Your Mission: Good to Exc. Dining Ashland, OR 2 Adults 1 Senior Woman, 1 4 y/o Girl

[18kperhr]

I've checked out your reviews, disCUSSions, etc, about restaurants in Ashland and I've been impressed with the depth of knowledge about my old hometown. And by old I mean OLD!!! If the names Lil's Cafe, Cook's Reception, Hamlet's Rooste(r), The Log Cabin and Perrines mean anything to you; you'll know I mean old! And "Yes" I drink and like Lithia Water. That's RIGHT!! I grew up in Ashland when the Plaaza was the Plhasza.
But my challenge to all of you is to come up with a restaurant that will satisfy my wife and I, an 80 some odd (both years and mentally) year old woman and my 4 year old daughter who believes eating out begins and ends with a Happy Meal. And to think she watches NO TV.
I'm looking for a place that is not too stuffy, has good food with a good range of choices (meats, seafood), a lively atmosphere with out a drunk being tossed out every 15 minutes and not too loud or quiet. For those of you that have dined at Jake's in Portland you have an idea of what I'm looking for.
I'm leaning towards Larks, or possibly Omar's, but I look forward to your suggestions.
Thank You,
JHB
PS I'd love to give a prize to the person who can say what restaurant is in Lil's old location, but I don't know how to deliver something "on the house" over the internet.

[bbqboy]

Another (relatively) new place in town is Smithfield's, a nose to tail meat palace on 2nd street. I have not dined there but have heard good things about it. The chef/owner used to be Dragonfly's guy
and is a consistent award winner.
http://smithfieldsashland.com/
I'm a Peerless fan myself and think you might consider it also.
http://www.peerlessrestaurant.com/


PS: nothing wrong with Omar's or Larks.

[bbqboy]

my choice would be the new guy in town, Cebolla's, on Ashland right before the overpass.
The chef/owner strives to please and is inventive but can make a mean burger for your daughter.
No web page, but here's the new menu off their Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/cebollalife?s...
Cebolla Bar & Grill
New menu is up and is making us hungry. Dinner service from 5pm-2:30am featuring our new starters and appetizers: Caesar salad, Leek & Potato soup, Bruschetta w/ a white bean and sage spread or hand cut sweet potato frys. For Entrees we have: Spanish hunters chicken, Pork loin w/ a red D'anjou pear sauce, Wild mushroom Risotto, Organic grass fed beef burger w/ tomato chutney or Portabella Cream Linguine. Come down this sunday for a "Bubbly" Brunch with bottomless mimosas and all your classic brunch favorites. Be on the look out for special %10 off coupons. See you soon! -Cebolla Bar & Grill
Must say, I don't remember Lil's, but I've only really been here since the mid to late '80's.