June 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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On the eve of June 25th, my boyfriend and I were interested in finding a classy restaurant in Fort St. John to celebrate my 21st Birthday. We decided to return to Uptown Grill, as I had visited and thoroughly enjoyed their delicious food during the “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town Week”. Since it was my Birthday, I had given myself permission to eat anything and everything in sight, so I was more than prepared to enjoy a delicious meal.
We started the evening out by selecting a wine from their wine list. Our waitress was very helpful and informative as she assisted us in selecting a fantastic wine. Afterwards, we decided to split the oriental spring rolls as an appetizer. They were absolutely incredible! We most certainly did not need them however, as our meals included a complimentary salad. I decided to try the teriyaki sirloin as a main course, which proved to be nine ounces of deliciousness! Unfortunately, since I had been such a birthday pig for most of the day, I could barely get through half of it. I am a carnivore and definitely love my meat but for those who are not, Uptown Grill marks all of their vegetarian meals with a small symbol in order to appropriately inform the customer. In addition, they have specials for each day of the week. Each day is a different theme and the daily features include an appetizer, main course, and a dessert.
During the meal, my boyfriend did the usual sneak off to the “bathroom” in order to inform our waitress that it was my birthday. The restaurant was so great that they allowed me to select a dessert and of course, it was on the house.
The general atmosphere in Uptown Grill provides for a relaxing and classy night out in Fort St. John. The outstanding cuisine and friendly service are sure to make the evening a success. I had a fantastic birthday and I will most certainly be returning there soon for our next festive event.
June 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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One of the true gems in the North Peace area is the Shepherd’s Inn restaurant. Located 40 kilometres north of Fort St. John along the Alaska Highway at mile 72, it is a bit out of the way for people not venturing north of Fort St. John but it is well worth the drive.
The Shepherd’s Inn is clean and simple, a classic diner style restaurant with cross-stitch pieces and local art on the walls. There are also some books and a few souvenirs and postcards for sale.
Upon arrival we seated ourselves by the window and were attended to immediately. My mother ordered coffee and I ordered the Iced Russian Tea. The beverage was a new experience for me. It was sweet with some spices in it (possibly cloves). It reminded me of a cold cider. I will have to go back just to have another glass and ask instruction on how to make it. After looking over the reasonably extensive and varietal menu I selected the barbeque beef (open faced beef sandwich with their special homemade BBQ sauce) with homemade fries (with REAL gravy!) and creamy coleslaw. The bread was homemade, thick and delicious.
After doing my best to finish the huge meal in front of me I decided that I just had to have a taste of the legendary homemade pie that people always seem to talk about after going to the Shepherd’s Inn. My mother and I decided to share a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie and ice cream. The pie was warm and perfect with a packed brown sugar crumble as the top crust.
The entire experience was extremely enjoyable and I would certainly recommend this little Inn to anyone; whether to locals who haven’t been there, or visitors just passing through. It makes a perfect afternoon away from the kitchen especially at such a reasonable price. The bill for the two of us came to $32.00 (and that included drink refills and shared dessert!)
I will defiantly be back.