We are pleased to feature an interview with our featured guests of the week, Jim and Udell Burke! Enjoy...
So tell me a little about yourselves.
“Well, we moved here from New York about three years ago after we got married. Jim took a position as a golf professional at the Blackhawk Country Club and we settled into the area. We love the California weather. We love to go out at the end of the day, especially since neither of us cooks often. Blackhawk Grille has become our own little “Cheers” where we stop on in and say, ‘Hi,’ to everyone we see.”
How long have you been coming to the Blackhawk Grille?
“We have been coming here for three years. The very first day we arrived in California, we had no dishes, no pots or pans, we had nothing. We were both hungry but it was late and nothing seemed to be open. We stumbled across the Blackhawk Grille which was just about to close. The kitchen stayed open late to accommodate us and we have been fans ever since!”
What keeps you coming back?
Although the food is wonderful, it truly is the people that make the place. The moment we enter the door, everyone says, ‘Hi!’ or comes up to greet us, regardless of how busy it is. The staff here goes out of their way constantly for us. Despite the changes that the restaurant has seen over the years, the staff has always been community and customer-oriented. Even though we live on a modest budget ourselves, we willingly come, almost daily, for at least an appetizer at the end of the day and the warm atmosphere. It feels like we are being greeted by family!
We have experienced everything that the Blackhawk Grille has to offer; from drinking with friends at the bar and chatting with the bartender all night to fine dining in their Estate Room for a special event party; and we couldn’t be happier with the service and food. We constantly recommend it to our friends and coworkers and we try to bring out as many people as possible.
Where do you like to sit in the restaurant?
We prefer the bar for the laid-back atmosphere. We love the bar menu which contains a sampling of high end food without the high end price. The best part about the Blackhawk Grille is that, although it is a beautiful setting, it is not pretentious. It can comfortably accommodate anyone in jeans and a t-shirt as well as those in formal attire. It truly is a fun place and the entire staff always goes above and beyond our expectations.
What do you think about our current Chef?
Chef Ryan is amazing! We talk to a lot of people in the community and all of them seem to say that he really has turned the place around. He is bringing back people that may have been turned off in the past by other chefs or service. When visiting the other restaurants he has worked at, we hear how much they miss him. He comes out of the kitchen, he educates guests on food and he gets them to try new things and opens new horizons. He holds his staff to high standards but, at the same time, is very respectful. I would consider him a friend.
What would you recommend to first timers at the restaurant?
Oh, I don’t think we could recommend just one thing! We absolutely love the cheese fondue...and the halibut...as well as the chicken picatta, the margharita pizza, the flatbread, and the shrimp cocktail. It’s all wonderful. The desserts are incredible too! Also, if you want something to drink, ask the bartender for a cucumber vodka and tonic though they always have something new and interesting to offer as well. The wine list is excellent and also always seems to be improving. If you feel like meeting new people, take a seat at the bar or for a romantic date, try the beautiful patio or a window seat in the Fishbowl. If you are a real foodie, ask for the Chef’s Counter where you can watch everything being made and plated. You will never see a can around, everything is very fresh.
Also, if you see us, come up and introduce yourselves, we love to meet new people!
So tell me a little about yourselves.
“Well, we moved here from New York about three years ago after we got married. Jim took a position as a golf professional at the Blackhawk Country Club and we settled into the area. We love the California weather. We love to go out at the end of the day, especially since neither of us cooks often. Blackhawk Grille has become our own little “Cheers” where we stop on in and say, ‘Hi,’ to everyone we see.”
How long have you been coming to the Blackhawk Grille?
“We have been coming here for three years. The very first day we arrived in California, we had no dishes, no pots or pans, we had nothing. We were both hungry but it was late and nothing seemed to be open. We stumbled across the Blackhawk Grille which was just about to close. The kitchen stayed open late to accommodate us and we have been fans ever since!”
What keeps you coming back?
Although the food is wonderful, it truly is the people that make the place. The moment we enter the door, everyone says, ‘Hi!’ or comes up to greet us, regardless of how busy it is. The staff here goes out of their way constantly for us. Despite the changes that the restaurant has seen over the years, the staff has always been community and customer-oriented. Even though we live on a modest budget ourselves, we willingly come, almost daily, for at least an appetizer at the end of the day and the warm atmosphere. It feels like we are being greeted by family!
We have experienced everything that the Blackhawk Grille has to offer; from drinking with friends at the bar and chatting with the bartender all night to fine dining in their Estate Room for a special event party; and we couldn’t be happier with the service and food. We constantly recommend it to our friends and coworkers and we try to bring out as many people as possible.
Where do you like to sit in the restaurant?
We prefer the bar for the laid-back atmosphere. We love the bar menu which contains a sampling of high end food without the high end price. The best part about the Blackhawk Grille is that, although it is a beautiful setting, it is not pretentious. It can comfortably accommodate anyone in jeans and a t-shirt as well as those in formal attire. It truly is a fun place and the entire staff always goes above and beyond our expectations.
What do you think about our current Chef?
Chef Ryan is amazing! We talk to a lot of people in the community and all of them seem to say that he really has turned the place around. He is bringing back people that may have been turned off in the past by other chefs or service. When visiting the other restaurants he has worked at, we hear how much they miss him. He comes out of the kitchen, he educates guests on food and he gets them to try new things and opens new horizons. He holds his staff to high standards but, at the same time, is very respectful. I would consider him a friend.
What would you recommend to first timers at the restaurant?
Oh, I don’t think we could recommend just one thing! We absolutely love the cheese fondue...and the halibut...as well as the chicken picatta, the margharita pizza, the flatbread, and the shrimp cocktail. It’s all wonderful. The desserts are incredible too! Also, if you want something to drink, ask the bartender for a cucumber vodka and tonic though they always have something new and interesting to offer as well. The wine list is excellent and also always seems to be improving. If you feel like meeting new people, take a seat at the bar or for a romantic date, try the beautiful patio or a window seat in the Fishbowl. If you are a real foodie, ask for the Chef’s Counter where you can watch everything being made and plated. You will never see a can around, everything is very fresh.
Also, if you see us, come up and introduce yourselves, we love to meet new people!
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