Bradeneli's Fine Dining and Special Event Studio
1 rating since posting on Friday, February 3, 2006
Overall Rating based on 1 rating |
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Part of the 5th star comes from being a big fish in a small pond, but this is a really great restaurant and the awesome food is well showcased, as is the atmosphere, and even the website (see the link above). This is NOT a place to go on a budget. The full menu is available on their site also, as are facts about the history and architecture of the restored building (including an interesting bit on a Frank Lloyd Wright feature). The average plate runs upward of $20 for dinner and includes no real extras (though again presentation and preparation of everything I have tried there was top notch except the New York Strip). Salads are 8+. Desert about the same. The appetizers are also $7-9 and generally serve one. I have averaged $45 per person (including tips) easily WITHOUT adding any adult beverages...the wine list will easily add another digit to the bill. But for those to whom this is a small consideration, it has the advantage of keeping the place slow on your average weeknight, and the company 'elite' most of the rest of time (though in this day of casual dining, they dont turn people away for being dressed down...believe me I have tested them in fuzzy sweats...nevertheless you are bound to stand out if you dont dress up a bit). The menu is not as easily classified as Pino's Italian or European Grill's Mediteranean. (I haven't been to Magdy's recently enough to review or attempt to classify them fairly, which I'll rectify that soon)... This place does not boast the variety of selection that either Pino's or European Grill do, but that is likely how they manage to maintain a higher degree of consistent high quality than the Grill... also for those interested the kitchen is openly viewed from the ballroom, if you are standing anyway. The more limited selection is, however, a strike in my book. Also, I have noticed that the two soups I tried were woefully undersalted...perhaps the philosophy is salt to taste, but I prefer things served to be at least tasty before I start self-spicing. The salads do not suffer from this malady...great variety of leaves and veggies, wonderfully mixed oils and spices, nice touches like the pear/walnut or the smoked cheese on the house salad; I have found each to be a delight. While my wife was able to separate out fewer 'core' cuts than in a chain (you know, the bitter, crunchy parts of lettuce), she still found several each time we have gone, and as always pushes them to the side to remain uneaten. The desert menu is limited, too, but headlines a Poblano chocolate desert that is a chocolate lovers dream come true...when served room temperature. When served chilled it is too hard and loses its heavenly texture until it warms up. They haven't been consistent in this respect when I have gone, but in fairness I havent insisted on having one way or another. The cheesecake is also the best I have found in town...I am pretty sure that all their deserts are made in house unlike most places, including the European Grill. I have only ever had one waiter while there, and while I tip him well, he is slow. In fact the service has been slow each time, but I dont much mind since I like to slow down when I am treating myself. I hate nothing worse than feeling rushed by a place trying to turn tables over...you wont get that here. And he kept my coffee cup full and the plates clear, so no fault of his that the longest waits were between courses. And kudos to the kitchen for sending word that a delay was due to overcooking the duck pizza (one RICH delectable dish...there needs to be more of it for $9) instead of sending it out overdone. At least they are placing doing it right over doing it fast. My only concern is that it was never busy when I was there, so I have to wonder if they are staffed to handle a rush any faster (or even at the usual slow pace)...maybe a later commenter can follow up with that experience. Please remember that in my ticky-tackyness it is always easier to remember and state the negatives however small they are...the plusses here outweigh the minuses in a big way. This truly is one of Terre Haute's few finest food establishments. By the way, the increase in prices from lunch to dinner is strictly based on time of day. There is no difference in portions that I have seen. So: atmosphere...4.5 - 5 (cozy retro, elegant in a limited, metrosexual way) food 4.5 - 5 service 4 (mainly rating the kitchen...not enough experience with the wait staff to rate) general effect 5 attention to detail 5 consistency 4.5 hours 3.5 (very limited...only a few hours at lunch and from 5-10 at dinner Tues-Sat) prices: extravagant...one of the three highest in the city. Overall 4.5 - 5 Edit (4/11/06) This restaurant may be in trouble...lunch hours have been eliminated, staff has been cut back. I have not heard that quality has sufferred yet. - Michael David , posted 04/10/06 |
Bradeneli's Fine Dining and Special Event Studio was recommended for:
- Tribe: Native Hoosiers
- Tribe: The Woodall Connection
- Tribe: Wabash Valley Magic Club
- Tribe: Winos
- Tribe: Wine & Spirits
- Tribe: Indiana State University
- Tribe: Indianapolis
- Tribe: Indiana/Illinois/Kentucky
- Tribe: Chocolate
