The Swamp
Better Defining “Fine Dining”
“I know it when I see it” may seem like the criteria that I use to define my eating experiences as “Fine Dining.” However, I want you to know that I put more thought into it than that. I stop short of being quantitative. But, there are definite, reoccurring criteria that I consider before bestowing the highly coveted designation of “Fine Dining.” So, as a blog educational experience, I decided that I would let you inside my twisted mind for the decision making process. Thankfully, I found a very good example for our evaluation. For our purposes today, allow me to introduce you to The Swamp.
First…the Setting
I view “setting” as the combination of location and physical building. As you would expect, a picturesque building featuring fancy white table clothes is pretty much at the bottom of the spectrum. Rather, positive consideration is awarded for things like uniqueness, interesting, and just plain fun. The Swamp is pretty much a shack located just off the road near the Chadakoin River in Jamestown, NY. Its so near the Chadakoin river that its actually still in the river swamp. You park on the berm of the road and LITERALLY walk the plank in order to get to the restaurant. Obviously, The Swamp is at the high end of the spectrum in the category of “setting.”
Second…the Ambiance
Ambiance is important. Decorations that entertain the eye as you drink should fill the room/walls. Furthermore, as you should already know, I have a passion for the dive bar. However, it should not be so “divey” that you are concerned about getting knifed. Certainly, the bartender needs to be welcoming and friendly. It should be the kind of place where you can feel at home drinking at the bar alone.
They say a picture can be worth a thousand words. So, in order to absolutely prove the comfortable ambiance of the The Swamp, I give you Carol’s new friend, Ronnie. Ronnie was all about comfort. This is the quality, local clientele that you can only get at a solid bar like The Swamp.
Last…the Cuisine
Well, I guess I have to actually consider the actual food cuisine as well. There were some early signs this place was going to be on the mark when I saw the menu. There was no crappy QR code (I hate those), nor was there even a laminated menu. Instead, the proprietors just write the menu on a blackboard. Blackboard menus are a good indicator that you are in the right place. Add to that the fact that the menu has such items as taco logs and pizza logs. Furthermore, if that is not a big enough indicator of quality cuisine…yes, they had PBR!!
That being said, if my food sucked, The Swamp was not going to get the “Fine Dining” tag. Well, The Swamp did not disappoint. How about…”Voted Best Wings in Chautaugua County 2022.” Not only that, as the bartender was quick to tell me, this was the third year in a row that their wings dominated Chautaugua county. These wings were delicious. The bartender/chef creates a blackened Cajun style wing prepared in a cast iron skillet. I even saw him use a meat thermometer to make sure they were perfect. And, let’s not forget their patented “Mmmafia sauce” (i.e. buffalo sauce, bison chip dip and their SECRET ingredient).
Be sure to note that our napkins were a roll of paper towels and our water was in a cheap plastic cup. Obviously, both are true signs of a righteous establishment.
Wrap It Up
In summary…the place sits alone in a swamp. You have to walk the plank if you want to get inside and stay dry. It’s a laid back atmosphere with PBR and patrons like Ronnie. Finally, the wings are outstanding, earning best in Chautaugua county three years running. YES!…The Swamp is clearly deserving of the FINE DINING designation. Have a wonderful day. PT
I hope you have enjoyed “The Swamp” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
Not shockingly…The Swamp has no website, but here’s how to find it…
Here’s another top “Fine Dining” designee https://travelingwithpt.com/waldo-its-all-about-the-bologna/
