HEARTLAND VIEW
By Stephanie McCoy

Main Street Grill in Atlantic, Iowa has a menu to boast about.  Jan Book, the hostess of the Main Street Grill since its opening, feels the restaurant is more than just a place to work.

"It's a really enjoyable working atmosphere," Book said.  "It's not like a job.  It's just a fun place to come to."

The Main Street Grill serves everything from classic salads to specialty sandwiches.  The juicy steaks and fragrant pastas complete the eclectic menu.  Not only does the Main Street Grill have a very selective menu, but everything they cook is homemade.

Low-fat quesadillas, a healthy chick platter and vegetarian garden burgers are some health conscious alternatives that are offered.  If calories are not a concern, the baked sour cream berry pie and the fried strawberry cheesecake are just a couple of the decadent dessert choices.

The Grill also sells many flavors of fudge throughout the year.  Cookies, breads and flavored popcorn are sold seasonally.  Whole pies, made from scratch, are also sold upon request.

The restaurant also offers a large party room that can be reserved for events such as reunions.  Jan Book has been the hostess at the Grill since 1992 when the restaurant was the Chestnut Tree Cafe.  She has seen a pretty busy season so far. 

"We do a lot of Christmas parties, wedding receptions, birthdays and class reunions.  We're real busy," Book said.

Leslie Becker, owner, is truly grateful for the ward reception the Grill has received from the town.  For a few years she lived in Maryville, Missouri and worked for A&G Restaurant where she credits much of her knowledge about the restaurant business.  With the fantastic food and wonderful atmosphere, the Main Street Grill should be entertaining guests for years to come.

50+ LIFESTYLES
By Pat Schnepf

Discover a Hometown Hidden Gem -
We were in Council Bluffs earlier in the month and my assignment was to find us a place to have lunch when returning to Des Moines.  We took the road less traveled...

We got to Atlantic and found the Main Street Grill and Whitney Inn.  This is a new place in an old facility.  A young woman is working hard to resurrect this old railroad hotel, which serviced as apartments and alcohol rehab facilities among other things throughout the years.  As is the case with many old places, it will take lots of time and money to restore it to its former glory.

The cafe was very cheery, with white tablecloths and flowers.  The wait staff proved to be accommodating.  Our server mentioned that a potato casserole had been the daily special, but she thought it might be gone.  Gerry's favorite food in the world is anything with potatoes in it, so she scurried back to the kitchen to check.  Meanwhile, Bill and I went over the menu, which has a wide selection.

I looked at the dessert menu first, as I always do.  If I decide on dessert, then I cut way back on the entree.  I was not disappointed in the "Sweet Endings."  But how was I to choose one item from so many?...I opted for the "Apple/Raisin/Nut Bread Pudding" topped with caramel sauce.  I envisioned a small square of pudding, but it was huge and warm.  I urged Gerry and Bill to join me for this heavenly light flavor-packed treat.

Back to the entrees, Gerry lucked out.  There were four servings of potato casserole left (he only ordered one).  It looked like a family-sized casserole, a huge serving of thickly sliced potatoes fried lightly brown combined with a generous portion of chicken fingers.  In the center was a mound of mushrooms, tomatoes and broccoli, smothered in a cheese sauce.  He smiled for several hours after consuming this gourmet delight.

Bill chose the prime rib sandwich.  They were very generous with the slices of prime rib on a crispy bun.  He got a nice salad and deli pickle along with the sandwich.  He said it was very good.

Since I already had chosen the bread pudding, I opted for the tomato bisque soup and a hard roll.  The soup was very good with chunks of tomatoes.  For me, food has to be chunky...

The owner, Leslie, gave us a tour of the hotel suite facilities.  They are gradually turning the rooms into mini-suites with kitchenettes, coffee makers and microwaves.  They also have television sets...What a great weekend getaway in a wonderful, small Iowa community.

I loved this place.  The food, service and ambience were all exceptional.

COUNCIL BLUFFS
NONPAREIL
By Tom McMahon

Establishment Meets Needs of Hungry Nostalgia Lovers
Nostalgia fans, fine food lovers, chocaholics and people looking for a weekend getaway can get all their needs met at a downtown Atlantic landmark - a landmark that has been a harness factory, John Deere dealership, hotel, family retirement community and gift shop in its 116-year history.

The Main Street Grill and Whitney Inn, located at 222 Chestnut St. in downtown Atlantic, is what its name implies - a restaurant and hotel.  But people who know own and chief cook, Leslie Becker, know the 3-story building is more than that.  It's a living history of the city's past, from the carriage in the lobby to the hand-painted murals gracing the restaurant walls.

The grill/inn boasts original wood-beamed ceilings and dark woodwork.  High ceilings sport chandeliers and flowers can be found throughout.

The grill boasts several dining rooms and an outdoor flower court.  "Come enjoy a meal under the stars..."

Becker said Whitney Inn, the structure's two upper floors, has eight suites, up from its original two.  "We have been gradually growing as the money, time and my body have allowed," she laughs.

She said each suite has a living room, dining room and kitchen, along with a microwave and coffee maker.

It's also a great place to get homemade fudge and other taste treats...About that fudge.

The Fudge Counter is a popular stop, even for those not dining or staying at the inn.  Becker whips up several flavors of fudge, made with real cream butter.  Her divinity is an eagerly-anticipated Atlantic Christmas specialty.  Becker also tempts customers with her homemade sugar cookies and flavored popcorn.

Her appreciation for her building's history is evident as visitors will find as they note the lobby bookcase filled with memorabilia of the structure's "past lives."

There is something for everybody at this 1889 Atlantic landmark with nine lives, As the web site says, "All the charm of yesteryear, all the convenience of today."