I’ve gone all Calamity Jane…whipcrack away!Our guest blogger Pete is back at the Whiptail Grill, Zion

“Calamity Jane” was one of my favourite movies.  I remember vividly going to see it as a small child  with my Aunty Lesley, who had a soft spot for Doris Day, as do I. In fact on a recent trip to Carmel, we visited her doggie-friendly hotel (The Cypress Inn) for cocktail hour. Do go along if you’re ever there, as the entertainment of all the different sizes and breed of dogs, not to mention the owners is unmissable.

Anyway, I am very excited that that our favourite Californian guest blogger Pete Russell has done a brilliant food review for us, the title of which made me want to crack my whip and sing “Secret Love”. I really should get out more….anyway, this is definitely on my hit list of places to visit.

HATHAWAY HAS A WAY AT THE WHIPTAIL GRILL

John Hathaway is an adrenaline junkie, he drives his motorbike at 180mph, throws himself out of planes, and owns the Whiptail Grll in Springdale Utah. But with 2 years of 90 hour weeks, he hired a couple of helps, taught one to cook, the other to prep and washup, and took over as maitre D’, or waiter!

Lynda and I happened across it one wet Tuesday evening  after a very wet drive from Gallup NM on our way to Zion National Park. Most reviews were good, but these didn’t prepare us for the treats to come. We nearly didn’t get to eat there at all, as it was full when we arrived, but happily, as we turned dejectedly to go, a couple paid their bill and left, and we gladly took their places. Whiptail is set in what once was a gas station, and has 4 tables inside, and 10 tables outside, on this Tues, only inside was appealing. 

We selected chips, salsa and guacamole to share as an appetizer, washed down with a Dos Equis Amber and the house Pinot Grigio, and very good and freshly made and prepared as it was, it didn’t herald what was to come. John explained his specials, a blackened Ahi Tuna, and a Peruvian chili rubbed rib-eye steak with an avocado compound butter. Pete chose the rib-eye and Lynda chose the Chipotle Chicken Enchilada from the regular menu. 

John’s approach to alcohol is nothing if not eclectic, he lists some American and Mexican beers, and 4 beers from a local brewery, but only mentions that wines are available by asking the server. When asked, he said he had a Pinot Grigio, a Chardonnay, a Riesling (one glass left), a Pinot Noir and a Cab Sauv., not at all impressive. 

However, when the mains arrived, along with 2 glasses of Ravenswood Cab Sauv, any misgivings were banished. Lynda’s enchiladas were subtly spiced, elegantly presented with chipotle marinated chicken, onions, green chilies, in a roasted tomatillo green chilli sauce and topped with cheese and salsa fresca. This was the best enchilada we had ever tasted, and we are no strangers to Mexican cuisine.

Pete’s juicy rib-eye was cooked to medium rare with the Peruvian chili rub gently tickling the spice meter and the avocado butter providing a complimentary creamy finish. Both mains were accompanied with black beans  and a baby green salad with either a home made roasted red pepper or a chipotle dressing, we had one of each, both were excellent in their own way, but we couldn’t decide which was better. 

We were discussing whether we had room for dessert when John delivered his signature dessert to our table, a habanero spiced chocolate and peanut butter creme brulee, and with a cheery “the faster you eat it the hotter it gets”, he disappeared to the kitchen. This was memorable, and nothing short of heavenly. The habanero gently clutched the back of the throat while the chocolate and thankfully almost non-existant peanut butter creamed the tongue and cheeks.

If and when you visit Zion, do give John’s Whiptail Grill an visit, you won’t be disappointed.

I want to visit now, Pete that looks amazing. Incidentally, people… any great mexican recipes are always welcomed! Send them in.