INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
Power Lunch
The Grill on the Alley
By Christy Rosen
The Grill on the Alley
120 East Promenade Way
Westlake Village CA 91362
805.418.1760
www.thegrill.com
Remember when business was done over a great meal in the middle of the day? Men wore a suit and tie while women sported high heels and leather briefcases. Wearing khakis was reserved only for Fridays. True, business dress code may be more relaxed nowadays, but the essence of the "power lunch" is still alive and well. Upon entering The Grill at the Westlake Promenade, the rich chocolate leather and pristine white linens tell you that this won’t be just an ordinary lunch.
Some Power Lunch Menu Suggestions
Pepper Steak and Crab Cakes with carb-friendly Broccoli side
Lobster Martini topped with caviar and a slice of lime
Chicken Pot Pie The ultimate comfort food
At The Grill, menu options range from seafood, chicken or steak, to salads, wraps, or house specialties like chicken pot pie, meat loaf, and calf’s liver. In a nut shell, there is something for everyone.
Having lived just minutes from Maryland, it is pretty hard to impress me with crab cakes. I took one bite of The Grill’s jumbo lump crab cake and simply said, “Wow.” If there were any fillers, you certainly couldn’t taste them. The crab was front and center and simply delicious.
The wedge salad featured crisp, fresh, iceberg lettuce that literally snapped in my mouth. It was drenched in bleu cheese dressing and accompanied by tomato, red onion, and large chunks of creamy, pungent bleu cheese. It was everything you want in a Wedge salad.
As we waited for our main courses to arrive, I was struck by the sophisticated crowd that had taken over the restaurant. A mixture of men and women dressed to impress. The majority of the crowd looked to be business professionals – doing business the old-fashioned way – over a great lunch.
If you are looking for a healthier meal, the ahi tuna wrap is a nice option. Ahi tuna was blackened and wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado. A wasabi aioli gives the wrap a much-needed kick. The skirt steak was bursting with flavor. Marinated in soy, citrus, and herbs, this thinly sliced steak was cooked perfectly. Order sautéed spinach on the side and you have an Atkins friendly lunch that will leave you satisfied but not stuffed. For a true indulgence, order the chicken pot pie. A flaky, buttery crust, provides the home for a mixture of chicken, peas, and carrots swimming in a rich cream sauce. Comfort food at its finest.
Do your best to save room for one of The Grill’s house made desserts. Featuring a warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream that was smothered in caramel and chocolate sauce, then topped with candied pecans, the fudge brownie pie was as decadent as they come. On the lighter side, the key lime pie had bright citrus flavor that was accentuated by fresh raspberries and lime zest, creating a tangy and sweet ending.
The Grill offers a powerful alternative to the more casual lunch establishment. An elegant atmosphere, an attentive staff, and a menu that offers enough variety to satisfy any palate. Check your calendar now and call The Grill for your next power lunch.
