Brianno’s Chart House, nestled by the picturesque lakeside, offers a serene ambiance ideal for a relaxed gathering among friends or family. However, when it comes to the cuisine, I found the experience to be less captivating than its surroundings. Two dishes in particular—the steak bites and the Mediterranean platter—warrant closer examination.
Steak Bites: At first glance, the steak bites promised a classic combination of steak, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions, yet the execution lacked precision. The steak, regrettably overcooked beyond the expected medium temperature, did not offer the succulence one anticipates in such a dish. It lacked the necessary depth of seasoning, leaving the overall flavor profile flat. Each bite presented an inconsistency in texture—some tender, others verging on tough. Furthermore, the dish missed the signature seared crust that defines a well-prepared steak. The accompanying tomatoes and onions provided a refreshing contrast, yet they felt more like a garnish than an integrated component of the dish. A more thoughtful infusion of herbs or garlic could have transformed the steak bites into something more compelling.
Mediterranean Platter: While the Mediterranean platter showed initial promise, it ultimately failed to deliver the nuanced flavors one expects from a dish of this inspiration. A vibrant selection of cherry tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, and peppers graced the plate, but their simplicity bordered on ordinary. These ingredients, while fresh, resembled a basic crudité rather than a carefully curated Mediterranean offering. The olives added a needed briny bite, though they were few and far between. Most disappointing was the hummus. Instead of the light, airy texture that defines a great hummus, this version was thick and lacked seasoning, leaving it dull and heavy. The essential citrus notes or a hint of spice were absent, rendering the dish uninspired.
Overall Impression: Brianno’s Chart House excels in providing a warm and inviting setting, but the dishes I encountered did not match the expectations set by its location. The steak bites had the potential to impress but fell short due to inconsistent preparation and lack of bold seasoning. The Mediterranean platter, while fresh, lacked the imaginative flair that would elevate it beyond a simple appetizer. There is undeniable potential here, but the kitchen must refine its approach to match the beauty of the restaurant’s lakeside views. For now, I would return for the atmosphere, but would reconsider the...
Read moreWe recently visited Brianno's Chart House with our family, and I wanted to offer my candid yet supportive feedback about our dining experience. It's important to me that this establishment succeeds, so I hope my comments are taken constructively.
Firstly, I was surprised to find that my kids were charged $9 for a dish of Kraft mac and cheese with a sprinkle of real shredded cheese on top. While I understand the need to accommodate different tastes, the price seemed disproportionate for such a simple and common dish, and we certainly did not expect to be served Kraft boxed pasta at a restaurant whose sister business is an authentic Italian-inspired deli.
Additionally, we ordered a plate of chicken wings for $18, but unfortunately, they were heavily coated with Lawry's seasoned salt and lacked variety in flavor aside from salty. We were expecting a more nuanced and diverse taste profile, considering the price we paid.
Moreover, the bread served with the artichoke dip appeared quite processed and lacked the desired crustiness. It would have been more enjoyable to have freshly baked or rustic bread to complement the dip. Furthermore, the portion of dip provided was quite small, approximately 1/3 cup, which didn't seem sufficient for the accompanying six pieces of bread.
However, I would like to mention a positive note. I highly recommend bringing back the fried pickles, as they were a standout item. They added a unique and tasty element to the menu, and their absence was felt during our visit.
Finally, I would like to touch upon the nachos that were previously available on the menu. While they were generally good, I did have one concern. The multicolored chips seemed to be laden with red dye, which raised questions about their overall quality. Perhaps exploring alternative options for the chips could enhance the overall appeal of the dish.
In conclusion, my intention with this review is to provide polite and supportive feedback that can help this local restaurant thrive. While there were some disappointments, there were also standout items that should be considered for reintroduction. Their patio and newly redecorated interior are beautiful, there is live music and an amusing fountain. By addressing the areas for improvement, I believe this Chart House has the potentia be the 'go-to' spot for south metro diners, especially during the...
Read moreWe’ve been coming here over twenty years and always have appreciate this significant local venue. We especially enjoy its large patio on the lake during warmer months. It delightful to take live music and dine in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Consistently we’ve had great service. It was very busy during our last visit a few weeks ago on a Saturday evening. Yet our waitress was friendly and nice; she was also timely with her services. As well, she did not rush us to leave even when others were wanting our prime table up front by the music.
The Charcuterie Board is well worth the $18. We were served a nice assortment of cold cut meats, olives, cheeses and crackers, fresh grapes, and dried cranberries. It is sufficient for three. The Walleye Platter is probably my favorite dinner entrée. It is consistently pan seared to ideally done and served with a fresh lemon cream sauce, and two sides of your choice. I chose the Brussel sprouts topped with bacon and onion. Its very tasty (but a tad too greasy for me).
It's a popular place in the weekend and great for events. My local Chamber comes here often, and they offer an ideal setting as well as great drinks and appetizers. The wines and mimosas are very good. Its nice to see them expanding the menu at times. We tried the very popular Fried Pickles – but were disappointed. Most likely we are spoiled by having them recently in Destin, Florida at several venues, where they were absolutely fabulous.
Ample parking. You can use your phone to access their online menu online; we asked for traditional copies that are a bit more expansive and our waitress was quick to bring them. The venue and music is exceptional, especially if you can catch Mick Sterling and others with significant...
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