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| - I admit I was a little hesitant opening up my Yelp app on the way to Aurora Farms Premium Outlets to look for a bite to eat. But several pioneering Yelpers had recommended this classy yet cozy grill conveniently located off the main road, so it was definitely worth a shot.
A few minutes after parking and walking the stone path to the door, we were the first ones seated on the covered patio out front. Looking around, you'll notice there's also a side patio strung with lights for those extra crowded summer nights. Though the hostesses greeting us were pretty casually dressed, the waiters were dressed in spiffy black and whites and well-mannered.
The lunch menu is filled with all manner of meaty sandwiches, salads, and soups. One of the daily specials was a spinach wrap with a more tropical seafood bent. We ordered the Calamari to start, and even though the kitchen forgot the capers, this is some of the best calamari I've ever had. A light but crispy shell around tender squid and octopus morsels. Drizzled with aoili for extra creaminess. None of the tough, leathery bites that pass for calamari at other pubs! As we found out later though, this is an appetizer you should try to finish in-house... Unless you enjoy the potent perfume of seafood in your car on a warm day.
Next we split a Short Rib Sandwich, which we asked them to slice in half and came out presented open faced on a pretzel bun with a side of shoestring fries. The horseradish relish cuts down the heaviness of the juicy meat, and you can never go wrong with a pretzel bun! I realized in the middle of conversing that I had been talking with my mouth full because I couldn't stop eating the fries. They look like your average thin-cut, salted breed at first glance, but something about them brings out the addictive personality in me.
Were I to live in the area, I could see this becoming a regular spot to enjoy a patio lunch. Dinner prices would probably keep me away unless for a special occasion. The brief glimpse of the inside on my way to the bathroom leads me to believe the cute interior is no less enjoyable.
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