I will be totally honest. When we first heard at the end of last year that a new Hard Rock Cafe had opened at Mall of America (right in our backyard) and my husband wanted to us to visit, I wasn't big on the idea and talked him out of it. While I thought the experience might be fun, I wasn't looking forward to the food. And, as I said I was being totally honest (and blunt) – I thought it would suck. I hadn't been to a Hard Rock Cafe in a loooooong time. Not since the days when I visited there just for the fun aspect only and thoughts of the food were totally secondary. Now when I go to a restaurant, the food itself is at the top of my priorities list.
A few months after that opening, I was invited to a media dinner to try some of the newest Hard Rock Cafe. I figured that was the perfect time to give in to my husband's request to visit the Hard Rock Cafe at Mall of America as at least I wouldn't have to pay for it. Not liking food I don't have to pay for isn't as big a loss in my book!
The event itself was fantastic. We had a chance to meet with Hard Rock's Executive Chef Russell Booth and we tried soooooo many different items from the menu – appetizers, food, drink, desserts – you name it! And guess what….. it was good! Seriously good! Not just “this is free food so I will eat it” good – – but, “this is awesome, when do you think we can come back again?” good.
The goodness started with the appetizers. Most of the appetizers we tried are all in the “classic casual dining variety” such as bruschetta, chicken tenders and artichoke dip, but Hard Rock does all of these so well. I could make a meal out of only their appetizers, especially if I teamed it up with this:
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen me calling out some of my favorites during the event. My absolute top favorite was the Grilled Chicken Arugala Salad. It was amazing! It is made with baby arugula, thinly sliced grilled chicken, spicy pecans, dried cranberries and fresh oranges tossed in lemon balsamic vinaigrette and topped with crumbled feta cheese. Do you know how at many restaurants the chicken on a salad often seems like an afterthought – like they added whatever chicken they had available?? At Hard Rock, the chicken was definitely well thought out. It's the best chicken I ever had on top of a salad.
There were so many other things we tried like the Original Legendary® Burger and the hickory-smoked barbecue trio. I especially LOVED the beans that are served with the barbecue. I could eat a big bowl of those all on their own. And I can't forget the drinks! There were lots of fun and interesting drinks to try. My favorite was the Red Berry Press, which uses a French Press to add the flavor of fresh fruit to the vodka drink. It's both fun and delicious! I also loved the Margarita flights. They're a great way to try a variety of flavors. You can see the Red Berry Press on the right side of this picture of my friend Marybeth. Don't worry – she only SAMPLED all of those drinks!
It's @babysavers with SEVEN drinks. 🙂 @HardRockMOA #ThisIsHardRock #cocktail #beer #Minnesota A photo posted by Chrysa (@thriftyjinxy)
And I can't forget to mention dessert! We sampled several different yummy Twisted Shakes – which are adult versions of the classic favorites with a little added spike. Another dessert drink is the Salted Caramel Cafe which mixes Tia Maria, Baileys Irish Cream, Monin Salted Caramel, half & half and is then topped with whipped cream, caramel corn and caramel sauce. For “non-drinkable” desserts, I especially liked the fresh apple cobbler and Oreo cheesecake.
I'm so glad to have had the chance to attend this media preview. Now the next time my husband suggests that we go to Hard Rock Cafe I'll say, “Sure! Let's go!”
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Well, now I’m absolutely starving! That burger topped with bacon and an onion ring is calling my name.
Melissa Pezza says
Hard Rock Cafe has always had fantastic food, but they’ve really gone all out this time. All of this looks superb.
Dawn says
Oh yeah! Hard Rock Cafe has outdone itself this time. That burger is just screaming, “Dawn! Come eat me! I’m delicious!”
Liz Mays says
Oh my, the barbeque looks so good. It must have been awesome checking out this place!
Brandy says
What a fun experience, that’s alot of drinks too Haha… I have not eaten at a hard rock cafe since I was younger, what a fun place to eat!
Ora Lee Gurr says
I would never be able to make up my mind. You are right; the food at Hard Rock Café does look yummy. I’m glad you got to try it out, make hubby happy, and give us the info with pictures so we know what to get.
Pam says
All that food sounds really good. I think the desserts would be my favorite though.
Jeanine says
Oh boy this all looks incredible. What an amazing place to do a tasting if you ask me! It looks awesome!
Valerie says
It has been quite some time since I have eaten at Hard Rock! I will have to give it a try again because the food sounds great.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
So much food! Sounds like you had a great time!
Rosey says
We like to visit the Hard Rocks when we go from city to city. It’s fun to get the shirts too. 😉
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
We were about to get a Hard Rock Cafe in Kansas City. I haven’t had Hard Rock Cafe in a long time. But I have to saw I have eaten at the original in London.
Christie says
Hard Rock has always been a place my family loves to eat! I’ll have to keep the Mall of America in mind for when we visit
Ann Bacciaglia says
This sounds like an amazing event. The food looks so delicious.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
I have not been to a Hard Rock Cafe in years! So glad you attended the event to let us in on all the delicious stuff they are serving.
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
Ooh, that burger looks delicious! It’s been far too long since I’ve been to a Hard Rock Cafe!
Natalie Z says
When I was a kid, we use to travel around and make a point to stop at Hard Rock Cafe. They are so fun! I haven’t been to one in a long time!
Amber C. says
Yummy!!! I have only been to one Hard Rock and it was in NYC! LOVED IT!
Debbie Denny says
Oh my. That food looks so good. They have done well with this one. Looks like fun.