Filling up at the Gibbet Hill Grill

The Gibbet Hill Grill (http://www.gibbethillgrill.com/) in Groton, MA is situated next to a beautifully open field, which compliments its country farm feel perfectly.  They grow their own produce on site, and the rest of their ingredients are seasonal and locally grown.   

I've been here several times and have never had a bad experience.  This time was no exception. 

While I usually get the Roasted Free-Range Chicken Breast, I decided to swtich things up and go for their Pan-Roasted Duck Breast.  Although it is usually served with braised endive, white bean puree, and a kumquat chutney, I substituted in sides of Mushrooms and their (awesome) Mac & Cheese. 

The duck was moist and tender.  There was a rather thick layer of fat under the skin.  I tried a bite or two with it, but didn't think it added any real value to the flavor or texture (it was really chewy), so I cut it off.  It was more succulent without it. 

The mushrooms are a mixture of shiitake, portobello, and oyster.  Despite not coming with it, their earthy taste paired perfectly with the duck.

Good news... I found a macaroni and cheese that I enjoyed!  It is baked with cheddar and chives.  Between my duck and mushrooms, I was already plenty full, but I couldn't stop coming back to this wonderfully rich dish. 

My boyfriend, Matt, got the Prime Rib and added on their Blue Cheese Compound Butter.  If you're a steak fan, you have to try this combo.  The blue cheese butter is downright delicious.  You could smother anything in it and it would taste amazing. 

As one of his sides, Matt also got their Onion Rings.  Whether we're ordering take out or dining at a formal restaurant, if they are on the menu, he'll get them.  We both agreed that Gibbet Hill's might be the best we've ever had.  The onion is perfectly balanced with the thickness of the batter, which is crunchy and well seasoned.

Finally, we finished off with my favorite dessert:  Carrot Cake.  Gibbet Hill's moist version sits in a bed of caramel and comes with a pecan cream cheese frosting.  I had absolutely no room in my stomach for dessert, but I ate the whole thing. 

If you're heading north (it's about an hour away from Boston) and you're hungry, stop here.  You will get a beautiful meal.