Dining Out In Arlington
Ted's Montana Grill
Joanna Faust
Issue date: 2/21/06 Section: Columns
The American expansion west was an exciting and invigorating time; unfortunately, more so for the American pioneer and less so for the American bison. The bison (commonly known as buffalo) population fell from numbering in the millions to just a few thousand in less than one hundred years.
In the last few decades, conservationists such as Ted Turner have formed enormous ranches dedicated to repopulating the bison. Today, Turner Enterprises owns more bison than any other rancher, including the federal government. Turner has decided to celebrate the rebirth of the species by bringing the mighty bison to you in Ballston…on a plate!
Ted's Montana Grill, located at the corner of Wilson Blvd. and Glebe Rd. is my new favorite place. It's casual but elegant, all low lights, tin ceilings, and warm high-backed wood booths covered with brown butcher paper and red-checked napkins.
The Ted's experience starts off just right, with a bowl of tangy little pickles to munch on as you look over the menu. The service is terrific - our server noticed I was waiting alone at the table and brought me a little plate of hot rolls to keep me company. She also made sure that we had two glasses of soda at all times so we never had to track her down in a Coke-deprived rage.
Ted's menu is extensive and there is something for everyone. Think Cracker Barrel crossed with Outback Steakhouse. Daily "Blue Plate" specials include Chicken Fried Chicken or Roast Turkey and Dressing, all including two sides and fresh rolls, ranging in price from $10.99 to $14.99.
We started off with the Tomato/Onion salad with Basil Vinaigrette and the Chicken and Sausage gumbo, both $2.99. The salad was bursting with freshness and featured some type of Super Tomato that was bigger in circumference than my head (meaning: very big). I liked the gumbo as well, although my dining companion Nathan Olson (3D) said he "expected more flavor." (Take that with a grain of salt as what Minnesota Yankee can truly judge gumbo?)
In the last few decades, conservationists such as Ted Turner have formed enormous ranches dedicated to repopulating the bison. Today, Turner Enterprises owns more bison than any other rancher, including the federal government. Turner has decided to celebrate the rebirth of the species by bringing the mighty bison to you in Ballston…on a plate!
Ted's Montana Grill, located at the corner of Wilson Blvd. and Glebe Rd. is my new favorite place. It's casual but elegant, all low lights, tin ceilings, and warm high-backed wood booths covered with brown butcher paper and red-checked napkins.
The Ted's experience starts off just right, with a bowl of tangy little pickles to munch on as you look over the menu. The service is terrific - our server noticed I was waiting alone at the table and brought me a little plate of hot rolls to keep me company. She also made sure that we had two glasses of soda at all times so we never had to track her down in a Coke-deprived rage.
Ted's menu is extensive and there is something for everyone. Think Cracker Barrel crossed with Outback Steakhouse. Daily "Blue Plate" specials include Chicken Fried Chicken or Roast Turkey and Dressing, all including two sides and fresh rolls, ranging in price from $10.99 to $14.99.
We started off with the Tomato/Onion salad with Basil Vinaigrette and the Chicken and Sausage gumbo, both $2.99. The salad was bursting with freshness and featured some type of Super Tomato that was bigger in circumference than my head (meaning: very big). I liked the gumbo as well, although my dining companion Nathan Olson (3D) said he "expected more flavor." (Take that with a grain of salt as what Minnesota Yankee can truly judge gumbo?)