Twas the night before Thanksgiving and we found ourselves with a free babysitter and unbelievable seats at the Hornets game. As new{ish} parents, we leaped at the opportunity to have a date night where we could order our meals with a cocktail and enjoy uptown’s ever-changing skyline.
Tonight was special, so we decided that we would finally try Bentley’s on 27 in uptown Charlotte. Why were we so eager to try this place? A little history… my husband’s family had owned a restaurant for 30+ years in Walnut Creek, California called Le Virage. It was a classic French restaurant known for their private rooms, table-side cooking, unbelievable service and phenomenal cuisine. Similar to Le Virage, Bentley’s on 27 also has table-side presentation and is known for their impeccable service, French-American fare and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. We were very eager to try their specialties and signature cocktails.
As we flew up the elevator to the 27th floor, we contemplated if we wanted to sit in the restaurant’s main dining room or at the bar. Since we were on our way to the game, we decided to sit at a high-top table in the bar’s lounge {which was pleasantly situated next to a floor to ceiling window where we could watch the city light’s glow}. We were immediately greeted by the bartender and asked if we would like a cocktail. Yes, please!
We both opted for Beefeater Gin Martini’s, his with olives and mine with a twist. The drinks had the perfect balance of gin and vermouth; it was such a pleasurable way to start our evening.
We decided to order off of the regular menu and split a couple appetizers and salads. We wanted to save room for something at the game, but also wanted to try several of their dishes. Boy, oh Boy, were we in for a treat. When the salad’s came out to our table, you couldn’t help but take a moment to feast your eyes on the gorgeous presentation.
Caesar Salad:
Bentley’s Caesar Salad had all the traditional flavors you expected; yet there was something extra elegant in the way the full crisp Romaine Leaves hugged each other ~ forming a tower of flavor. The house-made dressing was delicious and the dish was completed with an extra large Seasoned Crouton, Anchovy Filets and shaved Parmigiano.
Crispy Brie Salad:
Bourbon Jam and Brie Cheese are wrapped in a Puff Pastry and served over Baby Arugula, Watercress and Fresh Berries. The dish was finished with a drizzle of Jim Beam Glaze and Raspberry Vinaigrette. As you pierce the Puff Pastry with your fork, Brie oozes onto the plate like a river of cheese. I honestly could eat this salad on a daily basis.
For our main course, we decided to try two of Bentley’s most popular appetizers. As tempting as it was to order their Bourbon Filet with Truffle Bordelaise Sauce and the famous Twice Baked Potato, as I mentioned above we were trying to save some room for a snack {Chili Cheese Fries to be exact} at the Hornet’s game. Once again, we were taken back when the appetizers arrived at the table, the presentation is absolutely breathtaking.
Maine Crab Cake:
We moved to Charlotte from San Francisco in 2013, so I’d say that we know a thing or two about fresh Seafood ~ in particular, Crab Cakes. Bentley’s Maine Crab Cake is served over Israeli Couscous with Preserved Lemon and a delicate sauce made of Artichoke and Fresh Basil. The Crab Cake had a crispy crunch on the outside and was packed with jumbo-lumps of Crab Meat on the inside. The bright flavors of the Couscous and Sauce married together nicely with the Crab to make this a very well rounded dish. We were both very impressed and will easily order this again the next time we visit.
Grown-Up Macaroni & Cheese:
This is not your average Macaroni and Cheese. Noodles smothered in a tantalizing Three Cheese Sauce are then accompanied with large lumps of Maine Lobster and strips of stunning Black Truffles. We ate every morsel, holding back the urge to lick the bowl. It’s safe to say that this was one of the BEST Macaroni and Cheese dishes we have tried in Charlotte. Thank you Bentley’s, thank you.
Our experience at Bentley’s was everything we had hoped for and more. We cannot wait to return; next time we will visit their main dining room to see their table-side presentation and try their mouth-watering Entree’s. The service was impeccable and the food was exquisite. We would definitely recommend Bentely’s for your next date night, celebration or special occasion.
Bentley’s on 27 is located on the 27th floor of the Charlotte Plaza Building {201 South College Street} in uptown Charlotte. Join them for lunch or dinner Monday through Friday from 11:30am – 2:00pm {lunch} & 4:30pm – 10:00pm {dinner}. They are also open on Saturday evening for dinner service from 4:30pm – 10pm, closed Sundays. For reservations, call (704) 343-9201.
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