Rough Creek - Not so rough after all!

I spent the last two days at Rough Creek Lodge and Resort near Glen Rose, Texas.  Rough Creek is an Executive Retreat and Resort located on 11,000 acres within 90 miles of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. It is known as an Executive Retreat but it is certainly more than that. It is family friendly and also a perfect Romantic Getaway location.  This was my third stay at Rough Creek. When I arrived this time I recognized the staff members. I usually don't see familiar faces when I arrive at other places. I think I recognized them because they had been so attentive to me on prior stays with them. Immediately the hospitality began.

Rough Creek has earned so many reputable awards and has been recognized by places I rely on when making my travel plans and bucket list additions.You can read all about those on their website but I'm going to share my observations with you today. I'm not an expert at travel or dining but I am smart enough to know when I'm am being treated as an appreciated guest and  I've eaten enough meals in my life to know when an effort has been made to impress my palate.

Rough Creek Lodge

Rough Creek spans several counties in Texas

The Conference Center pleasingly blends into the Texas terrain. 

Native Trees and whimsical touches create a nice atmosphere. I also love how both the Texas and American flags are proudly waving when you arrive at the entry. 

The rooms are spacious and these beds have such restful mattresses! Divine! I even received turn down service during my stay.

Everywhere you look you find a unique twist!

A little thing like a pheasant sink makes washing your hands an experience!

This is the view I had from my room about an hour before sunset.

You don't have to worry about wearing your muddy boots into your room. Leave them here right outside your door and they will magically  be cleaned for you! 

There are plenty of places to rest and enjoy the vistas and soak in a bit of sun and sounds of nature. I sat here a while and listened to the relaxing chirps of the birds before they settled in for the night.

I took a little walk before our evening reception because I knew I needed it before the dining experience that was ahead of me. I was amazed at the huge Texas sky. What a beautiful place to escape and only an hour or so from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.  When I finished my walk and started back to the Lodge I observed an employee moving from vehicle to vehicle carefully washing the windshield of each guest staying for the night. I'm telling you, service here is something else!

The Chef has his own little garden. I discovered it on my evening walk.

Chef Gerard Thompson specializes in his modern interpretation of the rustic American cuisine. 

The Great Room is a masterpiece of architecture.

These beef tenderloin wraps were delicious at lunch.

I tried several things from the lunch buffet. My favorite was the  upland duck confit pizza with fresh roasted corn and cilantro. This picture just doesn't do it justice though. 

Lunch tables are always adorned with the signature house made potato chips. I must admit I couldn't resist them and as soon as this little cone is empty, they bring more to the table!

You don't just sit down to eat here. Your chair is pulled away from the table for you and as you are seated the pillow in your chair is adjusted by the attendant to properly relax your back. After this is completed the attendant removes the napkin from the table and gently places it across your lap. Next you will be served water and as it is poured the attendant has the pitcher in one hand and a cloth in the other to shield any droplet of water from splashing anywhere. This little ceremony is so special and sets the stage for your dining experience. It relaxes and soothes me. To think, only last night I was out in my garden picking turnip greens feeling about as country as a girl can get and today I am being seated as a queen!

For my evening meal starter I had the Grilled Texas Quail, Ancho Pepper Lentils, and Sherry Maple Glaze. I ate every bite! 

For my  main course I had Herb Crusted Tasmanian Steelhead Trout, Rutabaga Puree, Corn broth and Sunflower spouts.

Valrhona Chocolate Lava Cake with House Churned Caramel Ice Cream arrived in style for dessert. OH MY GOSH!!!!  That ice cream was one of the best things I have ever had!

I enjoyed this dinner after we had just finished a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres  that included huge chilled shrimp that had been marinated in Tequila, Cilantro and Lime, Grilled Salmon and Avacado wrapped in Rice Paper, Shrimp Corn Fritters, Upland Bird Quesadillas and Barbecued Duck Nachos! My favorite of these were the Shrimp Corn Fritters! Mmmmm!

Morning breaks after an evening of rest and a sublime breakfast buffet awaits you! The granola is house made.

Applewood Smoked Bacon, Fire Roasted Pit Ham,  Pork Linked Sausage, Turkey and Pork Sausage Patties. I usually skip this portion of breakfast but the sausage is house made and I always have to have it!

My favorite breakfast dish is the Smoked Cheddar and Roasted Poblano Pepper Grits. I could eat a bowl of that alone and be satisfied for most of the day!

After breakfast an array of dried fruits sits in the great room for you to come by and sample at any time in case you  want a snack - Compliments of the Chef!

I concluded my stay dining on another lunch buffet.  I had a bib lettuce salad coated in buttermilk dressing. I love the smooth texture of bib lettuce! I also had roasted vegetables and soup. The soup was the best thing I had while I was there! It is their Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup. That name just doesn't seem fancy enough for such a flavorful creation! The temperature was perfect, the taste was a burst of flavor and when I got to the bottom of the bowl I tossed aside table manners, tilted the bowl and got the last few drops in my spoon!   I checked the website to see if this soup recipe was included in their online recipes but it wasn't! I guess they are keeping that a secret! If you would like to see some of the other recipes, peruse the menus or watch Chef Thompson create a dish you can go to http://roughcreek.com/dining/

There are so many things to do and enjoy at Rough Creek besides eating so I encourage you to explore their main website at

http://roughcreek.com/

I am back home today doing my routine things around the house but my thoughts keep taking me back to my experience from the last two days. I tried new things, I experienced the fresh air of the country and I still feel completely relaxed today. Thank you Rough Creek! I can't wait to see you again!