The RFT's Ian Froeb correctly noted in Gut Check that Altai Mongolian Grill is opening its doors this evening, and it is true that the Altai in Rock Hill will be its first location not just in the US, but the first one outside of Asia. Relish has been watching this anomaly for several months. Having just taken a quick tour of the place, I can only add the following:
- What differentiates this Mongolian grill from others is the sauces, as Froeb stated--I didn't count, but there are at least 30 of them.
- The raw line at Altai is a spartan, salad-bar-style arrangement with maximum choices and minimum glitz. Just pile your ingredients in a bowl and take it to the grill chef for cooking.
- There are also a satellite station for soup, salad, and desserts.
- The price is $9.95 at lunch and a few dollars more at dinner.