Lucky Penny at Green Valley: Value and Good Taste in One Place

​By: Bob Gourley
     
The Garden Café at Green Valley Resort was a favorite watering hole for locals and out of towners. A few months ago the management decided to change things up and came up with a new moniker, Lucky Penny.
   
We decided to give it a try. We are all fans of the old place, and I couldn’t wait to see what changes have been made. First of all, the appearance is pretty much the same.
 
The pointed light fixtures are still there with a huge counter at the front that has an array of desserts and pastries that can be consumed there or taken out. Menu prices appear to be slightly higher but not too bad.

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​The appetizer menu is full of classics like Chicken Wings accompanied by carrots, celery, radish and three degrees of hot sauce. A shrimp cocktail is made with quality Mexican white shrimp. Loaded nachos feature melted cheese, queso sauce, black beans, scallions, pico de gallo, olives, jalapenos and cilantro-lime crema.
   
Sandwiches are a highlight with a wide selection to satisfy many tastes. A prime rib dip includes shaved beef sitting inside a crunchy baguette. A Mediterranean Chicken Pita is filled with healthy veggies like cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, feta, romaine lettuce, tzatziki and lemon vinaigrette. The Penny Burger has an 8-ounce patty.
   
I ordered a half-roasted turkey club sandwich and a house salad. The sandwich was stacked about 3 inches high and was filled with thinly sliced meat, applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato and a pleasing five-point spread that added a little kick to the proceedings.
  
The salad was a winner with a ton of croutons and a zesty blue cheese dressing. All in all, it was a hefty meal. My wife opted for minestrone soup and salad that she enjoyed and took some home for a second round.
   
Entrees are served all day and include Steak Frites. A New York steak is a highlight along with garlic herb fries, tarragon aioli and pickled onions. Short Rib Spaghetti is made with red wine, tomato, roasted garlic ricotta and herb crumbs.
 
Cod is the star of a fish and chips offering with beer batter that immerses the fish. Also on the plate are spuds, pea fritters and malt vinegar for dipping.
   
A generous12-ounce slab of prime rib comes with baked or mashed potatoes plus seasonal vegetables. It is priced at $24.99 which is an increase from the old menu, but it is hard to tell whether that was because of current market conditions or improvements at the restaurant.
   
Breakfast is available all day. The omelets are constructed with three eggs, and you can substitute whites if you wish. The BYO not only has bacon but also sausage, ham and a slew of veggies like spinach, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, peppers and three cheeses: Swiss, jack and feta.
 
Hash browns or home fries are potato options. Lemon-blueberry ricotta pancakes are popular.
   
For dessert go to the refrigerated front counter and pick something. There is a wide variety of goodies to choose from.
   
The Lucky Penny has the flavor of the old Garden Café with some positive improvements. Lucky Penny, Green Valley Resort, Henderson. www.greenvalleyranch.com.