Roswell’s Salt Factory is what people call a “gastropub” — an annoying bit of foodie jargon that gets to the heart of something important in today’s dining culture. More and more people want to go out to a place that feels as worn in and easygoing as a corner tavern, drink a nice pint of beer and eat something — anything — that goes beyond typical pub fare.
We recently cut a broad swath through the menu at Salt Factory, and here’s our verdict: great hamburger. Seriously: this “Roswell burger” was a big, juicy bacon cheeseburger in a soft, enveloping bun — perfectly straightforward with a little cup of sweet-tangy chow chow for pizzazz. Even the slice of tomato rocked. For a pub, there was a pretty slim selection of brews on draft (no more than a half dozen), I would never mind having a foamy Stella Artois and this burger for my dinner.
I also have nothing but good things to say about the vibe at Salt Factory — warm, spirited, fun. Just the kind of solid-looking spot you want …
Above is the current menu at Alinea, which my wife and I sampled last week in Chicago. While the restaurant has offered a choice of two menus in the past, now there’s just the one and, as I wrote in the previous post, it’s 185 smackeroos.
A few bricks. A little mortar. That should never stand between a chef and his audience.
Last week I was back in Chicago and finally got to try a restaurant that has long fascinated me – 
