From the moment I walked in the door, I knew I was in for an unexpected treat. Situated on the main street in an unassuming yet, picturesque community (dozens of miles from the nearest freeway); what lurked behind the doors was an oasis for my inner foodie. The most unpleasant thing about the entire experience was entering (without a reservation (which is less than wise ... so I came to understand)) to find an entry area that was a little constricted for our party of four. Those concerns quickly washed away in a flood of exquisite service and, pairings that were spectacularly balanced and, unique but, no so far off in left field as to be anything less than an existential delight. We started with the Cheese plate appetizer which was just enough of four fairly different cheeses to perfectly amuse and, wet the appetites of our fairly diverse party. On the board with the generous but, perfectly not too much portions of cheese was: some splendidly toasted (and, apparently, freshly baked then, toasted just before coming to our table) thin slices of baguette along with some lovely: herbs, olives and, a house made orange marmalade that completely changed my feelings about marmalade (seriously, Chef, put this in a jar and, I will have marmalade in my fridge for eating (as opposed to as an ingredient or a glaze) for the first time in my life). When the appetizer was delivered; our order was taken for the evenings entree; which arrived after most of the salads and, appetizers were gone ... just perfectly timed. Once the entrees were delivered; I could not help but, try a bite of everything on the table and, nothing I tasted was less than amazing. Myself, however, I ordered the mako shark with: vanilla basmati rice (of which I was skeptical until I tasted it), the little cup of thick and hearty yellow curry sauce that was very much like I would serve as a Thai Curry only this was reduced to a perfect consistency for dipping and, while rich (though yellow curries tend to be less spicy than say a red or, green) it was less heat than I expected by the intensity of the other flavors, there was a perfect portion of some sort of greens (can't remember which but, I do love my greens (IE. collard, mustard, etc.)) and, on top of it all long slivers of what I think may have been a granny smith apple that if I'm not mistaken was either lightly pickled or, possibly washed/marinated in a light vinegar. I was skeptical of the pairings at first but, my favorite food has always been the thing I haven't tried and, wow! I tried everything separately, YUM! I tried the different things in different combinations, Double plus YUM!! However, it was those blasted apple slivers that just brought everything on the plate together for me. Our server was attentive without hovering. The Chef was out checking on everyone when he was not needed in the kitchen. The decor, the drinks, the bloody everything was such a treat that I find myself at a loss for expletives that are anything but, grossly inadequate. Oh, and then we got desert! If you can get down there before Chef is out of peaches ... run, don't walk and, make that reservation!!! I love food. Hole in the wall greasy spoon or, Romero's on the Hill but, I can't wait to find another excuse to drive one county West and visit this (excuse the visceral phrasing but, I must) orgy of flavor and, fine hospitality. This is the best meal I've had in months! God bless the Molasses Grill and, the amazing people who make...
Read moreWe've been going there since they opened and never had a bad experience with food or service. We're not snooty, so that review can be ignored. It's listed as casual and that's very true. My husband often wears camo shorts and crocs. We've even been seated near customers in ties and dresses, no one pays attention to things like that.
The food is always tasty and prepared excellently. The calamari appetizer is our favorite and better than any other restaurant in at least 3 states! Sweet potato fries are another great app, the sauce for each one is amazingly tasty. My most requested entree is either the hanger steak or the steak salad. The salad is very creative with so many layers of flavor, you can't believe it. The steak is always cooked exactly as ordered and the sides are always delicious. Filet mignon is another awesome steak. I don't care for ribeyes at all because of the fat and sinew in them but I'm sure they are good there too for people that do like them. We've had both fish and seafood at Molasses, it's all prepared in imaginative ways and very good. Basically, just try something different each time you visit there! You won't be disappointed.
The desserts are great, and made in house, even the ice cream. We have gotten their coconut cake for our Christmas for at least 5 years. It's a great bargain that comes in three sizes.
Overall, you won't find a better place to eat in the whole region. I'd recommend reservations too, it's makes for a short wait...
Read moreWhere to begin with this place. I got the fried green tomatoes, a southern staple, and it had freaking curry powder in the breading. Why in the world would anyone do this to a great dish? It completely overpowered the star of the show and is not a southern spice that belongs in this amazing dish.
I had the filet mignon, medium rare cook, with potatoes au gratin, red wine mushrooms, green beans, and demi-glace. It came looking like a strip steak and medium. They replaced it thankfully and cooked me another that was medium rare. It was beautiful, round, fat, and juicy. I was super excited until I tasted it. The entire steak was super bland and tasted like a low quality graded meat that you may get at a cheap steak restaurant.
The sides were equally a disappointment. The beans half cooked and au gratin pretty tough and not as seasoned throughout. The only savior was the dessert, which was the dark chocolate brownie with ice cream and peanut brittle.
I know this is a pretty harsh review, but I dropped around $130 dollars on this meal hoping for the same quality of food that I have eaten at in many cities, states, and even countries.
I'll try back in a month and update the...
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