Rapid City, South Dakota has grown from a convenient gateway to the Black Hills and the wonders of state and national parks, including Mt. Rushmore Memorial and Crazy Horse, to a cosmopolitan city with fine museums, art galleries, local attractions and bronze sculptures of every U.S. president on street corners. There is shopping galore. Rapid City boasts everything from malls outside the city to fine boutiques downtown.
Modern hotels cater to the needs of visitors. One recent innovation is the Adoba Hotel. Formerly part of a branded chain, the owner decided to take a different path. His commitment to protecting the environment and offering guests a toxin free atmosphere has seen a complete resurrection from a grand hotel situated in the heart of the city to a green habitat that is healthy and beautiful.
“We have taken the old glued carpets out. That glue produces vapors. Wall treatments have been removed and we have gone down to bare concrete walls. They have been redone with environment friendly materials. The carpets are not glued, they interlock and can be removed,” Karim Merali said. Karim, his wife Batool and son Sacha redesigned the entire nine story hotel from scratch. Where possible they used recycled materials.
Rooms are painted with maps that enable visitors to enjoy the surrounding country and find their way among the beautifully painted wall size murals. Enticing photographs of surrounding areas are full mural size and comprise another whole wall. There are amenities and conveniences that take into account the need to conserve environmental resources as well as make guests feel comfortable. Bedding is completely new. Beds are the most comfortable on the market, sheets and comforters have been made of amazing materials that consider the planet as well as the convenience of visitors.
“We made a list of things we liked most when we stayed at hotels. We made a list of things we wanted as conveniences in rooms. There is ample lighting with energy saving bulbs. Plugs for computers and cell phones, lights over beds and chairs for people to read,” Sacha Merali said.
In keeping with their overall plan, Adoba’s restaurant boasts “A fusion of inspired cuisine, artfully prepared.” The entrance to the restaurant is inspired. The Merali family commissioned mosaic makers to create a miniature Mt. Rushmore on the lobby floor. Over the reception area is another mosaic. Art and local crafts are centerpieces, prelude to any guest’s stay and diner’s experience.
“We came up with the name because we wanted to give our chefs free reign to express their culinary artistry,” Karim explained. Enigma offers a comprehensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as room service. They will also prepare a Mystery Dinner for two that the chefs proclaim will be “A challenge to your senses” and “Delight your palate.” If guests wish to be surprised, delightfully so, have Enigma’s chefs prepare a four course surprise dinner for two, $98.
Enigma’s philosophy is to obtain fresh ingredients that are caught or farmed in environmentally responsible ways. Organic beef, chicken and produce is used. The ambiance is casual yet well designed for family dining. There are leather banquettes with tall partitions offering privacy for intimate dining and business meals. Tables are set with dark green linen cloths over white. White linen napkins with a clam shell pattern are tastefully arranged at each setting with silver, glass goblets, flickering candles and flowers on every table. A wall panel contains tiles of galloping horses. Menus are three fold cowhide, a prelude to good, attentive service that is an enigma hallmark.
Crusty bread is served with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Appetizers include slow braised bison short ribs. The bowl comes with a wonderful sauce made with red wine, sage and onions. The meat flakes off the bone and is savory, almost a meal itself. The sauce so delicious that a crust of bread will make it a delight once the bison is finished. Maryland crab cakes are served with arugula and smoked remoulade. The crab cakes are large lump meat, a generous portion for two. Wild mushroom crostini is served with herb de province and shallots. For the cheese lover the pistachio crusted brie comes with raspberry sauce and a rustic grilled baguette. Appetizers run from $10 to $14.
Salads and soups are offered along with specials. French onion soup is a classic as is Enigma’s summer harvest salad or their pear and blue cheese made with arugula, candied pecans and pomegranate reduction. Soups and salads cost $7 to $9.
Main courses at Enigma have vegetarian offerings like moussaka made with eggplant, zucchini, red onions, potatoes, roasted garlic and tomato ragu, $15. The gratin adds wonderful flavor to the dish. Quinoa and Shiitake Orecchiette is served with fresh cream and pasta, $18.
For the beef lover Enigma’s 8 ounce grass fed midwest beef filet mignon comes to table grilled to perfection with fingerling potatoes and jumbo asparagus, $34. There is elk tenderloin served with blackberry caramelized blue cheese and baby carrots, $37. For those that enjoy lamb try Enigma’s grass fed Colorado rack of lamb served with blackberry and raspberry chutney and a parsnip parmesan mash, $24.
A supplier in Seattle flies in fresh fish twice a week to supply Enigma with their catch of the day. There is also Coquilles Saint Jacques. Diver scallops garnished with prosciutto and brussels sprouts, $26. Salmon from Scotland with Jasmine rice and Chardonnay leeks is $24. Fresh seafood capellini with mussels, shrimp, fish in a white wine garlic broth is $21.
Enigma has a unique Martini Bar. Mixologists will prepare cocktails to suit. Their wine list includes a fine selection of premium Champagnes as well as excellent wines by the glass or bottle at very reasonable prices.
Try to leave room for dessert. Enigma’s chefs offer a delicious assortment of ice cream and home made pastries as well as fresh berry tarts. Their cappuccino is excellent.
Next time travels take you to Rapid City enjoy a comfortable stay at the Adoba Hotel downtown and savor the offerings at their Enigma Restaurant. The chefs are as good as their word: inspired cuisine, artfully presented.
For more information about South Dakota visit their website at www.travelsd.com or call them toll-free at 1-800-732-5682. Information about Rapid City can be obtained from their website at www.visitrapidcity.com or call them toll-free at 1-800-487-3223. For hotel or restaurant reservations contact Adoba locally at 605-348-8300 or toll-free 1-855-732-3622 or visit their website at www.adobahotelrapidcity.com.
