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Pork Chop
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Chef Kolz
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Wild Mushroom Flatbread
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Steak House Salad
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Molten Chocolate Cake
With more than 50 restaurants spread across the United States, the Del Frisco Restaurant Group is best known for their luxury steakhouse brand, Double Eagle, or their Sullivan's Steakhouse concept. But, here in Nashville, they're introducing a more casual concept, Del Frisco's Grille.
Two locations have opened recently: the first on the ground floor of the Twelve Twelve building in The Gulch; the second in the new Hill Center in Brentwood on Franklin Road. The design scheme of both restaurants is swanky-cool, with unique lighting fixtures and a happening bar scene for drinking or dining. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for plenty of natural light, or you can dine al fresco on their modest patios. While bold colors and modern design elements exude a sense of class, the overall atmosphere is still casual and clubby.
But just because the ambiance is less than formal doesn't mean that Del Frisco's isn't deadly serious about its food. The menu revolves around elevated classic comfort fare. The kitchen uses the same USDA Prime beef that graces the platters at the Double Eagle, but often in more down-home presentations. (Think: meatloaf instead of filet mignon.)
First, consider a cocktail from their creative list of hand-crafted drinks, divided into two sections on the menu: on the rocks or straight up. There are also plenty of local and regional craft beers and a brief wine list to choose from, too.
Next, move on to an appetizer, like the sweet and spicy cheesesteak eggrolls or a quartet of precious ahi tacos, made with tuna tartare, avocado, and a piquant citrus mayo. There are also flatbreads, which are rectangular pizzas topped with either roasted tomato, wild mushrooms, or house-made sausage and pepperoni. The steakhouse salad is a particularly hearty option, with sliced steak, deviled eggs, bacon, avocado, and two kinds of cheeses, sprinkled over mixed greens. For a slightly healthier choice, opt for the kale and Brussels sprout salad, with tart cranberries and oranges, plus shaved manchego cheese and a tangy creole-mustard vinaigrette.
The sandwiches at Del Frisco's Grille are described as 'Two-Fisted,” and they aren't kidding. Double-stacked burgers are made with a custom grind of brisket and short rib, and chuck-aged for at least 28 days, before being blended to create a beefy burger. Be sure to roll up your sleeves.
In the 'Knife & Fork” portion of the menu, it's difficult to read past the meatloaf, especially if you're a fan of buttery mashed potatoes and peppery thyme-infused ground filet. However, don't miss out on the rest of the main dishes, including a simple, but delicious, six-ounce filet mignon and a mushroom- and shallot-crusted prime steak, served with peppercorn gravy.
If there's still room for dessert, look for the molten chocolate lava cake or the Nutella bread pudding, which oozes with hazelnut goodness. But the go-to (or to-go, if you're full) dessert would be the signature coconut cream pie piled high with white-chocolate shavings and whipped cream. It's the perfect end to an eveningor even a delicious start to tomorrow.
1201 Demonbreun St, Ste 1108B, 615-742-5503207 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, 615-928-6159; delfriscosgrille.com