Restaurant Journeys: Magleby’s

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RESTAURANT JOURNEYS: MAGLEBY’S

By Markee Heckenliable

I love food, but I’m the type of person who is reluctant to try a new restaurant.

I usually stick to a salad from Durangos or a simple sandwich from Einstein Bros. Bagels. After trying Magleby’s in St. George, Utah, I am reluctant no more.

As I entered the restaurant, I was immediately impressed by the dark wood and gray design of the dining area, which was accented with photographs of the beautiful southern Utah landscape. Also impressive was Braxton, our courteous waiter, who greeted us with a smile and provided great customer service.

The highlight, of course, was the food. For starters, I ordered two appetizers: Baked Brie and Spinach and Artichoke Dip. The Baked Brie, accompanied by an assortment of fruits, nuts, roasted garlic, sourdough crostini, and fig jam, was almost too pretty to eat. The smooth texture and taste of the brie pared well with the savory taste of the garlic and the sweet, tangy taste of the jam. This was my first time trying baked brie, and I admit I was hooked. Not to be outdone, the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, served with homemade tortilla chips and sourdough baguettes, was also mouth-wateringly delicious; I had to stop myself from eating all of it.

Because the appetizers were so delicious, I found myself anticipating the main course meals I had ordered. I was not disappointed. The Filet Oscar, an 8-ounce filet mignon topped with hollandaise sauce and lump crab, and the Filet Medallion, served over garlic mashed potatoes, were beautifully presented and piping hot. Both were a fancy treat. The steaks were perfectly cooked—tender and juicy, east to cut, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. If you are going to spend money on a good steak, Magleby’s is the place to go.

The next dish I tried was the Rustic Penne Pasta, penne pasta tossed with Magleby’s own salsa rosa sprinkled with fresh basil and baked to perfection. This delicious pasta dish is filled with five cheeses: gorgonzola, asiago, parmesan, blue cheese, and mozzarella. It’s a cheese lover’s dream come true—sharp, robust, and full of flavor.

The last main course dish I ordered was the Pulled Turkey and Avocado sandwich. In true California style, it was simple in its preparation with a mindfulness for the healthconscious eater. There was no skimping on the flavor, though. It was very satisfying and offered a nice contrast to the decadent sauces smothering the steaks I sampled earlier. This sandwich makes a good choice when out for lunch with friends, and the generous serving size practically guarantees you’ll have enough to take home for dinner.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a huge sweet-tooth, so nothing was going to stop me from trying Magleby’s Award-Winning Chocolate Cake. The cake was four layers tall and served with a complement of vanilla ice cream and sweet raspberry sauce. Scrumptious and moist, it was the perfect blend of the rich, the smooth, and the tangy—the perfect end to a wonderful meal. It took only one bite of this rich dessert for me to determine that Magely’s was the place where I would be coming for my next birthday celebration.

Main course meals are priced between $10 and $35, with appetizers priced between $7 and $12. The menu includes healthy options (some that are CrossFit approved) and an array of salads and sides. An added plus: the beef used by Magleby’s comes from grass-fed cows.

Open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Magleby’s offers a tasty adventure for everyone seeking a new place to eat.