I'm kinda confused. After reading some mixed reviews, we decided to give Mattison's 41 a shot. In the entryway, I noticed that the variety of plaques and awards showcased on the wall were dated from 2006 - 2009. This made me wonder what happened since 2009 and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. My wife and I made reservations though and we were kindly greeted by the host, who was a consummate professional in his duties, and seated us rather promptly.
Having noticed that there was still a good bit of seating available and feeling enthused with the atmosphere, especially the delightful music issuing from the live pianist (who later in the evening would not only play our requests but play them well), I decided to ring a few acquaintances to join us, knowing they were looking for a place to dine as well. Mattison's welcomed the addition to our party and relocated us to a table better equipped to handle the new impromptu arrangements.
Our server was incredibly friendly and communicative without being overbearing or making us feel rushed, and the bartender was exceptionally accommodating and clearly a proud perfectionist in his craft, pleasing easily all of the members of my party who ordered cocktails.
I cannot sing the praises enough of the food though. It is an understatement to say that a couple of the people in my party are picky, rarely satisfied with their selections. Here though, at Mattison's 41, all of us found ourselves fairly enamored with our dishes. My only complaints, and I'm fishing for these two, is that the salt could be scaled back just a little, as well as the sauce. Still, given the opportunity, I would not hesitate for one second to return and do it all over again. More important, the dishes were perfectly timed, waiting just the right amount of time from appetizer to entree to dessert, which is a really critical practice for me. I strive to savor my food and my conversation, and so I want my appetite whetted and then given some time for it to return just a little before moving on to the next dish. If we can have delightful discussions, a good time, and leave feeling sated without feeling stuffed, then the timing has been well-executed, and that was our experience here.
To return to my opening statement, yes, I'm confused. If our experience was not an aberration, I see no reason why I don't see more, recent awards on their wall. Maybe they strayed from what made them so popular then? I don't know because I never dined there prior to this week. But if they did stray, I would most certainly bet that they're back, and if they didn't, I'm genuinely dumbfounded and can only conclude that the award presenters moved on to other establishments just to be fair. Either way, it doesn't matter. Mattison's 41 hit a homerun with us and we'll absolutely make this a staple in our vacation restaurant rotation.
Best...experience...in...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Mattison's Forty One with three others, and I must say it was a remarkable experience from start to finish. This elegant restaurant truly exceeded our expectations in every way.
To start, the ambiance of the restaurant was simply enchanting. The tasteful decor, coupled with soft lighting, created an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. While we missed the pianist, who as I understand performs occasionally, I can only imagine how much it would have enhanced our evening.
Now, let's talk about the food. I opted for the pork tenderloin, and it was an absolute delight. The tenderness and the burst of flavors left me thoroughly impressed. One of my companions chose the salmon, which was cooked to perfection, and the other two indulged in the prime rib entrees. I couldn't help but notice the expressions of delight on their faces as they savored each bite. It was evident that the chef's culinary skills were exceptional, and the entire table was filled with praises for our dinner choices.
What truly set this dining experience apart was the impeccable service we received. Our server was an absolute delight, providing attentive and friendly service throughout the evening. The wait staff, as a whole, were professional and accommodating, ensuring that our every need was met. In a standout moment, the manager himself approached our table, introduced himself, and ensured that we were happy and well attended to. This personal touch truly made us feel valued as customers.
Overall, our evening at Mattison's Forty One was nothing short of wonderful. From the exquisite food to the elegant atmosphere and exceptional service, this restaurant has left a lasting impression on all of us. I highly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience that combines culinary excellence with outstanding hospitality.
Thank you, Mattison's Forty One, for an unforgettable evening. We look forward to...
Read moreDigging through my purse and finding our receipts from dinner on July 7th, reminded ne I needed to write a review , wish that I had done it sooner. I bought two 25$ gift certificates from the Sarasota Manatee Original promotion. I misunderstood when it allowed me to buy two at the same time that I could use two, I didn’t read the fine print that it was one per table per visit .
But we were so glad they accommodated us and use the full anount , so we dont have to go back. Mattisons 41 just isnt as good as the one downtown Sarasota and the one by Riverwalk in Bradenton ( if that one is still open, havent been in years since moving) We ordered the Calamari as an appetizer which is actually where the good food stopped.
Audrey was our server and she was pleasant and attentive. We got the duck breast and a chicken dish . I took a taste of his and it was ok. If I remember correctly, it came with mashed cauliflower, which was watery consistency and tasted . He didnt seem pleased with it. Being it was our date night and I picked the place, he waited until the next day to tell me .
I didn’t eat anything except a bowl of cereal before our early dinner , and I can tell you how my stomach DID NOT like the chicken and vegetables entree. Within a few hours my stomach had cramps, horrible gas pains and watery diarrhea for hours throughout the night until mid day . It really put a damper on the remainder of the evening and throughout the night getting little sleep.
It has been years since I became ill at a restaurant . That instance was me and another family member that ate the same thing . This time , I couldnt compare the stomach issue because we each ate something different.
We just didnt think it was that good for the price , only thing going for it was nice presentation and the fact that we got $50 off.
And after reading a few other reviews , I see one other grouo got sick a few months ago ....
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