I want to both highly commend and highly recommend...

I want to both highly commend and highly recommend this restaurant. I was traveling from South Dakota to Ohio to visit family for the holidays when I stopped at the Motel 6 in Rockford on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014. This restaurant was just down the road from the Motel 6 and, tired of chain establishments, I thought I'd give it a try. The atmosphere inside was very warm and inviting and gaily decorated for the holidays but without the heavy touch that too many places have with their decorations. Even without the holiday decorations, however, I sensed it would still be very warm, inviting and attractive.

I was led to my seat, a cozy booth by a window. But then I waited. And waited. And waited and waited and waited. I watched while all the others in my area were served but no one came to my table. After driving solo all day I was tired, cold and hungry and was just about to give up and leave when a lady whom I assume is one of the managers came over and asked if I'd been served. I explained I'd been waiting for about a half hour since I'd been seated. She immediately apologized profusely and took my order. I settled down to enjoying the atmosphere and my newspapers and finally relaxing. She came back with some warm biscuits and what turned out to be cinnamon butter and said that my dinner was on them and she was having the kitchen make my order as quickly as possible. I hadn't asked for that but was impressed with how they were handling their mix-up and appreciated the good customer service.

The cinnamon butter seemed to be fresh and homemade and was scrumptious on the warm biscuits, especially given the miserably wet, cold weather outside. Now as for the meal. Obviously, I cannot speak for all of the entrees, only the one I had. I had the Southwestern Salad, which came with an avocado ranch dressing. It was truly excellent all around. It rested in a tomato-basil shell, which was just the right level of crispy. The blend and amounts of greens, chorizo, cheese, bacon, corn and black beans, hard-boiled egg and onions was just right (as well as being creatively arranged) and the avocado ranch was the perfect dressing for it. It also tasted fresh, without that commercially bottled taste that so many restaurant dressings have. It really hit the spot, especially after such a long day. I also noticed that the menu had a wide variety and range of options, which is usually a good sign in a restaurant. Although I did not have to pay for my dinner, the prices on most of the selections, including the more upscale steak and seafood entrees, appeared to be quite reasonable.

I don't mind when restaurants make mistakes (and they will because they're not run and staffed by robots, after all) as long as they recognize and rectify them instead of dismissing them and/or blaming the customer. This establishment not only recognized the mistake, but immediately apologized and made it right. That doesn't always happen nowadays, so they should be commended for it. And the food was certainly worth the wait. I noticed that, in addition to my own motel, there were several other hotels and motels right by the restaurant and I would highly recommend it if you are staying for the night in Rockford. Also, if you live in Rockford or the surrounding area and haven't tried it yet, I would suggest that you give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I travel to Ohio from South Dakota, and back, several times annually and I'm glad I discovered this place for when I stop in Rockford again.