Undercover Diner Visits 221 Tap & Table

This was our second trip "out west" to 221 Tap & Table. Our first visit was almost two years ago, shortly after they took over the Trio location. While the menu has evolved, it still offers a wide variety of choices. I often get a bit skeptical when restaurants have an extensive menu, wondering if some items might be frozen or if it is challenging to specialize in just a few signature dishes.

Our first experience was enjoyable. A friend who lives nearby swears by it, and another is equally enthusiastic. This time around, our experience was just as positive, with both food and service of a high standard. It seems that whenever we sit in the bar area, service reaches another level—as though the server is always a step ahead, anticipating our needs. It is like a scene from *M*A*S*H*, with Radar O'Reilly and Colonel Blake, with "anticipatory customer service" at its best. My wife, who always hopes that her iced tea glass is kept filled with ice, was delighted when our server went above and beyond.

Arriving just as they opened at 11 a.m. on a Sunday, the iced tea was freshly brewed warm, which meant the ice quickly melted. Our server anticipated this, bringing an extra glass of ice right away, which put a smile on the boss’s face.

Throughout the meal, she continued to anticipate our needs with thoughtful touches, ensuring a smooth and memorable dining experience by:

- Refilling drinks as they got low without us having to ask.

- Offering extras like napkins and condiments.

- Checking in at just the right times—never interrupting, but always there when we needed her.

This level of service made us feel genuinely cared for and appreciated, building loyalty and a desire to return.

We rarely order appetizers, but with a new menu to explore, we decided to try the Hummus Dip, which came with garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon, tortilla chips, and fresh vegetables. The restaurant allowed us to swap out celery for added carrots, broccoli, and cucumbers, all of which were fresh and tasty.

My wife ordered the Reuben with French fries, substituting turkey for corned beef. It featured Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, just the right amount of Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread. She found it delicious, even bringing half home for leftovers, so I can personally report on its taste later.

I opted for something unique: the Maple Sweet Potato Entrée Salad with grilled salmon. It included mixed greens, roasted sweet potato, pomegranate pearls, pine nuts, apple Parmesan, and a maple vinaigrette. It was fantastic. The salmon was perfectly cooked, with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, flaky layers inside. Lightly seasoned, it kept a touch of sweetness that complemented the salad beautifully.

To my friends and everyone who lives "out west" in Farmington and beyond, cheers to you for having such a great spot nearby!