Reviews
“This is where you go to get those ol’ favorites such as fried chicken and stuffed pork chops. But The Landmark isn’t just about the past. Don and Candy Ellis have created a salad room that’s to die for. Wonderful homey atmosphere.”
TGIF, Tribune Newspapers
“The Landmark’s a family-run operation in what used to be a Mormon church. The atmosphere and decor match the high quality of the food”
The London Free Press
“There is nothing else in the Valley quite like The Landmark. It is is located in an old church and the revamped interior blends remarkably well with the down-home, middle-American style. The all-you-can-eat Salad Room will bring the hungriest to their knees. But be sure to save room for sturdy pot roast, chicken-fried steak and the like.”
The Arizona Republic
“One could order just the salad bar if one wished. With the chili and meatballs, there would certainly be enough meat to satisfy. I still cannot get over it.”
Fullerton New Tribune – Southern California Community Newspapers
Reviewers participating in the survey looked at food, cost, service and decor in coming up with what they believe are the six best “home-cooking” restaurants in the U.S.
“And after a few bites of a double-thick, juicy, center-cut pork chop, stuffed with outstanding corn bread and apple dressing. I realized this is where Landmark excels: good, simple food, simply and properly prepared. It can be as satisfying in its own way as any complex dish.”
New Times
“On our visit, the “soups of the moment” are clam chowder and vegetable. Both are delicious…Next comes the salad, and the choices are vast. The management says it’s “probably the largest salad bar you will ever see.” I have to agree.”
Arizona Business Gazette
“It was a wise choice. The Swiss steak was worth the sacrifice. It’s a lot like Mom used to make — the cut of meat isn’t anything fancy, but with the proper care and presentation, it’s a feast. To enhance that old-fashioned feeling, the mashed potatoes come smothered with white gravy with the appropriate number of lumps.”
Phoenix Gazette
“We enjoyed chicken cordon blue and steamed baked halibut cooked to perfection, not dry as many restaurants serve. Other popular selections include deep disk chicken pot pie, old-fashioned pot roast, beef liver– a very popular and rare treat, roast prime rib of beef, and seafood Newburg. Desserts are equally satisfying. Don’s mother, Kay, prepares the fudge sauce that tops the Landmark Pie, a chocolate cookie crust with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and toasted almonds. The homemade deep dish apple pie is served with your choice of cheddar cheese or ice cream. Traditional bread pudding and homemade New York style cheesecake are other popular end-of-the-meal staples…Classical music in a classic family dining setting combines with good, friendly service and a moderate price to provide a satisfying lunch or dinner.”
Food and Dining, Taw May
“It is the rare person nowadays who has the time or inclination to produce labor-intensive, homemade dishes such as chicken pot pie or long-cooked pot roast with all the trimmings…That is why The Landmark is such a treasure. Located in a meticulously restored and maintained circa 1920s church, this is one of the few places where it is possible to experience quality old-fashioned American cooking in perfectly appropriate surroundings.”
Tribune Newspapers
“What makes a topnotch salad bar? It’s not enough for the choices to be numerous, tasty and fresh. There have to be some items that are so costly, you just know the place can’t make money off you as long as you fill up your plate with them…The spiffy Landmark has plenty of such goodies: marinated artichokes, pickled herring, tiny shrimp, hearts of palm and quail eggs. But it would be a shame to pass up the great homemade soup, thick studded German potato salad and homebaked, chewy chocolate chip cookies…So let them make a few pennies. They earned it.”
Best Salad Bar, Best Of Phoenix 1992
