Wow. I didn’t expect to find a place like this in Burley. My expectations for food establishments in Burley were set very low by a terrible experience I had at Wendy’s on my way through town several years ago. But this town has come a long way in my eyes since I started participating in the annual Spudman Triathlon. I have come to realize just how beautiful it is to be right here on this part of the Snake River. And now I’m finding great places to eat. Burley keeps finding new ways to impress me.

So let’s talk about the Upper Crust Grill. It is situated on the second floor of the Gossner’s Magic Valley Chalet on the corner of US30 and 7th Street in Heyburn, overlooking the bridge across the Snake River. It’s much nicer than I expected. When we first walked in, it reminded me of a Jason’s Deli. It’s another one of those places that has you order and pay, then take a number and find a table. Once again, I was asked to tip at time of purchase, and before any service had been rendered. This really rubs me wrong, but I got through it.

I ordered the daily special, which was a Hawaiian Sandwich. It was very good… Southern Idaho’s best ham, fresh pineapple, cream cheese, tomato, lettuce, with a slice of swiss cheese melted over the top. It came served on what I would call a scone, but they called a croissant. It’s obviously nothing like the croissants you get in Europe, but despite that little glitch, the sandwich was excellent. I order it with a side of french fries. They must have been good, because both Charmaine and Kristen went crazy for the fries and the fry sauce.

Mark got the Turkey Bacon Avocado Club. He wasn’t as hungry as he thought he would be, and wound up giving half his sandwich to me. It was very good.

Charmaine ordered a Taco Salad, because the cashier said it was special compared to the Bacon Cheeseburger she was considering. That’s the kind of person you want interacting with your customers. Unfortunately, the salad looked like it had too many olives and too much dressing, but Charmaine said it was still really good.

I’m glad we stopped for lunch before heading home. I had considered stopping at Carl’s Jr, but I knew Mark and Kristen would have hated it, so I was set to make the drive back to Utah without lunch. Kristen saw the sign for Gourmet Sandwiches and we turned around. It wound up being a very good experience and I’m sure we’ll eat at the Upper Crust Grill again, even if it isn’t until we’re in town for next year’s Spudman.