After I published my first blog about Electric Cheetah I received a message from Cory DeMint; restaurant owner, fellow dog-lover, generally cool guy. He said that he had taken my review to heart, adjusted the flavors in the Black Rice Salad, and invited me back to try the new recipe, on the house. So, my husband and I went to Electric Cheetah for dinner last night to give it another shot.
We were starving so we ordered an appetizer this time. It was our first time trying the Southern Raw Fries (thin sliced Michigan potatoes, fried so they are kind of crispy and kind of floppy and topped with kosher salt and white balsamic vinegar) and they did not disappoint. Lightly dressed with salt and vinegar, sometimes chewy, sometimes light and crispy. The portion was huge for only $4… the two of us couldn’t finish it.
Chris got a burger, and said it was the best one he has had in a long time. But, back to me.
There is no picture to post of the salad because when the server placed it in front of me it smelled so incredible that I completely forgot to take any pictures and just started wolfing it down. The smell hit my nose like freshly cut flowers. I couldn’t put my finger on the source of the springtime floral scent, but I think it must have something to do with the ginger. The rice was perfectly cooked, once again, and had a chewy consistency and nutty flavor. The addition of the orange segments and sliced scallions really brightened up the salad. All of it was tossed in a much more flavorful dressing that was a little tart and lightly sweet, complementing the salty salmon perfectly.
The seared salmon was once again seasoned flawlessly, and the filet was larger than the one on my previous salad. About 1/4 of the filet was raw in the middle, but the rest of it was cooked the way I prefer; bright orange, but slightly opaque. I absolutely love all sorts of raw fish, including salmon, when I have sushi or sashimi. But, sashimi grade salmon seems firmer and more chewy than the salmon filets used for cooking. I can’t really say whether or not a salmon filet prepared rare is “correct” or “incorrect.” I think it all comes down to personal preference. The server was very sweet and offered to have it put back on the grill, but I declined the offer as I had already torn the fish apart and ate almost all of it, just not the most raw portion.
Excellent service. Excellent food. Everyone should try this salad – it is deliciously exotic.
You really did it this time, Cory. Next time I come in I am going to struggle with which of my two favorite meals to get. Can I ask your opinion on something? Who do you think would win in a fight between a grilled cheese sandwich and a black rice salad?
Yeah, that was a Hot Rod reference. I’m …kind of a dork.
Electric Cheetah 1015 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-451-4779 http://www.electriccheetah.com/
