Cougar Country Eats Abound

Fri., Sept. 20, 1996

By Leslie Kelly lesliek@spokesman.com

Presuming you haven’t stuffed yourself silly on hot dogs and popcorn at the Cougar football game, there are plenty of restaurants in Pullman where you can celebrate the home-opener on Saturday.

The Hilltop is a faculty favorite with its meat-and-potatoes menu and a sweeping view of the town. The offerings include a variety of steaks, prime rib and seafood such as prawns, oysters, bay scallops, even lobster. There’s also chicken and pasta dishes. For reservations, call 334-2555.

When Mom and Dad are picking up the tab, The Seasons comes out on top. The wide-ranging menu features seafood, chicken, beef and pasta entrees. There are several vegetarian dishes including eggplant parmesan and spinach tortellini spinach. Nightly special might include fresh fish such as halibut with a lemon-dill sauce. Save room for dessert, too. All the mouthwatering selections, up to 15, are made on premises by the chef. Reservations are essential. Call 334-1410.

Basilio’s opened last summer with a big selection of Italian specialties. In addition to house favorites such as lasagna and chicken parmesan, the reasonably priced meals include a chicken Caesar salad with artichoke hearts and various sandwiches. Pasta lovers can take comfort in various shapes of noodles smothered in one of nine different sauces. Basilio’s is located at 337 E. Main St. Call 334-7663 for additional information.

Swilly’s is a casual cafe with rough brick walls, wooden floors and a lively atmosphere. Try the pizzetta with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes or the homemade calzone. A satisfying vegetarian burger is made with the legumes that made the Palouse famous - lentils. Dinner selections include the catch of the day, a sirloin steak, raspberry chicken, vegetable curry, grilled veggies with pasta and Thai shrimp with sweet basil. Swilly’s only takes reservations for six or more. Call 334-3395.

Natives of Mexico Jesus Rodriguez and his brother-in-law Abundio Pena own the popular Nuevo Vallarta across from Dissmore’s on Grand Avenue. The restaurant offers typical Mexican fare such as enchiladas, burritos and fajitas. One of the most-ordered meals is the arroz con pollo, the Mexican-style chicken with rice.

For a quick bite, Mikey’s Greek Gyro’s has been a perennial reader’s favorite in the Palouse Journal. The menu is short and to the point: two types of sliced meat sandwiches. Nothing is over $5. It’s located at N.E. 1000 Colorado in Pullman.

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