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Yahoo Reviews.

3 On the Road

By: Cindy Huff, Nita Smith & June Conard

"Hello and welcome to our new monthly feature, "Three On The Road" follow along with us each month as we visit and critique restaurants across Illinois.  Wherever we go, small mom and pop restaurants, national chains or high priced spreads, we will report it here".  

"The Depot Supper Club  If you are looking for a nice quiet evening away from the kiddies, may we suggest the Depot Supper Club in Salem, Illinois?  Enjoy a cocktail or a nice glass of wine, as you sit and listen to the sound of soft jazz.  The depot is an upscale supper club so one expects to pay a little more for the wonderful food.  Chef and owner Doug Fontana  is from Los Angeles, California and he is bringing some new tastes to the Midwest.  June ordered the pork loin wrapped in bacon, it was cooked to perfection, and served with Peruvian Potatoes, which are purple by the way, and although June didn't really care for the color, we all tasted them and they were delicious.  Nita tried the Chicken Marsala served on a bed of linguini and, I had the marvelous Shrimp Scampi.   The Salads are crisp and delicious; we all had ours with homemade Feta Cheese dressing.  I tried to get the recipe from Doug, but he said it was a secret.  Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave us her constant attention all evening.  For dessert I decided to order the homemade cheesecake, Nita and June are on a diet, so they told me that they would just take a bite of mine to see how it tasted.  They ended up ordering their own because it was so light and creamy, actually the best cheesecake that I have ever eaten.  Directions to the Depot and full menu are available online at www.depotsupperclub.com.  The next time your in Salem, Illinois be sure and stop at the Depot.  You won't be disappointed.  We gave the Depot 5 Stars.  The Depot Supper Club  1001 East Main Street  Salem, Il.  (618)548-8485"

(Printed in the September 11th 2007 edition:)

We were not very happy with this dining experience (at their reviewed restaurant, to be left unnamed), and we were all still hungry, so we decided to head out to our favorite Salem, IL.  Restaurant The Depot Supper Club and get slices of owner Doug Fontana’s famous cheesecake with raspberry sauce. We also found out that Doug now makes his own ice cream, vanilla, blueberry, and peach to name a few, we tasted the vanilla, and boy was it ever delicious. June tried a slice of his newest pie creation “ Cabernet Apple Pie” and she was delighted with the subtle taste of cabernet with the apples.  Nita and I enjoyed our cheesecake as we talked about the Depot and tried to forget "________".  If you are out shopping in Salem and you get hungry, stop in at the Depot for a memorable dining experience,

Great dinner in the middle of where? written by Jon123
Last visited this restaurant on July 27, 2006

This was a surprise for us. The building is an old railroad depot that was transformed into a pleasant dining atmosphere. The lounge was quiet with train trips on video and not over decorated. The main dining room has black and white pictures of everything to do about trains and tracks. I had the scallops with a garlic saffron cream sauce, mouthwatering to think about it again.  My wife had the Pork Osso buco. Talk about tender. We were taken back to have such great food in the middle of a small town as Salem is. The chef had made a F 16 cheese cake and was that heaven on a fork. The coffee graham cracker crust with Baileys, Amaretto & Kahlua melted in your mouth.  I highly recommend this little jewel in the southern part of Illinois.

11-28-2007

From Bastilio & Cami

Breckenridge, CO

Elicia's Service, greeting, presentation were superb.  She embraces all points of service & is an incredible people person.  Stephanie was also very attentive!!  Thanks Chef!!

Respectfully,

Bastilio & Cami

by SC from Rockford, Ill.
Jul 30, 2007

An absolutely delightful surprise! True cuisine where you didn't expect to find it. Everything was first rate and the desert was great (homemade strawberry ice cream). I can't wait to go back. Doug, the owner and chef, has promised to make bananas foster with homemade ice cream for our next trip! Go!! You won't be disappointed!

From the Illinois state map,  the "Route 37" link.

"If you want to take in the small town atmosphere, most have quaint city parks and a variety of stores. If you want a GREAT restaurant, we suggest you take East Main St. off of Rt. 37 in Salem, Il and stop in at The Depot Supper Club.  We didn't look our best after a day of riding (helmet hair, etc) and weren't certain if they would appreciate our attire but we were warmly welcomed.  The atmosphere is upscale and inviting with the staff friendly and very efficient.  Their entrees were absolutely wonderful!  They also have a separate dining area in the bar.  The owners even took time to stop and visit with everyone.  Nice place - worth checking out.  We know we'll be repeat customers!"

11/30/2007

This was such a wonderful place to eat.  Great Server Stephanie and a great location.  Your food was some of the best I have had in a very long time.  Great job, keep it up.  Can't wait to come back.

Thanks,

Stacy Merrill