The Lemon Drop — Restaurant in Longview

So….. they had a full house tonight and they certainly deserve it!

Our meals were clearly a hit. Mr. Wonderful had the Italian beef sandwich (imagine a French dip on steroids), he thoroughly enjoyed it. I ordered the sweet Italian sausage and mushroom Pappardelle with acorn squash. It was so well seasoned that every ingredient made an impression.

The highlight of our dining experience this evening was the pumpkin mousse! This tiny confection was out of this world delicious = light, perfectly spiced mousse, sandwiched between a delicate meringue. We almost fought over it. (: Definitely a “should have ordered TWO” = that good of a dessert!

I appreciate the ambience here - Bing Crosby singing tunes and Bob Ross painting, while we’re surrounded by vibrant, happy hipsters. Touché!

Strong 4 1/2 *

Wow, this was a dining experience that we’re certain to repeat. Soon!

Ambiance: hipster, trendy, cool, energetic, eclectic, loud(ish) and fun! Those decriptives + us = lol. Our demographics = older generation yet, we felt welcome and comfy. I love the open kitchen concept, I felt like we were visiting friends in their really cool home.

We began our culinary feast with beverages, I had a Fairy Godmother - which was an absinthe forward magical creation, truly difficult to describe and seriously delicious. Mr. Wonderful enjoyed a Pilsner.

Appetizer: we had the onion and garlic fondue (they were out of their kale & artichoke fondue). It was potent and pungent, served with a delicious grilled squash, crackers and bite-size breads.

Mains: Mr. Wonderful ordered the pork belly BLT. He stated that the pork belly was crisp and that the sandwich made his top five. He ordered potato salad on the side but they were out. He’ll try again next visit. I enjoyed the Thai lettuce wraps with soy curls. This dish was perfection on a plate! The contrast of the warm, peanutty soy curls, the delicately pickled cucumber and the other fresh crisp veggies made this dish scream, yum!

Happy Ending: Blueberry cheesecake to die for! Yes, yes and yes - not to be missed. And if you don’t have the room for it, take a slice to go.

Daniel was our host for the evening. He was personable and genuine - which only added to...

This was an unexpected gem! Being from Portland, having been spoiled by the food scene, I have become quite accustomed to stellar food… and The Lemon Drop exceeded all expectations. I’m plant based… and there were options that were DELICIOUS! I ordered the Thai Lettuce Wraps which had a soy curl meat alternative. OMG! Soooo Good! I had the Gin Lavender Lemon Drop, wow! I wanted another. I ordered their olive oil and lemon pasta. They have GF pasta option (which I didn’t see until later) but I think the dish was fresh pasta. It was amazing. I thought about ordering a 2nd bowl. The desert was what I could only best describe as part way between a biscuit and sponge cake topped with a lemon curd (lemon bar like texture) drizzles with strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Holy Bajeezus it was delightful. I could have ordered everything a second time. It was that good. The portions are healthy… meaning what you would expect from other places in the world, a normal portion. So, I would say it’s unlikely to have left overs. It’s market price, my Thai Lettuce wraps were $14. The pasta was $16…. The ambiance was bright and cute. Very clean. Initially it smelled like pork grease when I entered, but it was relatively subtle and I got used to it. As a vegetarian I’m sensitive to these things…. So, that could just be me. The waitress was lovely and thoughtful. She remembered everything and was attentive even though she was the only server there in a full house. I would definitely go again and...

Finally got a chance to check this place out. And to say I am impressed is an understatement. I didn't think it was possible to find such amazing food and cocktails in Longview.

Let's do a Step by Step. Cocktails to Open: Lemon Drop (How can you not order a Lemon Drop at a place called The Lemon Drop) and Fairy Godmother (Absinthe forward with St. Germaine, Pineapple, and Citrus Juices). Possibly the best Lemon Drop I have ever had. Just the perfect balance of Sour Lemon and Sweetness. The Fairy Godmother is very Anisey on the nose and first taste from the Absinthe, but the juices and Elderflower lend to a lovely evolution and smoothness.

Appetizer: Burrata Toast. SERIOUSLY, Burrata in Longview? And such an amazing presentation to boot. Only potential criticism is it could have used some sea salt for a pop. But delicious. It would have been the highlight of the meal if everything else weren't so great.

Entrees: Thai Lettuce Wraps with Chili Shrimp (Technically an appetizer) Braised Short Rib Panini. Wife absolutely loved her lettuce wraps and will probably be trying next time with an alternative protein. I had the panini and I couldn't have been happier. (Though I did get a bahn mi to go)

Dessert Peach Tart with Peach Coulis and Vanilla ice cream Blueberry Cheesecake These are the highlight of the meal. Absolutely delicious. Tart shell had perfect texture and cheesecake was heaven.

Dessert Cocktail Hemingway A simple lime rum and sugar drink, but prepared...