Red Tractor -- Two Hands on the Belly
Written: Nov 08 '00 (Updated Feb 04 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: farmhouse side dishes
Cons: food temperature and service -- eh --
The Bottom Line: OK for comfort food...
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| megugrrrl's Full Review: Red Tractor Cafe |
When you walk into the Red Tractor, you almost get this feeling that you entered a barn; while the place is small, it has high-ceilings and an open feeling… it has that rustic farm feeling with the giant jars of preserves lined up along the wall and pictures of tractors colored in by kids plastered everywhere. This is precisely the effect they were going for since the Red Tractor is the owner’s tribute to his childhood memories on his Aunt Minnie’s farm.
If the décor doesn’t transform the place into a farm, the food definitely will. They serve downhome meals; comfort food at a restaurant that’s actually good.
Upon entering, you walk up to the register and order off the huge menu board. Meatloaf, potroast, meal-sized salads… With each entrée (what they refer to as ‘platters’) you get your choice of two side orders. I ordered the smokehouse platter of barbecue chicken breast (which wasn’t a filet, it was still on the bone!) and it was tender and tasty. ($6.95) Their barbecue sauce was sweet, tangy and savory all at the same time. My friend got the ‘Real Meat Loaf Sandwich’ ($4.95) and since he didn’t get his choice of sides and is a huge eater, he also ordered the ֭ sides Sampler Platter’ where you get (obviously) your choice of 3 sides. He ordered the sourdough stuffing (mmmm), garlic mashed potatoes and gravy (not garlicky enough) and the macaroni and cheese like me.
Each entrée also comes with a cheddar biscuit that is probably a lot better when it’s hot. My side dishes were macaroni and cheese and corn on the cob. How downhome can you get?! The mac and cheese was cheesy and al dente and my corn was piping hot and sweet. We were served our food just five minutes after we sat down… which is part of my one complaint about the Red Tractor. OK, so the food was delivered quickly but other than the corn, it wasn’t hot, just warm. I got the feeling that the stuff was pre-made and sitting somewhere waiting to be served, which is why I only rated 3 stars. I could be wrong though, but how can you account for fast service and warm food?
While they offer wine and beer, I chose to wash my meal down with a glass of cold milk. What goes better with farm cooking?
I didn’t have a beer and I also didn’t get to partake in dessert (which is very odd for me.) I was too full to eat another thing, but I did manage to get a bite of my friend’s apple crisp—which was a generous portion and most tasty. They also serve huge Rice Krispies Treats, butterscotch bread pudding and giant cookies.
Frankly, I was surprised this wasn’t a chain restaurant (the one in Oakland is the second one, the original being in San Jose). I was surprised because the graphics on the giant billboard-style menu, decals on the door, and silk-screened t-shirts hung on a clothesline by the register have that professional chain store look to it. Simple red. The owner must know a graphic designer.
P.S. I heard brunch, with country waffles and ‘Tractor Bennedict’ was good (and based on my dinner experiences there I’m sure it is) but I still haven’t made it to brunch because it’s too crowded on the weekends. I’m trying to go…
(P.S. Yes, I borrowed my title from the Round Table Pizza commercials with Doug and Tim)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
megugrrrl
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Oakland
Reviews written: 147
Trusted by: 317 members
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