The Dodo

http://www.thedodo.net/index.php

1355 E. 2100 S. SLC

801-486-2473 (BIRD)

Price : $$

One of the most exciting things about this blog is that it has given me an excuse to visit restaurants I’ve always wanted to visit.  By sticking to my “strict” guideline of only going to places I have not yet been, I’ve had a great time exploring the culinary tracts of Utah. I originally grew up in Salt Lake City and the Sugar House/East Bench area was always my family’s Saturday outing. We would go to places such as the now closed Bakers de Normandy on State and 1300 s, as well Granite Furniture for family day. I also remember always seeing the Dodo up on the east bench by my elementary school Bennion. I wondered, being a child with an inquisitive nature, why anyone would call their restaurant after the unlucky creature, the dodo.  For those unfamiliar, this unfortunate animal met it’s early demise during the 17th century when sailors first found the creature on islands in the Indian Ocean. As a result of over hunting, introduction of new predators who preyed on their nests, and other factors, the animal became extinct within a century.  Simply put, the animal was put out of commission because people wanted it, animals wanted, and everyone  and everything got it.

The restaurant is no different. You can stop by any night, but particularly during the weekend and brunch schedule to see it packed.  People want the Dodo just as they did the adorably awkward creature.  And there is good reason. The Dodo is simply exceptional. The food, the decor, and the service were all top notch (yes, I know I said I wouldn’t comment on service). Their web site describes their service as American Bistro with a neighborhood flair. It’s sophisticated but not exclusive.

I stopped by during an early lunch hour of 11:30. There are dinner items not available during lunch but more or less the same items can always be ordered. When walking up, the place was just getting busy. By meal’s end, the parking lot was full. They must be doing something right.

For my meal, I ordered what the server called, “Our specialty and what we’re known for,” the Smokey Turkey Sandwich. Typically, I very seldom order sandwiches at sit-down restaurants. I have my favorite sandwich chains at places such as Tony Caputos and Moochies so a sandwich seems strange to feature as a restaurants most renowned meal. I’m glad I didn’t follow my prejudices.

I ordered the Smoked Turkey Sandwich made with in-house smoked turkey with Swiss Cheese and a Side Salad with Gorgonzola Buttermilk dressing. The sandwich also comes with a barbecue dipping sauce.

Look Simple? It tastes great!

A friend of mine suggested getting a sandwich stating that they are some of the best he’s had. I consider sandwiches an easy item to create. All you need is high quality cuts of meat, cheese, and solid bread. Why purchase a 10$  sandwich when you can make your own? The Smoke Turkey Sandwich was incredible. First, the bread was fresh and warmly toasted and had a savory buttery taste. It was crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. It tasted like fresh french bread fresh out of the oven.  The in-house smoked turkey was robust and not flavorful. The swiss cheese added an extra creaminess to the sandwich. You end up with a buttery, crispy, and creamy sandwich.  To top it off, they provide a barbecue sauce that is part vinegary. I used it like a french dip and it catapulted the sandwich to even higher levels.  The Gorgonzola dressing for the salad also went perfect with this meal giving a good counter to the barbecue sauces vinegar and sweet flavors with the dressing’s tangy sauce.  This was one of the best sandwiches not made with an Italian cold cut that I’ve had in a long time.

Usually when I enjoy a great meal, I like to follow up with a good dessert. The dilemma is whether or not the dessert lives up to the  meal’s quality.

Once again, the Dodo delivered. I ordered the Tollhouse Pie

Cookies, Walnuts, Pie Crusts, and Whipped Cream. MMMMMMM!

Simply put, think chocolate chip cookie but thicker, with walnuts and a pie crust. The filling was rich and tasted just like a cookie but with a wetter texture. The pie crust was okay. It could have been more buttery and a bit flakier. It was much thicker and tougher than pie crusts I am usually fond of.  It matched the hardiness of the dessert but just seemed a bit tough. For the price and size, the dessert overall was delicious.

Dodo was a great surprise to me and I plan on going back in the future. I would like to try their other dishes but when they’ve done one so well, it’s hard to imagine deterring from it.  I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant and would love to try a dinner time meal.  This is definitely a place I would recommend to anyone. The price is very reasonable and you’ll understand once you arrive, why much like the creature it’s named after, the Dodo is in such demand.

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