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Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend July 7, 2006 The Outback Steakhouse For many complex reasons, it is no longer enough to offer Americans a nice, reliable bistro. Rather, the corporations assume diners need an assortment of added attractions to help sharpen their appeal in a jam-packed marketplace of eateries. Thus, in addition to attractive menus, fair prices and clean forks, we are treated to themes calculated to tip the balance in favor of one eating spot over another. The Outback Steakhouse is one such spot. But, at first glance, it's hard to get the hang of their plan. After all, what do we think of when we hear "Australia?" Paul Hogan looking virile? Steve Irwin bothering animals? Kangaroos? Blistering heat? Brawny men swilling ice-cold lager and yelling, "Bloke!" a lot? Steaks? Nevertheless, the bigwigs at OSI Restaurant Partners in Tampa, Florida have a plan. They say, "The company's strategy is to differentiate its restaurants by emphasizing consistently high-quality food and service, generous portions at moderate prices and a casual atmosphere suggestive of the Australian Outback."The operative word is "casual." And let's admit it, Australia has casual in spades. Pretty cagey, eh? "Fine," you say, "Australians are known to be laid-back, but what about the food? Is it 'bonzer' or is it 'crook tucker'?" After a mid-week visit, we'd have to say "bonzer" (pretty great). It was a quiet Thursday and the dining room was quiet ­-- and dark. Tables and booths were situated in a large horseshoe around a central bar where two televisions played sports channels and a few couples socialized. The company motto was in evidence, "No Rules — Just Right," reinforcing the idea that we were all hungry "jackaroos" and "jillaroos" (station hands or employees of large grazing operations) who would be given precisely what we wanted under the laws of Australian hospitality. However, a glance around the room found few folks in sweat-stained Digger hats. In fact, most of them seemed to be families fresh from a romp with the kids in Hawthorne Park. Advertisement Never mind. I ordered one of the six (six?!) margarita varieties, prepared to overlook the shame of Down Under not producing its own firewater. These Mexi-Aussie potions run from $6 to $7.50 and do the job nicely. For those who want them, five martinis and five other specialty drinks await, all similarly priced. The wine list is naturally long on reds, ranging in price from $17-$25 per bottle. My wife went for a Tamas Pinot Grigio and a Chateau Saint Michelle Chardonnay for $6 and $7.50 a glass. There is an extensive beer selection and one can order a 22-ounce "Big Bloke Draft." But beware. If you don't request otherwise, the beer will arrive in glassware that's been frozen. Our server whisked us a basket of dark, sweet bread and we ordered the signature "Bloomin' Onion," an appetizer for which the vegetable is hacked into a bouquet of spikes, battered, fried, and served with a creamy chili sauce. As one might suspect the darn thing is irresistible and I pecked away at it long after my wife had begun to question my sanity. The salads arrived and my wife pronounced her honey-mustard dressing "fine." My only quibble was the super-chill that an afternoon in the cooler had imparted to the greens. She next received two Darling Point lobster crab cakes for $10 and thoroughly enjoyed them. My daughter got some penne pasta with a delightful cheese sauce winsomely titled "Mac A Roo 'N Cheese" for $5. I went for the Rockhampton rib-eye, a nice 12-ounce steak priced at $19. It was cooked to order — rare — and suffered only slightly from a distracting pepper rub. The garlic mashed potatoes (one among five vegetable choices) were a peculiar grey color but flavorsome. One has to imagine that "No Rules" means "leave the peels on." We pronounced ourselves pleased with our visit. On reflection we realized there is an added appeal at Outback Steakhouse not planned by the corporate types in Florida. The insistent Australian theme was overshadowed by the polite and cheerful young folks running the place. The Outback Steakhouse, 3613 Crater Lake Highway, Medford, is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 2 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Call 773-0997. -- Hubert Smith Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com Advertisement s Advertisement