Review: Burnell's

      Adam and I decided to eat at Burnell's on Saturday. I have been hearing about the restaurant a lot lately, and  loved the concept of small plate dining with more of a focus on the food. After reading many stellar reviews, I was not disappointed. After passing the restaurant three times because of its subtle appearance, we finally got there and took a seat in the dining room with the two other parties there. After perusing the menu, we started to set up a game plan of what to order. The set up of the menu consists of two different small plate sections: 5 mainly vegetarian dishes at 3 for $33 and 3 entree options at 3 for $45.
      We decided to go with the Challah Toast points with roasted mushrooms and a baby Arugula salad. The service was fantastic, though this might be because of the small number of diners. The setting is very intimate, with dimmed lighting, candles, and soft Indie music playing in the background. After about 10 minutes, the first course arrived. The toast points were the perfect texture and a subtle buttery taste. When topped with the mushrooms and salad, the result was a mouth watering flavor combination. The mushrooms were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of flavor and melded well with the lemony taste of the arugula.
      We ordered the Chicken flat-bread next, with tomato, mozzarella, and a winter squash salad. This too was delicious. Beginning to feel full, we decided to finish the meal with two sides instead of another small plate, ordering the grits of the day followed by the homemade mac and cheese. The grits were different than any other I have had with a creamy smooth texture and addictive flavor. The mac and cheese was equally as good and unique. Our meal was finished with the cookies du jour  that I still can't get out of my head. They  were four warm shortbread cookies with a delicate composition that just melted in my mouth.
      Overall, the entire experience was phenomenal. Burnell's is now on my list of favorite restaurants and I plan on going back to try their lunch menu in the near future. Though this restaurant is a bit more expensive than what I would normally blog about, I definitely recommend it for a quiet and delicious night out. You won't regret it!

• 915 Vine St. (on the west side of Vine next to Scotti's across from the library)
• Open Tues.-Fri.: 11am to 2pm; Thurs.-Sat. 6pm to 9pm

Photos Courtesy:
Urbanspoon