The former Cutten Inn has finally reopened, almost two years later than the owner originally projected. There’s no website but the parking lot is fuller every day. They’re open now for breakfast and lunch, eventually for dinners.
I’ve lived three blocks from the old Cutten Inn for 20 years now and have eaten there twice. Years ago I had a client who worked there and I dropped in to see how he was doing. He fixed me the awfullest, greasiest breakfast I had ever had. A couple of years later there was a period when they were trying to be a dinner house. I took someone there and the dinners were okay- I had a pepper steak. But that didn’t last long. Everyone out here has been chomping at the bit for a chance to chomp down on a Chalet omelette. Everyone but me, since I’m not into omelettes, which is why I’ve never visited the original Chalet. So this was all new to me.
We checked the Cutten Chalet out recently and showed up at 11am on Friday. Place was about half-full. The decor was garish. I can’t think of another word. Chandelier-like light fixtures and lace curtains. Well, you can’t eat the decor. Service was swift and pleasant.
I had the corned beef hash ($10.95) which may have come from a can but was good anyway. They offered either “country potatoes” for a dollar extra or hash browns. I always order “country potatoes” because you never know what you’re going to get. These were cubes of potato which had been deep-fried. The waitress told us they heated up well. They charge $3 for a small glass of juice but I guess that’s the going rate these days. I would give my meal a B+. My friend had the Cobb salad, ($10.95) which was really interesting. To me a Cobb Salad is a pile of lettuce topped with a geometrical construction of chopped bacon or ham, egg, and blue cheese. This was tossed so that the toppings were mixed into the lettuce. I think it’s a great idea. She took a lot of it home, but it was a huge salad. I will definitely be back. They’re working on an outdoor seating area, which will be pleasant during the good weather. If we ever have good weather again.
As I write this, the construction work is continuing on the stoplight at Walnut and Fern that my neighbors and I petitioned for FIFTEEN YEARS AGO. I hope it’s everything we had hoped for. If not, you can always cut through the Murphy’s parking lot. Good things take time.
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