway cabbage and broccolini
($27.00).

The one splurge with the burger was to go with the Ripp fries.
The best word to describe them is decadent. They are unlike
any fries I have had before. The French fries, which were cooked
perfectly, are topped with a fondue sauce, jalapenos and smoked
brisket. The Ripp fries can also be ordered as a table share
($12.00). After observing the size of the order at the next table,
my arteries were thankful that we only got the side order.
Unfortunately, by the end of the burger, dessert was not an option.
However, that is an excuse for going back.
As exceptional as the meal was, the service was equally great. Our
server was knowledgeable about both the food and drink choices.
Additionally, he was extremely attentive, making sure that our
needs were being met. Moreover, we felt that the restaurant's goal
was to make our dining experience memorable. This was best
exemplified by management's decision to not charge us for one
course because it came out of order. Actions such this result in the
diner wanting to return... and we will!!
Ripplewood offers both lunch and dinner as well as brunch on the
weekends. Reservations are highly recommended.

10 SIDEBAR
http://montgomerybar.org http://rtenv.com
SIDEBAR Winter 2019-2020

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